ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - In the heart of Turkey’s touristic city of Istanbul, a street lined with Kurdish cafes and teahouses has become a vibrant hub for culture and community.
Located in the renowned Taksim area of the Beyoglu district, the street stands out with Kurdish-language signs, music, and venues bearing distinctly Kurdish names.
The street has increasingly become a meeting point for Kurdish youth as well as tourists seeking a sense of cultural connection.
One of the most prominent venues is Beybun Cafe, known for the large portrait of renowned Kurdish writer Ehmede Xani displayed on its exterior. Open since 2014, the cafe has been managed for the past six years by Nuran Kizilaslan and her brothers.
“We are managing [the business] very well. Our coffee is Kurdish and our musicians come here to sing for us. We also have many tourist customers. They love Kurdish [songs] and know them [Kurdish singers] more than we do. They request specific songs," Kizilaslan told Rudaw.
Several million Kurds live in Istanbul, and their votes often plays a key role in electing local officials.
The oldest Kurdish site on the street is Rostiya Demxane cafe, which has been operating since 2007. Known for its Kurdish motifs and colors, it was the first venue in the Taksim area to display a sign in Kurdish.
“Rostiya Demxane cafe was the first to have a Kurdish sign in the Taksim area of Istanbul. In the past, they [those who oppose Kurdish language] used to pressure us a lot and attack us, but when they saw that we would not take a step back, they eventually left us alone. Here, we are sharing our culture and our heritage,” said Eda Tanriverdi, the cafe’s manager.
The street also attracts Kurdish visitors from abroad, particularly from Europe.
“We came here from Europe, from Germany. We are a couple of friends. We come here every year. We loved it because it offers Kurdish music. We Kurds love to see this because it makes us feel home,” said Evdilkerim Gokten, a tourist from Germany.
For many, the cafes offer more than just food and drink - they provide a cultural refuge.
“When you are away from home, you find joy in Kurdish things. We are likewise happy to see Kurdish cafes. When I come here, hear Kurdish music, and listen to conversations in Kurdish, I feel very happy with the Kurdish songs,” said Cesur Ayaz, a student and regular customer.
Beyond their role as businesses, these cafes have evolved into important social spaces where Kurdish art, history, politics, and literature are actively discussed.
Omer Sonmez contributed to this article from Istanbul, Turkey.