Casual in Istanbul

Millions of people have rallied in Istanbul in support of secularism in Turkey, amid a row over a vote for the country's next president.The protesters are concerned that the ruling party's candidate for the post remains loyal to his Islamic roots. Sunday's "Republican Meeting", planned by dozens of non-governmental organisations, took place in Caglayan Square in Istanbul."Turkey is secular and will remain secular," shouted demonstrators from all over the country as they waved flags and pictures of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic."We want neither Sharia, nor a coup, but a fully democratic Turkey," they added. Many sang nationalist songs and called for the government's resignation.

National Sovereignty and Children's Day

April 23 is the "National Sovereignty and Children's Day"in Turkey.The date commemorates the opening of Turkish National Assembly in 1920 during the Turkish Independence War.The designation of Children's Day came in 1929 upon the recommendation of the Institution of Children's Protection. Since 1981 the Turkish government organizes an international children's festival on April 23.On April 23 of every year, children in Turkey celebrate this "Sovereignty and Children's Day" as a national holiday, and is celebrated by citizens throughout the country during ceremonies preceding the day.Among the activities on this day, children from all around Turkey gather in the capital city, Ankara, and they replace the selected members of the Grand National Assembly. They have an elected president and prime minister and they govern Turkey for one day in order to emphasize the importance of the children in the society. In many places governmental agencies leave the authority to children symbolically for the day.Traditionally since 1981, children come to Turkey to represent their country of origin to children of the world with artistic performances. They're housed in Turkish homes and can meet with Turkish children. This event is organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. The groups of foreign children also participate in the special session held at the Grand National Assembly.Turkish people hope these children will remember the day for their lives and will contribute to a bond with other cultures. The internationalization is thus aimed toward Turkey's principle of, "peace at home, peace in the world", and "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people".

And this is Google's logo for April 23rd. It's still on at www.google.com.tr . It was a beautiful day in Istanbul today. Streets were packed with people (mostly children). Flags , balloons and flowers everywhere. We were out and enjoyed this great spring day and celebrated the national holiday...

Ajda!

Ajda Pekkan (born February 12 1946 ,Istanbul)the diva of Turkey. Through an illustrious career spanning five decades thusfar, Ajda has released over 20 albums, represented Turkey at the Eurovision song contest and had a profound impact on popular culture. She is nicknamed "Superstar".
Our dads were her huge fans in their early 20s , we were huge fans in our early 20s...well both dads and us are still huge fans of her. Actually 80 percent of Turkish population are huge fans. She is the diva , she has the looks , the voice and style.She has been singing professionally since 1962 and she still tours around Turkey and Europe with many sold-out concerts. Her discography features many number one songs in 8 languages, and her albums and singles sell more than 10 million copied in 14 countries.

She is stylish , classy and chic. She never afraid to tell people about her plastic surgeries , her relationships. Her looks is not only the result of her countless plastic surgeries.There are lots of women around over 60 with tons of makeovers but none of them looks like her. She is young at heart and mind. We all grew up with her songs and still enjoying all of her songs.Oh and one more thing...if you know a Turkish guy who is extremely obsessed with her : he is probably gay!
Here is Ajda through the decades...(btw she is 60 now and the pics above are her recent pics)

Efe Raki...

It's about time to mention our traditional drink RAKI .Even if you have ever tried it before , just stay tuned and take a look what Efe Raki (one of the best brands in Turkey)has brought us?! Turkish Raki is an anise-flavored apéritif that is produced by twice distilling either only suma or suma that has been mixed with ethyl alcohol in traditional copper alembics of 5000 lt volume or less with aniseed.Some people believe that the word ‘Raki' comes from the type of grape called ‘Razaki', while others believe it comes from ‘ Arak ', which is produced in Eastern Mediterranean using the roots of dates. One possibility is that the anis flavored spirits made with razaki grapes was called ‘raki'.The reason raki is referred to as ‘lion's milk' is that it is white in color like milk and in the old Ottoman pubs it used to be served in cups with lion embossing.
So what does the word "Efe" means? Efe s were the leaders of Turkish soldiers in the western Anatolia from 16th century till early 20th century. And here are two modern and extremely hot Turkish Efe s(click to view those hotties bigger!)

Thanks to Efe Raki and photographer Nihat Odabasi for those ;)

83

On October 29 we had the honor of celebrating the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.The celebrations held all over Turkey but the ones in Istanbul was remarkable!Our beautiful city has been all dressed up for this special occasion. Especially the Bosphorus and the bridge was fabulous with all the fireworks , lights and projections.

Modern political history has rarely born witness to an event as momentous as the founding of the Turkish Republic. 83 years ago, the Republic did not only emerge as a new political actor but also undertook a brave drive for the creation of a democratic, secular and modern state based on contemporary values. At the outset, when they embarked on this adventure, our forefathers had little else but idealism, strong willpower and a great desire to create a better life for the Turkish people. Looking back at the early years of the Republic and the economic and social circumstances of the time, as a Turkish citizen one can not help but be proud of how far we have come. In this context, the Turkish Nation is forever thankful to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the extraordinary military commander and statesman who guided Turkey during its darkest days and who effectively created a modern nation from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

We enjoyed spectacular events and concert of Kenan Dogulu by the sea next to Dolmabahce Palace.It was really crowded and the projections on the sphere were breath-taking.

That's a good reason for you guys to come over Istanbul next year?? ;)We can celebrate it together...

MTV Türkiye!

On Oct. 23rd , we said goodbye to an old friend MTV Europe and embraced a newborn:MTV Türkiye...a hybrid : perfect combination of MTV Europe , MTV UK&Ireland , MTV US.Also there will be cool Turkish shows on it...Check out some hilarious commercials for MTV Türkiye...

This is Bodrum Baby!

We know it's the middle of October but we are still refusing summer's end! Ok , promise this is the last post about summer!But hey , the event took place in October.We've mentioned about Alternative Holiday's summer event for this year in Bodrum. Now here are the photos(if these won't make you desire to come to Turkey , then what'll make you??). We couldn't been there because of Mehmet's health condition(by the way we'd like to thank both Alternative Holidays and Absolute Sultans for their kind invitations) but we're looking forward for the next time.

Turkish traditional oil wrestling is hot...but the hotter thing is boys of Chris Geary , oil wrestling in thier speedos on Bodrum beaches...

Hot guys , swimming in the cool waters of magnificent Bodrum sea...

Even Mr.Gay UK was there...tons of eye candy in speedos...

Warm up for the non-stop party on the Dance Floor with hi-jinks in the pool, a treasure hunt and totally outrageous, world renowned, obviously wicked Foam Party...

Is it possible to keep your pants on on the stage? What should you do after oil-wrestling ? Can casual guys can be hot?? Answers of those questions after the jump...thanks to Absolute Sultans for the photographs.You can see more kinky stuff at Acityboy.com.

Bodrum,Bodrum

Alternative Holidays Events are a direct response to the diversity of gay community. We are all different. We have different tastes, different ideas about what we want to do and where we want to go. Fulfilling those different expectations is what Alternative Holidays is all about. This year's event takes place in the stunning resort of Bodrum ; Queen of the Aegean Sea - in exotic Turkey. A truly inspiring location!
We have been in Bodrum several times ; besides it's incredible climate , turquoise sea ; the city is 24/7 pure entertainment...one of the best ones in whole Europe...We hardly recommend to all of you guys. You can relax, explore, take time off, shop, be yourself, meet guys from around the world and party till you drop - it's your choice and it's in a completely safe, open environment, with staff primed to grant your every wish. Sounds like heaven?From 24th of September , to 1st of October...
Don't be late and book here!