Klaus Jurgens

WHEN first coming across the word ‘gazino’ here in Didim almost a decade ago I thought it would translate into ‘casino.’ But something else, probably much more charming than a gambling den awaits the curious visitor! And, casinos as we are used to them are illegal in this country anyway.

Believe me, if acquiring a taste for everyday local culture as well as food and drink is your cup of tea then spending quality time in a ‘gazino’ near you should soon become part of your about-town-staple diet.

A gazino, or at least those gazinos I am a happy patron of, is basically a meeting place for locals and can either be on-site, or not at all linked to a housing estate. But as Turkish people are a sociable race meeting without consuming anything is mostly unheard of. Hence, a gazino doubles as bar, café and/or restaurant depending on location and size. As prices are rather affordable, they are well frequented, too.

Another advantage is that gazinos, which are situated on or close to a neighborhood, are open to the general public; you do not need to actually live on that site or on that stretch of road regardless of them bearing a site name, for example Vet Tur Gazino.

Nevertheless, for reasons unbeknown to me most of our expat community seem to shy away from ever popping into a gazino at all. Normally we would explore each and every side street no matter the weather, would check out each and every bar or restaurant in our vicinity. So why continuously miss out on this fantastic option to mix and mingle?

Let me break the ice and help you to drop your ‘is this something for us?’ concerns and explain the pros and one con of becoming a gazino regular.

First, you will be made very welcome. Even those of our Turkish neighbors (the absolute minority) who still have not gotten round to accepting the fact that Didim is a shared holiday resort, shared in the sense of having thousands of foreign residents among them plus tens of thousands of international vacationers on any given summer day, by now understand that it is no alien walking into a gazino, but a British or Dutch or German citizen.

Second, once inside (or during summers probably on the open-air terrace) your host will show you the menu which usually includes alcoholic as well as soft/hot beverages. On average and according to my fact-finding this year a pint of beer would set you back 7TL whereas a glass of freshly brewed tea not normally costs more than 1TL. There may be coke, there may be raki. Often there is an option for meatballs or other easy to be prepared hot and cold snacks.

Third, people don’t simply come to consume. Once beyond the door you automatically become part of the scenery. See and be seen, as they say, or people watching par excellence.

Think some tables where men play cards or other (legal) games. Have you ever tried your hands on OKEY, probably the nation’s favorite game? Consider other tables where mothers feed their holidaying children. Imagine young guests chatting on their smartphones as well as retired folk discussing the price of bread.

A gazino is a micro-cosmos, and apparently much enjoyed by young and old alike. A single woman is as happy to be here, perhaps reading a book or waiting for friends as is a single man. It is safe. There is less noise. There is a television set and music but no animation.

Finally and the only ‘con’ if at all: on your return you can no longer idle in your favorite corner. Both owner and fellow guests will at least smile, shake hands and definitely want to hear how your day was. Turks simply love to chat, always. Is this a con? I do not see it that way. Unless you are anti-social it will soon be turned into another pro!

If you want to get a feel for it here is my suggestion. Take a dolmus (minibus) direction Orman Kampi. Just past Mavisehir ask the driver to drop you off at Vet Tur. Walk towards the waterfront, once there turn left; and you shall spot Vet Tur Gazino. If you need an additional stimulus come here at around 1900 hours and wait for the spectacular sunset happening at around 2000-2015 hours during peak season. Order a drink and just sit there. A great way of understanding Turkey (better) – see you ‘round!