I can’t remember when it started but I was around 17-18 (and am now 26ish) and like many others I explored Gizli Bah祠(Secret Garden), a place where you can be out and still have the luxury of home. It is the place where i turn off the lights when i leave WC and carry my empty glasses to the bar.
Situated in Taksim-Nevizade, Gizli Bah祠is the place where you can lie on one of the many couches and drink your coffee-tea while watching the rain and listening to Edith Piaf or have a night out and listen to the djs, dance-drink-dance, or simply experience a somewhat pub culture -the place where you can see everyone after 1800- There is a bunch of people who have not given up going to Gizli B for years and still there are new explorers. What is suprising for me is it has not changed a little bit since it was opened. Maybe you’ll see one or two new second-hand couch once a year – that is all and that what gives its uniqueness. Gizli B is old looking – and we – the genuine explorers – are getting older and it is relaxing to see your favorite couch. Go on, turn the pages of your book, no one will bother you.
Seeing so many foreigners in there for years, i have recently heard that Lonely Planet rated it as a “must see”. It is hard to find Gizli B as the name suggests, cause there is no sign, no nothing. You should ask and find it out. But do find it, as i was jotting these lines, i already missed being there.