A shot in the proverbial dark, but.... Istanbul, anyone?

[Jscott]

Anyone have any information on -- and recommendations of -- escorts in Istanbul (not Constantinople) -- other than it seems they're really rentboys and hustlers whom you shouldn't go home with according to most Turkey travel blogs/sites.? I'm going there in mid-May, never been. And the info merely on the gay bars seems alarming (and I ain't one to be overly fearful when I travel)... I love how they caution you not to go out late at night when all the bars and clubs don't seem to open before 10pm, lol.

 

Many thanks. So glad I discovered this site and forum!

[trilingual]

There are quite a few Istanbul escorts listed on GayRomeo. Check to see if they have entries in their "guestbooks." Even if you can't understand them because they're in Turkish, if there are half-a-dozen or more the chances are good that the guy is experienced and reliable. I'd be somewhat suspicious of a guy whose page has many views but no guestbook entries or has a disabled guestbook.

[Jscott]

Brilliant idea, Trilingual. I'd vaguely heard of GayRomeo but hadn't checked it out. For whatever reason, 400+ escorts (most probably don't merit the term, lol) advertise in Istanbul... yet Rentboy, Rentmen, Adam4Adam, hourboy offer 1-10. And I appreciate the suggestion about the guestbooks, though most entries are as skimpy as I like my men clothed---j/k.... jeans or evening wear can be very sexy . Still a language barrier and perhaps safety concerns unless you tell your hotel you're expecting a male guest, but... part of the thrill? Thanks again!

[+ Gar1eth]

This has been brought up in the past. And I admit I am not very adventuresome. But I doubt I'd try anything in an Islamic country or in Africa except maybe South Africa. The only place I'd really feel comfortable hiring is Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Australia. If I ever got to some place like the Czech Republic- well you keep reading reports on here that most of the guys are probably gay for pay- which is not my cup of tea usually. But if you do hire in Turkey- and if you do- you are a better man than I, Gunga Din which is not really difficult to be- but Good Luck.

 

Gman

[doya66]

I was there last November and went to the Aquarius Sauna. Total dump of a place, but they have some hot boys for rent. The smoking room is where the masseurs change clothes. I was sitting there and a guy named Azat walked in. As he was changing clothes, he showed me the biggest 9.5" dick I'd ever seen outside of porn movies. I hired him for a massage. The massage was OK, but that wasn't why either of us were there. He's pure top, and filled my mouth and then my ass wonderfully. His English is limited like most of the guys there, but he was very nice. Next time I go, I'm going to have him to my hotel- with due care. Istanbul can be tricky if you don't speak Turkish, but give it a try, and be a bit careful. Never trust friendly guys you meet on the street.

 

http://www.aquariussauna.com/

[+ dupontversDC]

I was in Turkey in February, I didn't hire, but i would.

 

I did go to a very gay hamam. Had a blast, Turkish guys are hot. Also went to a few gay bars, they were just like any other gay bars i've been to throughout the world.

 

Have fun, the men are HOT and the city is very interesting.

[LBCABob]

... I'm going there in mid-May, never been. ...

I will be there in late September. Please give us a detailed account of your adventures when (if?) you return! Best of luck!

[Jscott]

Thanks, Bob, especially for that cautionary "if," lol. Will do. Gman, I do understand your reticence, but Turkey's somewhat more enlightened from what I gather. And the gay-for-pay scene meshes with the culture (ie, well, I can fuck a guy and even enjoy it but that doesn't make me gay.... a man's gotta get something while he's waiting to get married). Truthfully, I'm hoping the hotel desk clerk or bellman will just give me a wink. But nice to know there are options. Thanks again, all.

[ragazzolupo]

Jscott: loved Istanbul and would return in a minute. Not scary, but don't do "stupid."

 

I had a great time with "Sweetfriend20" from gayromeo. He speaks good English and will serve as a tour guide as well as "companion". His prices are very reasonable.

I posted the following in another thread: Selim, who’s gayromeo name is sweetfriend20 is a great escort. He is tall, slim, athletic, hairy and has a great cock. He is a top, top. But he is also a sweet friend. He is a young university student who is paying his way through college as a working boy. Because of this his hours are limited and he has to work around class and exam schedules. I believe that he may be close to finishing his studies and graduating, so his availability may change. Selim is not just a great escort, but a great informal guide to Istanbul. He is a wonderful companion who charges very reasonable rates. You can feel completely comfortable with his honesty and personality. So if his photos look interesting to you, he is a great choice. Also, he has a very cute face. He tends to shave and then grow a beard for a few days and then shave again. You can have him in almost any stage of facial hair.

 

sweetfriend20 in gayromeo Istanbul He may have graduated by now. Also the bars in Taksim are safe, or as safe as they are in NYC. Language is only a small barrier, English is commonly spoken.http://www.istanbulgay.com/gay-bar-club.htm

 

 

Selim says:

Heyy!Im here for you:)if you like me you connect with me:)my cock size 23cm do you want it?!!!and do you want to special massage? I have more pictures and face pictures here !if you want I can send:) Clean,safely.. ♂ ♂ 1 hour=50€

[ragazzolupo]

I will be there in late September. Please give us a detailed account of your adventures when (if?) you return! Best of luck!

 

IF YOU RETURN would only be because you were so charmed by "the city in two continents" that you never needed or wanted to leave Istanbul.

[N13]

A couple of words. Be sure to see "The Cistern." For me it was the highlight of the city. It was used in the Bond film, "From Russia with Love." Topkapi was a disappointment (very small). Also most tourists stay in the 4 Star hotels - which are located, because of traffic, as much as three hours away from the 'sights' and the Grand Bazaar. Here is a wonderful hotel where you can fall out of bed into the Bazaar. http://www.hotelniles.com/ Did not do Gay Istanbul so can't be any help there. Sorry.

[ragazzolupo]

We all have our own way of traveling and our own comfort level. I like to, where possible, stay in locally owned hotels, and so I chose the Turkish-style wooden structured Hotel Artefes. I found it to be well-located in a quiet district between the Aya-Sophia and the Little Aya Sophia. It is also close to the mosaic museum, the Cisterns, the Blue Mosque and the Cemberlitas Haman (Bath).

 

While I would not think it impossible to find sex in the haman, that is not the tradition. Cleanliness and Godliness are part of the tradition and at its best a visit to the Haman is healthy, with a massage and bath, and lots of fun. Whether you are alone or with companions, prepare to be engaged in light banter. Just relax. It is one of the great traditions of the Islamic world

 

This might be helpful for bars.

http://www.istanbulgay.com/gay-bar-club.htm

 

And this with the hamams: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/travel-tips-and-articles/8585

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cemberlitas Bath is located on Cemberlitas Square,in Eminonu district ,on Divanyolu Street situated in the midst of some of Istanbul's greatest monuments. It is next to the Vezirhan monument erected by Constantine I (324 - 327). The Koprulu Mahmud Pasa complex with its mosque, school and tombs are directly opposite the bath and at its sides are the Vezir Han and the old university building.It is neighbour of Sultanahmet

 

The bath was established by Nurbanu Sultan, wife of Selim II and mother of Murat III, for the purpose of bringing in revenue to support the Valide-i Atik Charity Complex in Toptasi, Uskudar.The bath is one of the structures built by the architect Sinan,who also built Blue Mosque, in 1584.

 

The Cemberlitas Hamam was planned as a double bath consisting of two identical, side-by-side facilities. The entrance for the men's section is on Vezir Han Street. In the past the entrance for the women's section must have been from the Divanyolu Street adjacent to the tomb of Sultan Mahmut, but today women also use the men's entrance and proceed to their own section through a side door.

[Jondar]

There is a yahoo group called pinkistanbul with some information that you might find helpful. I've seen some activity at the Hamam but not much. It is more about the bath/washing experience. I used a tour guide for a one day/see the highlights of the city tour and also an evening tour of the gay bars. I'll try and find the site and post it.

 

I've stayed at the W Hotel a number of times and love that area. I swear they have two foot wide shower heads at this hotel in an "all marble" enclosed shower stall. I spent a lot of time in there!!! The area is up and coming with cafes and restaurants. Easy to catch a taxi to Taksim Sq. from there.

[Jondar]

Here is the tour info... I found the price to be very reasonable. My first trip I only had one day for touring the city before meetings started.

 

http://www.turkey-gay-travel.com/dailytours1.html

[marylander1940]

http://www.Gayromeo.com

 

Btw, you should try manhunt and other "dating" sites. Just mention you are American and visiting, you'll be ask for $ right away, even if you were younger in North Africa and the Middle East (Eastern Europe this time) guys see a foreigner and they all become "working boys" immediately. They wouldn't missed the chance of making a quick buck.

At least that's my experience.

[instudiocity]

A shot in the dark? Istanbul?

 

Is there a double entendré in there somewheres?

[Jscott]

Thanks again for the recommendations, guys! Wolfboy (love that handle!), SweetFriend20 looks/sounds ideal; I'm so glad to have a genuine review. You could easily write a travel guide (the pay sucks, however). N13 and Lupo, I already booked a hotel. I, too, wanted to stay amid the history in Sultanahmet, despite its aggressively touristy side and distance from the nightlife in Taksim and Beyoglu (now I think my biggest concern is corrupt cabbies taking the roundabout route home, lol). And I'm definitely looking forward to relaxing in a hammam, even without sex!

[ragazzolupo]

Thanks again for the recommendations, guys! Wolfboy (love that handle!), SweetFriend20 looks/sounds ideal; I'm so glad to have a genuine review. You could easily write a travel guide (the pay sucks, however). N13 and Lupo, I already booked a hotel. I, too, wanted to stay amid the history in Sultanahmet, despite its aggressively touristy side and distance from the nightlife in Taksim and Beyoglu (now I think my biggest concern is corrupt cabbies taking the roundabout route home, lol). And I'm definitely looking forward to relaxing in a hammam, even without sex!

 

Although I think that there is only a single tram line, it kind of goes from Sultanahmet to everyplace that you want to go. It takes a little bit of learning to know where to buy the tokens (at little shops near the stops), but it will take you to the Egyptian Bazaar and to the flat below Taksim and then there is the funicular to take you up the hill. All this means that you really don't need to take taxis that often.

[Jscott]

Thanks again! I read that the funicular stops running at an absurdly early hour, around 10pm. But as long as I can get down the hill and the trams keep running, should be fine. Well, it will be an adventure... on several levels!

[ragazzolupo]

In addition to the Egyption Bazaar (spice market) and the Grand Bazaar, you will be staying near the Arasta Bazaar which is behind the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque in Istanbul. I passed the blank façade at one side of the bazaar a number of times before I found out it is the exit to the Mosaic Museum, which is under the Arista Bazaar. It was the paving of Constantine's palace. This little bazaar is filled with 'better' shops and I made most of my purchases here. Also, my most enduring souvenirs were the CDs I bought of the Turkish music that flooded out from the shops here. I probably play them too much as they make me long to return to Istanbul.

[ragazzolupo]

Anyone have any information on -- and recommendations of -- escorts in Istanbul (not Constantinople) -- !

 

 

 

With apologies to nearly everyone, It's just daffy.

[+ Axiom2001]

Thanks again for the recommendations, guys! Wolfboy (love that handle!), SweetFriend20 looks/sounds ideal; I'm so glad to have a genuine review. You could easily write a travel guide (the pay sucks, however). N13 and Lupo, I already booked a hotel. I, too, wanted to stay amid the history in Sultanahmet, despite its aggressively touristy side and distance from the nightlife in Taksim and Beyoglu (now I think my biggest concern is corrupt cabbies taking the roundabout route home, lol). And I'm definitely looking forward to relaxing in a hammam, even without sex!

 

Jscott, when you return from your trip, I, for one, would love to read about your "in-depth" experiences, for Turkey is one country which is on my vacation itinerary in the future!

[Jscott]

Jondar, meant to thank you for the link! Lupo,again, your suggestions are invaluable (and btw, I heard back from Selim and he'll be available!!!). Axiom, I'll be happy to post a trip report (though much of it will just be immersing myself in the culture, sampling the cuisine, cruising.... to islands).