Long shot -- Istanbul, anyone?

[innycgc]

Hi Gentlemen --

 

Curious if anyone has experience with and/or recommendations for massage in Istanbul? Not looking for a full-on escort experience, but happy to take those recs, too. Did a search on the forums, and nothing comes up. Perhaps there's an EU equivalent of masseurfinder I should search?

 

Appreciate any guidance you may have.

gc

[+ glutes]

Go to Planetromeo.com, 'Escort' section. Just looked, there are over 347 practitioners in Istanbul.

 

You need to set-up your appointment prior to getting there, the Turkish Government has blocked this site if you are on a Turkish server.

[MileHigh]

Istanbul (just like Anakara), to many's surprise, is full of stuff. There are plenty of gay clubs, bars and other things you want to find. In Taksim square alone you will find from hookers to transvestites... You name it. So I am sure you will find something with a little research! They need to make money there too... You know!

[Dmitri]

In the future, wherever you go in the world, there is always Craigslist. I know Craigslist is not the ideal, but it is at least a start to make connections. I checked out Istanbul on Craigslist and there are tons of ads under "Men Seeking Men". For the hell of it I just did a search for a REALLY conservative emirate "Dubai" and also found tons of listings under "Men Seeking Men". So try Craigslist in the future WHEREVER you go in the world ...it is is a great resource to get started making instant connections.

[pubic_assistance]

Most of the saunas in Istanbul have massage boys who are eager to make extra money for extra services. Istanbul has some of the world's most attractive men hanging out in the Istikal. Just don't be confused by their man2man intimacy. This is not a sign of open homosexuality, but rather an arrangement between friends who are not yet married to take care of each other. Some attractive men end up working the sauna circuit. Aquarius has private massage available with attractive young men. Just keep in mind this is a Muslim country and discretion is expected.

[+ glutes]

Safety and Warnings

According to the statistics Istanbul is listed among the safest metropolises in the world. But naturally, there are some risks in gay life as in other big cities of the world. Because of the under-developed economy and the wide-gap between the rich and the poor you can encounter some malicious people. You do not need to worry too much, as long as you know what is happening and behave accordingly. The most common criminal incident is robbery, as everywhere. This does not usually happen in central locations or in gay bars and clubs, but it is rather likely if you go somewhere with someone whom you know nothing about. If you don't carry a lot of valuable things and money on you when you are out for cruising especially in places like parks, nothing significant should happen. Do not go with local people (especially with bisexual men) to their places, and prefer public venues such as hamams or saunas instead, if your hotel is not suitable. Naturally, you also need to be careful a little if you date someone via internet or gay dating applications, just like anywhere else in the world

 

Avoid some tourist-hustlers who usually hang around Taksim and sometimes around Sultanahmet districts. They will try to take you to some scam clubs to rip you off. Your bill can be up to several thousand Euros depending how far you follow your basic instincts instead of your logic. There are few clubs/bars like that but their hustlers are always around who are said to be taking commissions from them. Simply stay away from people in these neighborhoods who are too friendly all of a sudden, no matter what their stories are.

 

http://www.istanbulgay.com/guide.html

[Despardo]

Great city and quite safe. I did not pursue any sexual encounters there, but felt very comfortable wandering around. Turks are welcoming and helpful. Use your head. Everyone (or his brother or cousin) seems to have a rug to sell, but that was the worst of what I encountered.

 

A must see in Istanbul is Suleymaniye Mosque. Second in importance only to Haja Sophia is Sinan's architectural masterpiece, the most beautiful mosque in the city:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BCleymaniye_Mosque

 

Since Istanbul is famous for Turkish baths, I am sure you can find a good masseur there.