Cahide is probably your most unexpected experience in Istanbul. It’s yet another of the city’s well kept secrets, this time hidden in Macka Park, below Taksim Square, where a fabulous drag show takes stage.
The drag queens are a peculiar mix of artists in all sizes, some of them more fascinating by their big bellies than by their dress and some probably better performers than singers.
So what make the show such a marvellous experience, is not the artists themselves, but the combination of drags and the huge enthusiasm by the audience. The age of the spectators vary from youngsters in their early 20’ies to seniors of 60 or 70 years, and despite the fact that Turkey to a large extend is considered intolerant towards sexual minorities, the crowd has nothing but love and affection for the drags.
After their show, they are treated like rock stars when they circle the floor to collect hugs and have their pictures taken with members of the audience. The cabaret also features some of the city’s best belly dancers and other shows, but they all remain a side act to the drags.
Cahide, Kadirgalar Caddesi, Macka Parki, Macka, Istanbul. The show is only on in winter