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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Ruth Michaelson and Deniz Barış Narlı. Photography by Bradley Secker for the Guardian

Istanbul’s bellydancers and DJs fight for survival as Turkey’s night-time economy takes a hit

A belly dancer performs for guests at the Sebebi Çok Teras, a night spot in central Istanbul.
A bellydancer performs for guests at the Sebebi Çok Teras, a night spot in central Istanbul. Photograph: Bradley Secker/The Guardian

It’s 11pm at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Istanbul and the patrons are ready to party. In a corner, neon lights illuminate a DJ pumping Turkish pop music to long tables of patrons increasingly loose on raki, Turkey’s aniseed-flavoured national drink. Some have already got out of their chairs to dance, when suddenly the music shifts: the bellydancers have arrived.

A male bellydancer in a pink crop top dances, followed by a blond bellydancer in a rhinestone bra, and then Aslı Can, who enters the room in a storm of high kicks and hair flips.

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