Pavyon

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A pavyon is a seedy bar and nightclub found in major Turkish cities, especially the capital of Ankara. It is similar to the strip clubs of the west although there is no nudity. A typical night of entertainment would consist of sitting with women and ordering them drinks. All women there are employees so in a sense it is their job to drink and generate income. Shows consist of folklore music with the accompaniment of saz (a guitar-like instrument) and darbuka (a small drum beat in the hands). The women, although scantily clad, also dance in the folklore tradition with castanet like cymbals in their hands. The pavyon goes back to the old Ottoman tradition of machoism where men of higher status would sneak late at night to secret engagements with women. Because of its old fashioned nature, men who frequent pavyons are considered by most to be unmodern and foolish. The drinks and appetizing fruits and snacks that come with it can ring up quite a bill, so it is best advised for tourists to stay away.

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