Tango in Istanbul

It might surprise you - but Istanbul has a very good, lively Tango scene. After all, one of the best known Tango teachers lives here, Metin Yazir.

Every evening there's at least one milonga (except in the Summer months when it's a bit slower). You can find loads of dates and addresses on the Internet (also on Metin's website). Attention: Not all the lists are up to date, so always call first. But once you are in the first milonga, it's best to ask people for other places. And there are several Tango festivals through the year.

If you want to have Tango shoes made according to your own measures, you can do so at Istanbul's best known shoe maker, Necmi Usta. He speaks ONLY Turkish, but with hand, feet and some drawings the communication works just fine. Shoes cost between 100 YTL for standard models and 200 YTL for special designs.

I ordered several pairs because I couldn't decide...

The workshop is close to Istiklal Caddesi. Walk down the street besides Benetton, under the Tarlabasi Bulvari, then to the right and to the left again (Keresteci Recep Sok). In number 7 walk up to the 3rd floor.

Neither the street nor the shop are chic...

It's best to ask your hotel receptionist to call there first to make sure that he's there.
Tel. (0212) 250 87 99

Watch him at work on Youtube.