I met up with Babylon’s irrepressible international liasion officer Belkis Boyacigiller to find out more about the club and its plans after a great night spent listening to Hüsnü Şenlendirici.

Babylon is that rare gem of a venue that is both intimate enough to allow a connection between artist and audience but at the same time stylish and unstuffy. Open, friendly and beautifully lit, the sound is good wherever you are and the drinks are not too pricey (OK, they probably are but not if you like Turkish beer). No trip to Istanbul would be complete without an evening spent there.

Babylon is one part of a global groove empire which already features the highly successful Doublemoon Records (home to Mercan Dede among many others), the record shop opposite the club and their newest venture, a venue on the coast for the summer season at Babylon Alçati. Think Ibiza for people who like music more than soap bubbles. More on this next year when they publish their listings.

Apparently, the Istanbul club may be closing down for a few weeks as they re opening a lounge bar and extending it into the club, so check before going.

Upcoming Events at Babylon:

• 14.12.06 & 15.12.06—Adalberto Alvaraz y Su Son (Cuba)
• 16.12.06—Buckwheat Zydeco (United States)
• 22.12.06 & 23.12.06—Mercan Dede (Turkey/Canada)
• 27.12.06—Selim Sesler (Turkey)
• 28.12.06—Baba Zula (Turkey)

• January 17th-18th—Gerardo Nunez Flamenco Jazz Project

• features the best local and international proponents of global music culture
• has a capacity of 350 spectators standing or can accommodate 250 spectators seated & standing
• was chosen one of the “Best 100 Jazz Clubs” in the world by US jazz magazine DownBeat (2002 & 2004)
• “Unpretentious & Intimate Venue”— U.K. newspaper “The Observer” (2006)
• received “Best Club/Best Achievement” award by Time Out Istanbul magazine (2001&2002)
• “Best Music” in Istanbul—Time Magazine (2002)

Info: +90 (212) 292 73 68 (Between 12:00 - 21:00 hours)
Fax: +90 (212) 243 4527
e-mail: info@babylon.com.tr
Address: Seyhbender Street No:3 Tünel-Asmalimescit-Beyoglu 80040 Istanbul

Links: Babylon Istanbul
Babylon Alçati
Doublemoon Records