RAKI – THE NATIONAL DRINK

Raki, traditionally known as lion’s milk, is the Turkish national drink. It is a colorless alcoholic beverage served with water and ice. Once mixed, it turns into a milky-looking drink familiar to the Balkans national drink rakija. Similarly, raki is made of twice-distilled grapes and aniseed.

The tradition is to clink the bottoms of your glasses when toasting with raki, then enjoy it with some mezes, Turkish white cheese, also known as feta, or melon.

In a Turkish tavern: Most of the Turkish taverns include a fasıl team which is a band of male musicians who play traditional tunes on instruments such as a kanun, a saz (both string instruments), or the ney (a reed flute). These nights often end with people dancing on the chairs and tables.

A group therapy session: People, being usually close friends, gather around a cilingir sofrasi (so-called locksmith’s table for unlocking the secrets of any heart. And they share the latest news of their life whether good or bad. They open their hearts, have deep communications, and mute the pain of a job loss or the end of a relationship.