Tarlabaşı
Tarlabaşı is a neighborhood popular among prostitutes in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul located just a few minutes walk from Taksim Square. For many years the area developed a reputation as one of the rougher parts of central [[[Istanbul]] and was historically associated with underground prostitution, cheap apartments and a visible transgender street scene.
Because of its location behind the adult nightlife district around Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square, the area attracted marginalized communities including transgender sex workers, certain female escorts, immigrants and poor people who often could not work legally in Turkey’s state regulated brothels. Many shemale escorts do also work in the area of Tarlabasi, Istanbul.
Many international sexguide forums discussing Istanbul transgender prostitutes or Taksim trans prostitutes often mention Tarlabaşı because parts of the neighborhood were known for trans street prostitution late at night.
In past years the neighborhood has changed significantly due to urban redevelopment and increased police patrols. Much of the visible street scene that once existed has moved elsewhere or operates more discreetly today.
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Transsexual Street Prostitution
Tarlabaşı Blvd, especially between Ekrem Tur Sok. and Atif Yılmaz Cad., is a known transsexual prostitution area. Nearby streets like Balo Sok., Büyük Bayram Sok., Küçük Bayram Sok. and Halas Sok. have transgender and transsexual street prostitutes at various times of the day.
Some trans street prostitutes in Istanbul can also be found on Turgut Özal (Millet Cd.) somewhere down the road near Hasekí tram stops on the right side (if you are coming from Aksaray). Most of these transexual hookers hang out on side street corners and there are some real girls as well. You can get a blowjob or sex for US$20 to US$30. Just remember to negotiate, because these transvestites tend to ask more money from foreigners. They usually have rooms nearby, which are not clean at all. Be careful in the area, because some transgirls may try to pickpocket you. See also: Istanbul Shemale Guide
History of the neighborhood
Tarlabaşı developed in the 19th century as a residential district near the commercial center of Istanbul. The area contained many historic apartment buildings and housed a mix of ethnic minorities, migrants and working class residents.
During the late 20th century property values dropped and many buildings fell into disrepair. Cheap rents attracted marginalized communities including sex workers, migrants and transgender individuals who were pushed out of other neighborhoods.
Because of its proximity to Taksim Square and the nightlife district of Beyoğlu, the area became known as one of the few places in central Istanbul where transgender sex workers could live and work.
Urban redevelopment
In the 2010s the government launched the Tarlabaşı Renewal Project which demolished many historic buildings and replaced them with new apartment complexes, offices and hotels.
This redevelopment pushed many former residents out of the area as property prices increased. Police patrols also increased and visible street prostitution declined significantly.
Today the neighborhood is still undergoing construction and redevelopment. Some older streets remain rough while other parts are being transformed into modern buildings and tourist accommodation.
Connection to Taksim nightlife
Because Tarlabaşı sits directly behind Taksim Square, many clients historically came from the bar streets and clubs around Istiklal Avenue. Sex tourists exploring the nightlife district sometimes wandered into Tarlabaşı while searching for escorts or transgender prostitutes.
Today most of the sex and escort scene connected to Taksim operates privately through online escort listings rather than openly on the street.
For more information see: Taksim Square and Beyoglu Red Light District.
Stay Safe
Tarlabaşı has historically been considered one of the rougher neighborhoods near central Istanbul. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should be cautious when walking through the district late at night.
When visiting prostitute apartments or dealing with sex workers in Tarlabasi or any other area in Istanbul you should ==Transsexual Street Prostitution==
Tarlabaşı Blvd, especially between Ekrem Tur Sok. and Atif Yılmaz Cad., is a known transsexual prostitution area. Nearby streets like Balo Sok., Büyük Bayram Sok., Küçük Bayram Sok. and Halas Sok. have transgender and transsexual street prostitutes at various times of the day.
Some trans street prostitutes in Istanbul can also be found on Turgut Özal (Millet Cd.) somewhere down the road near Hasekí tram stops on the right side (if you are coming from Aksaray). Most of these transexual hookers hang out on side street corners and there are some real girls as well. You can get a blowjob or sex for US$20 to US$30. Just remember to negotiate, because these transvestites tend to ask more money from foreigners. They usually have rooms nearby, which are not clean at all. Be careful in the area, because some transgirls may try to pickpocket you.look after your belongings.
Pickpocketing, scams and aggressive street encounters have been reported. The neighborhood is also undergoing heavy redevelopment and some streets may feel deserted after dark.
Tourists should avoid wandering into unfamiliar side streets late at night and should use taxis or rideshare services when returning to hotels around Taksim Square.
