FLASH | Sunday, June 14, 2009 | Email | Print | 
Turkish delight
This is the name for a traditional box of assorted sweets but it captures the essence of Turkey, deeply rooted in tradition and fast-forwarded by Ataturk’s liberal vision. Rinku Ghosh travels up the Turkish Riviera to Istanbul and finds how a clash of civilisations can yet be resolved here
It’s midnight. And Halikarnas, the best nightclub in the Mediterranean and perhaps all of Europe, is just about warming up. It’s an open air Roman style amphitheatre with sky-touching Hellenic pillars overlooking the harbour at Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera, the latest piece of shoreline real estate that’s up for grabs. Outside, its gas torches spout fire along the promenade, as if in preparedness for some ancient pagan ritual. It’s the fire of passion, one that has drawn people from across the seven seas and anchored them along the Aegean to dip into their wild side. And to legitimise fun as a serious business. The strobes are whirling like a dervish in trance while hi-tech laser beams pan the waters, occasionally pin-pointing gleaming millionaire boats. Their inmates usually reserve the VIP lounges at the club, are welcomed with sparklers and much like sultans, are feted with the best. They sip Dom Perignon but that doesn’t mean you can’t rub shoulders with them. With an entry fee of 35 liras allowing you a free shot of beer or the local raki, you are guaranteed the world’s most alive party till 5 am..Full text
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