Çay and Nargile

Çay, (pron. Chai) is what oils the wheels in Turkey; from negotiations on the black market to purchases in the bazaar to romantic conversations in a mehanes (cafes) with nargile (Turkish water pipe.)

Made from local black tea, Çay is served ina tulip - shaped glass with a few lumps of sugar on a saucer that is usually ornate. The cay is then served on elegant brass trays held by a central handle, many of which you see being deftly swung around the streets or the bazaar from merchant to merchant, or even from a mobile street stall.

We enjoyed many Çay stops!