Refik Restaurant
Restaurant in Istanbul
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Refik Restaurant was a tavern in Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu, Turkey founded by Refik Arlslan (1923–2011) in 1954.
| Refik Meyhanesi | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Refik Meyhanesi | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1954 |
| Closed | 2020 |
| Owner | Adopted children of Refik Arslan |
| Previous owner | Refik Arslan (1954–2011) |
| Location | Asmalı Mescit, Sofyalı Sk. No:7, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Istanbul |
| Coordinates | 41.0297640203473°N 28.974491940918377°E |
Arslan ran the Refik for almost 70 years.[1] The restaurant remained operational for some time after Refik Arslan died in 2011.[2] Refik was known as "one of the last remaining 'real' tavern keepers". After his death it is noted that what used to be place of community changed into a generic for-profit restaurant, losing its magic.[3] It eventually closed down in 2020.[1]
Significance among poets
Refik had long been known as a place where many well known poets would frequent. These include Refik Durbaş, Bekir Sami Sertöz, Özdemir Asaf,[4] Ferit Edgü and Tezer Özlü. The last two of whose correspondence regarding the tavern has been documented:[5]
The poet Özdemir Asaf would, as documented by fellow poet Refik Durbaş, fill his table with whites. These include rakı mixed with water, ayran or yoghurt, feta cheese and cauliflower.[4]
As also people from other branches have been noted to have been there including Gürdal Duyar (sculptor).[4]