Koço's Literary Heritage: The Meyhane of Turkey's Greatest Poets

Koço Restaurant is not just one of Istanbul's oldest meyhanes — it is a silent witness to Turkish literary history. From the 1960s onward, the most important names in Turkish poetry and literature gathered at Koço's table, wrote poems, debated ideas, and forged lasting friendships.

Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca: Koço's Resident Poet

Dağlarca, one of Turkey's most prolific poets, was a regular at Koço. After walks along the Moda shore, he would settle at his table, sip rakı facing the sea, and write in his notebook. Koço's quiet, music-free atmosphere was his creative workshop.

Cemal Süreya and the Second New Movement

Cemal Süreya, pioneer of the İkinci Yeni (Second New) poetry movement, was another devoted patron. Koço's intimate atmosphere matched his poetic sensibility. The meyhane table served as an informal literary salon.

A Living Legacy

Today Koço preserves this literary spirit. The music-free atmosphere, the focus on conversation, and the century-old tradition create the same environment that inspired Turkey's greatest writers. When you raise a glass at Koço, you share a table with history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which famous writers visited Koço?

Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca, Cemal Süreya, Arif Damar, Haldun Taner, İlber Ortaylı, Tarık Akan, and Şener Şen were among Koço's notable patrons.