Turkish Vices

From NYC to Compton, each city has their preferred vices. Whether it's gambling, prostitution, or drugs, no place is free from crime or addiction. Ankara is a safe city sans political protests, but here's what I've noticed about vices in Ankara & local's preferences:

Alcohol

Alcohol is expensive but bars are commonplace. Don't purchase bottles from liquor stores as you will get ripped off as a foreigner - guaranteed. Stick to supermarkets like Ogutler, Cagdas, and Carrefour for alcohol. Restaurants also offer a variety of beers and mixed drinks so you'll feel at home. Some younger people drink publicly at parks during twilight, but of course discreetness is preferred.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes are more common in Ankara since they're less expensive than alcohol and keep you warm (important considering the cold climate). This was a surprising discovery since hardly anyone smokes in CA, comparatively speaking, and since there's a lot of hiking up hills - Turks must have lungs of steel!

Marijuana

Marijuana is available in Ankara although it is definitely illegal. I'm not sure about how common it is, where it's from and how it's obtained, or potency compared to what might be sold in CA. Anyone with medical conditions requiring marijuana as a treatment should plan carefully since medical marijuana cards mean nil in a foreign country. Remember you're not in Kansas anymore - respect your host country's laws and regulations!

Prostitution

Prostitution exists, especially for Russian women. I suggest asking locals about specific nightclubs to avoid to ensure you don't get roped in. 

Gambling

Gambling exists in the form of lottery tickets sold in popular areas and off-track betting parlors, but there are no casinos. I haven't seen any other types of gambling, like betting on a backgammon or sports game, but my experience here is limited. 

Extras

Harder drugs like cocaine may exist but keep in mind that economy determines vices. Rich people snort quality coke, poor people smoke crack - this goes for anywhere in the world. I'm unaware of the ubiquity, ease of access, frequency, price, or any problems with harder drugs in Ankara.

Keep in mind that everything I've mentioned above only applies to Ankara, and narrows down closer into our own little neighborhood of Tunali.