hello all:

i'm a 23 year old American from Pennsylvania. . .just moved to Bilkent University's campus (along with a slew of other 20-something recent American college grads) to work as an English teaching assistant through the Fulbright's ETA program. Climbed the castle today and realized how off-in-the-distance Bilkent actually is in relation to Ankara proper. . .hoping to meet others & get a feel for the city's independent music/film scene. . .any suggestions?

thanks!

cheers - lisa

welcome. we have lots of independent bands who all independently do cover versions of Queen. Some can also perform Smooth Criminal. Actually, IF isn't a bad venue for good music...

Yep, "If" is a good venue but slightly difficult for those who live out at Bilkent to get home from. Welcome to the forum jazzglow.

I was informed this evening that I should be encouraging Bilkent expats to come into town rather than telling them of the hassles of transport late at night. And so, I would like to extend a hand of welcome and suggest we meet up next Wednesday at a bar very near to were the Bilkent bus leaves from. May I suggest the bar opposite "If" on Tunus Caddesi next Wednesday night. Lets make it an 8:30 pm. By the way, can anyone actually remember the name of the bar opposite IF?

Click on the link for a google map of where the bar is.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&ll ... 8ab0eef220

nice! How's it going so far? I'll be in Ankara for a Fulbright as well, though I'll be learning Turkish and Archaeology rather than teaching English. As it is I don't get in until September. Perhaps I'll see you at the Orientation on Sept. 27? Hope so!

It has a naval name. The Captain Haddock or something. I'll try to come along.

[quote user="jazzglow" post="98704"]hello all:

i'm a 23 year old American from Pennsylvania. . .just moved to Bilkent University's campus (along with a slew of other 20-something recent American college grads) to work as an English teaching assistant through the Fulbright's ETA program. Climbed the castle today and realized how off-in-the-distance Bilkent actually is in relation to Ankara proper. . .hoping to meet others & get a feel for the city's independent music/film scene. . .any suggestions?

thanks!

cheers - lisa[/quote]

Hi Lisa,
Big welcome to Ankara! How long will you be staying here? As a 25-year old indie-rocker who moved here 2 years ago, I haven't been terribly inspired by indie scene, such as it is. With the holy month of Ramazan coming, the nightlife among the stylish youth will die down even more, so I suggest you find a group of friends who share your interests and go out exploring. There are some pubs that play good music and I've met some DJs with adventurous tastes. I went to a Spanish-anarchist themed pub with a live band that played traditional Turkish folk music which was rad. Don't knock the cover bands till you see them - there's something very impressive about the accuracy with which these guys (none of whom can speak English) can cover almost any British pre-1980 rock hit! Good luck!

You could also poke around at Ankara's only proper record shop: Shades in Tunali Pasaj. If you walk down Tunali, pass Marks and Spencers and Pasabahce on your right and look for the entrances (there're two) to Tunali Pasaj. Inside and down the stairs there's a record shop. The owner loves his Blues but also keeps a few self-published CDs by local bands. He speaks English and his shop's always worth a visit. Last time I was there I got one by Sokak Kopekler (Street Dogs), a local punk band. They're not amazing.

thanks for the help! i'd be up for a meeting on wednesday night if anyone is seriously interested. . .holiday on thursday!

oh - and i'm here until at least sept 2008 but probably 2009 (to finish a masters at bilkent if all goes well)

and wait - Spanish-anarchist themed pub??!? where is this?? (sorry for multiple posts.)

I think a meet-up's a good idea. Oz Kanka will coordinate. He likes that.

I'll also put this in the activities section.

Change of plans for Wednesday night as other newbies are apparently showing up at the Amerillo Pub. The address for it is Kizkalesi Sk GOP.

I'll be showing up about 8:30 pm. Now there will probably be a fair few expats there, so ask around and ask "are you from the EiT internet group". You'll find us.

Google Map:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en& ... 8fd46bb74f

See? He loves it! Thanks Oz.

will 10 pm be late beyond fashionably late?