Taksim bar workers expose harassment and insecure conditions in Istanbul nightlife

Women working night shifts in Taksim’s bars describe long hours, insecure contracts and gender‑based discrimination. Bar employee Aslı Özçelik says they live “constantly on guard” and feels “like they are being watched all the time, even if nothing physical happens.”

Other workers recount harassment, such as a regular client attempting to kiss 22‑year‑old Arya, and 30‑year‑old Sema Kılıç noting that female staff are often treated as a “visual element” for customers. They also highlight the burden of household chores and cleaning falling disproportionately on women.

The women demand safer, more secure and equal working conditions, citing the lack of formal employment protection and rising living costs that exacerbate their precarious situation.