Raki: The Spirit of Turkey

Everything you need to know about Raki and how to enjoy it... Of the many impressions Turkey will leave on any visitor, its famous national drink raki is sure to be high on the list. The heady anise aroma rising from this powerful spirit will linger on in the mind, ready to be awaken fond memories for years to come. Among the many anisettes in the Mediterranean region, Turkey's raki stands out on several counts, from its unique production process to its intriguing history. Raki's ability to survive the ages and become such a permanent fixture in modern Turkish life is yet further evidence of its singular character. Appropriately, the story of raki reads like an adventure novel, involving politics, ethnic cultures, humor, music, literature and no small amount of intrigue. Raki is unique in yet another way. Anisette is typically considered a prelude, conclusion or accompaniment to a meal, but in Turkey and the former Ottoman realm, precisely the opposite is true: An entire cuisine has developed to accompany the raki. But for the true lover of raki, the truly defining characteristic of Turkey's national drink is its spirit, the atmosphere that creates: One of muhabbet, a warm intimacy that spans differences in age, class, culture, and more recently, gender as well; an atmosphere that has given birth to rich tradition of cuisine, venues and customs and folklore. With such a long and fascinating history, raki is many things to many people, but it will never be "just another drink". It is history, entertainment, intimacy; it is the Spirit of Turkey.