keyif encompasses the concept of leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment in Turkish culture

It often appears in collocations like “çay keyfi” (tea enjoyment), “deniz keyfi” (sea leisure), or “arkadaşlarla keyif yapmak” (to enjoy with friends).
Keyf denotes a state of contentment and pleasure derived from simple activities or moments, such as savoring a cup of tea or spending time with loved ones .

“Zevk” and “keyif” are Turkish words that can be translated to English as “pleasure” or “enjoyment.”

There are some words in Turkish that are difficult to translate, but reflect a certain mood that is important in Turkish life and culture.

‘Keyif’ is one of these words.

It can be translated as pleasure but there are 2 words for that in Turkish: zevk and keyif and pleasure in the English sense would be zevk.

I came accross a description of keyif online as ‘a pleasurable state of idle relaxation’ which I like very much . In most of Turkey, but especially in Istanbul, for an Istanbullu it is of upost imporatance to do activities that is full of Keyif : Keyifli

These are usually simple activities. Sitting on a bench by the Bosphorous watching the sunset, throwing simit to sea gulls from the back of a ferry, drinking raki and eating mezes with your friends, watching the bosphorous from a hill, listening to gypsy musicians on the street and so on. You would see many people in Istanbul not doing much, seemingly idle, they might be at that point enjoying the keyif of living in Istanbul. Food, drink, friends, views, the Bosphorous are all important elements of Keyif in istanbul.

When you are visiting Istanbul, take a break from the hustle and rush of sightseeing, and take a moment to enjoy the idleness and beauty of Istanbul and Istanbul life. Take your dinners at a more leisurely pace, find spots where you can sip your tea and watch the ferries crossing bosphorous, sit on a bench and eat simit and talk to the locals.

What aspect of Istanbul is most ‘Keyifli’ for you?

• Turečtina