In the vibrant, bustling bars of 1960s Istanbul, where the clinking of raki glasses and the hum of lively conversation filled the air, a remarkable and quirky tradition thrived to address the inevitable consequences of overindulgence. Long before the advent of taxis, ride-sharing apps, or even reliable public transportation, Istanbul’s nightlife relied on a group of unsung heroes known as “küfeci,” or “basket men.”
These strong-backed individuals offered an ingenious solution to a timeless problem: getting thoroughly intoxicated patrons safely home. Far from mere bouncers, the küfeci played a pivotal role in the city’s nightlife, hoisting drunken revelers into large, sturdy wicker baskets carried on their backs and delivering them to their doorsteps. This practice was so deeply embedded in the culture that it gave rise to a colorful Turkish phrase, “küfelik olmak,” meaning “basket-worthy”—a colloquial term for being so drunk that one required the basket man’s services.
A Night in the Life of a Küfeci
Imagine the scene: it’s a balmy evening in Istanbul, and the city’s meyhanes (traditional Turkish taverns) are alive with laughter, music, and the clatter of plates piled with meze. As the night progresses, some patrons inevitably push past their limits, their steps growing unsteady and their words slurred. Enter the küfeci, a figure both practical and iconic.
Unlike modern solutions that rely on vehicles or apps, the basket men offered a human-powered alternative. When a patron was deemed “küfelik”—too inebriated to walk or navigate the city’s winding streets—the küfeci would step in. With a practiced ease born of experience, they would help (or occasionally lift) the patron into a large wicker basket, specially designed for the task. Secured on the küfeci’s back, the basket became a makeshift chariot, carrying its passenger through Istanbul’s narrow alleys and bustling thoroughfares to the safety of home.
The baskets themselves were no small feat of craftsmanship. Woven from durable wicker, they were large enough to accommodate an adult, sturdy enough to withstand regular use, and designed to distribute weight evenly across the carrier’s shoulders. The küfeci, often men of considerable strength, navigated the city’s uneven cobblestone streets and steep inclines with remarkable skill, ensuring their passengers arrived unharmed. This was no easy task in a city like Istanbul, where the labyrinthine streets of neighborhoods like Beyoğlu or the waterfront districts along the Bosphorus could challenge even the soberest of travelers.
A Cultural Phenomenon: “Küfelik Olmak”
The küfeci’s role was so integral to Istanbul’s nightlife that it left a lasting mark on the Turkish language. The phrase “küfelik olmak” became a vivid shorthand for extreme drunkenness, evoking the image of someone so incapacitated that they needed to be carried home in a basket. It was a term laced with humor and pragmatism, reflecting the city’s ability to address its social challenges with a blend of creativity and acceptance. To be “basket-worthy” was not just a state of inebriation but a cultural rite of passage, a nod to the nights when revelry outpaced restraint, and the küfeci were there to bridge the gap.
This linguistic legacy underscores the deep cultural roots of the basket men. Their services were not merely functional but part of the social fabric of 1960s Istanbul, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and communal spirit. The meyhanes, with their long tables of shared food and drink, were places where people gathered to celebrate, mourn, or simply connect. The küfeci ensured that these gatherings could continue without the risks that come with excessive drinking, offering a safety net that was both practical and uniquely suited to the era.
Daytime Porters, Nighttime Heroes
For many küfeci, their nighttime duties were a secondary source of income, supplementing their primary work as porters in Istanbul’s bustling markets and docks. By day, these men were accustomed to carrying heavy loads—sacks of spices, crates of fish, or bundles of goods—through the city’s crowded bazaars and ports. Their physical strength and endurance, honed by years of manual labor, made them ideally suited for their evening role as human taxis. The transition from porter to küfeci was a natural one; the same sturdy shoulders that bore the weight of commerce could just as easily carry a person in a basket.
This dual role highlights the resourcefulness of Istanbul’s working-class communities in the 1960s. In an era before widespread car ownership or modern transportation infrastructure, the küfeci filled a critical gap. Their services were a lifeline for tavern owners, who could ensure their patrons left safely, and for the patrons themselves, who could enjoy their evenings without worrying about how they’d get home. It was a symbiotic relationship, rooted in the practical realities of urban life and the cultural acceptance of nightlife as a cornerstone of Istanbul’s identity.
A Glimpse into a Bygone Era
The basket men of Istanbul offer a fascinating window into a time when communities devised their own solutions to the challenges of urban living. In the 1960s, Istanbul was a city in transition, blending centuries-old traditions with the pressures of modernization. The küfeci were a product of this liminal space, bridging the gap between the old world and the new. Their wicker baskets and steady strides were a testament to human ingenuity, turning a simple tool into a public service that ensured safety and convenience in an era without digital solutions.
The decline of the küfeci likely coincided with the rise of taxis and improved public transportation in the decades that followed. As Istanbul modernized, the need for basket men faded, relegating their story to a charming footnote in the city’s history. Yet their legacy endures in the phrase “küfelik olmak” and in the memories of a time when a night out in Istanbul might end with a wicker basket ride home.
Why the Küfeci Matter Today
The story of the basket men is more than just a quirky historical anecdote—it’s a reminder of how communities adapt to their circumstances with creativity and resilience. In a world now dominated by apps and algorithms, the küfeci’s human touch feels refreshingly personal. They were problem-solvers, caretakers, and a vital part of Istanbul’s nightlife ecosystem, ensuring that the city’s revelers could enjoy their evenings without fear of getting lost or stranded.
Next time you’re toasting with friends, whether in Istanbul or elsewhere, spare a thought for the küfeci. They remind us that even in the most chaotic moments of celebration, there’s always someone—or something, like a sturdy wicker basket—ready to carry us home. The basket men may be gone, but their story is a vibrant testament to Istanbul’s colorful past and the enduring spirit of its people.
