Ankara's Kizilay Square, located at the heart of the capital and once a lively neighborhood filled with bars, taverns and restaurants, is in its darkest hour. The chatter is gone from the spots favored by politicians and journalists, as are the cheers and laughter from bars and taverns, and the neon lights of nearby gentlemen's clubs have gone dark.

In the 15th month of the pandemic, only small cafes and a few pubs have been able to survive in this once vivacious neighborhood where the windows of the bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues are filled with signs reading “for rent.”

Eski Yeni Bar, once one of the most popular venues in the square, shares this fate. For some segments of Turkish society, its “for rent” sign symbolizes the demise of the entertainment culture in the country.

As co-owner Baris Kaygisiz unlocked the door for Al-Monitor after months of closure, the sensation was palpable. Once a popular and inclusive spot for Turks of all walks of life including LGBTI+Q individuals, the venue where so many live concerts and plays were put on has now fallen silent.