“If there is no woman at a raki table, there is a woman for whom a table was set”
One of the loveliest traditions surrounding the consumption of the traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage, Raki, is to knock your glass lightly on the table after toasting in remembrance of someone you wish were present. This gesture shows respect and gratitude for the person being toasted. After the toast, one can sip the drink, which has a distinct licorice flavor due to the double distillation of raisins, figs, or plums, as well as the addition of aniseed.
“Aslan sütü”
The expression lion’s milk is used for Raki. This is because when water is added to raki, its color becomes milky white. This unique flavor may take some time, but it is often pleasurable.
Another famous meaning is Raki table, originally named “çilingir sofrası” today “rakı sofrası” in Turkish, which is a traditional gathering of friends or family who sit around a table and enjoy the national drink of Turkey, Raki. The traditional raki table includes a variety of mezes, small dishes, and an array of drinks, including raki, beer, and wine.
The conversation at the table is lively and often lasts for hours, with people exchanging stories and jokes and debating politics and philosophy. The raki table is an integral part of Turkish culture, with it being a way for people to connect with one another, both old and new friends, and often seen as a way for people to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
“Rakı masasında konuşulan, rakı masasında kalır” another famous Turkish saying meaning: Everything said in the Raki table, stays at the Raki table.’
According to another rumor, as the person sitting at the Raki table empties the bottle, he starts talking more and tells his own secrets. As these secret doors inside are opened, the masks are thrown away, and everyone turns into their own reality.
