Spatial Analysis of Leisure Experiences in the Context of Music Subcultures: The Case of Ankara

This study investigated the subcultural leisure experiences in metal music venues in Ankara, through an analysis of visitor reviews from the Google Maps application within the framework of Oldenburg's “third place” paradigm. The aim was to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of subcultural spaces in urban life and the dynamics of subcultural participation in the digital age. In this context, visitor reviews of the Always Rock Bar, Onaon Café, and Papaz Rock Bar were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. The data were imported into MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2024 and subjected to coding in accordance with the characteristics of the “third place” paradigm. The findings revealed how these venues act as central meeting points where subcultural identities are strengthened and social networks are built. This study provides valuable insights into the importance of these places for the formation and sustainability of subcultural communities and underlines the relevance of the “third place” paradigm in non-Western urban contexts. Further recommendations for future research include the investigation of similar phenomena in other cultural settings and the combination of digital data with traditional ethnographic methods.