# Istanbul: Kebab Shop Mini Expansion

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 50 min
- **Weight**: 2.29 / 5
- **Designers**: Rüdiger Dorn
- **Artists**: Andreas Resch
- **Publishers**: Matagot, Pegasus Spiele, Raven Distribution, W. Nostheide Verlag GmbH
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Modular Board, Pick-up and Deliver

## Verdict
The Kebab Shop is a simple mini-expansion that adds an extra layer of strategy to your family member movement. It replaces the Fountain, keeping its original function while adding a paid teleportation effect that can save you in a pinch. It is a must-have for frequent Istanbul players looking for more tactical flexibility in the bazaar.Adds strategic flexibilityEasy to integrateIncreases tactical optionsKeeps original game feelThinner material than base gameRequires gluing for levelingLimited availabilityFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you are a fan of Istanbul and feel the bazaar could use a bit more spice, the Kebab Shop Mini Expansion is the perfect addition to your setup. Originally released via the Spielbox magazine, this small module replaces the Fountain tile from the base game, introducing a fresh dynamic to your turns. The core rule is straightforward: when you visit the Kebab Shop, you can either perform the classic action of gathering your assistants, just like you would at the Fountain, or you can pay 2 lira to move a family member from any location—excluding the police station—to immediately perform an action at another space of your choice. It is a fantastic mobility tool for those moments when you need a strategic push to close a deal or collect a crucial resource.

One technical note to keep in mind: because it was a promotional magazine item, the tile is printed on thinner card stock than the standard, thick tiles of the original game. A common community tip to avoid an uneven board feel is to glue the tile onto a piece of thicker cardboard or, if you prefer not to alter the original components, simply paste it onto the back of the Fountain tile it replaces. The Kebab Shop must be placed as one of the inner bazaar spaces, maintaining the flow of movement you are already familiar with. This expansion does not increase the game's complexity, but it does offer an interesting tactical alternative for players looking to optimize their turns without relying solely on standard merchant movement. If you play Istanbul regularly, this expansion is a small but flavorful addition that is well worth adding to your table, offering more flexibility in your planning without overwhelming new players. It is a collector's item that successfully expands the tactical possibilities of an already modern classic.

## FAQ
### Does the Kebab Shop change the rules significantly?
Not at all. It replaces the Fountain and adds an extra movement option, keeping the core mechanics simple.

### Do I need other expansions to use the Kebab Shop?
No, it is designed to be used with the base game of Istanbul.

### Is the tile material the same as the original game?
Unfortunately, no. As it was a magazine promo, it is thinner. We recommend gluing it to thicker cardboard.

### How many players can use this expansion?
It works perfectly with the same player count as the base game (2 to 5 players).

### Is the Kebab Shop hard to find?
As an older promo item, it can be a bit tricky to find, usually appearing on the secondary market or among collectors.