I had a chance to record 2 songs as yet with Inigo of the Haneps, who has an Istanbul Mehmet 14" regular hihat set. It did have a lot of wash, less stick definition, and the pedal hat sounded less-chicky (more like
khashk). It did have a very unique sound that you can't find in most Zidljians, even the thinnest ones.
Anyway, I found out that Istanbul has two variants - AGOP and MEHMET. What's the big difference? SOUNDCLIPS (yes, only soundclips) tell me that AGOPs sound more like K's. With the MEHMETs, I think they are a tad warmer...
What about Bosphorus? Anything to say about them?
Now for the Euro types, I simply love my Meinl Classics. They have the marriage of Paiste ping and Avedis overtones. They use B8 alloys but are casted and hammered. Very interesting tone.
Anyone into UFIPs? They are the most expensive production cymbals I know.
As for the Chinese-made cymbals, all I can say is my Wuhan 20" China eats all other Turk or Euro Chinas... save for the lacjk of durability. I already had my 2nd since a buddy cracked the first one
(which is set for a China Stack). Methinks the best Chinas are still made in China. Gotta save for a 26" wind gong...