Raki is an unsweetened, occasionally (depending on area of production) anise-flavored, alcoholic drink that is popular in Turkey, Albania, Greece, Iran, Turkic countries, and in the Balkan countries as an apéritif. It is often served with seafood or meze. It is comparable to several other alcoholic beverages available around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, e.g. pastis, ouzo, sambuca, arak, Aragh Sagi and aguardiente. In Turkey, it is considered a national drink.
From @sjomeath