Related: What are the most popular tours in Istanbul? I love Istanbul. Lots of English live in turkey but in ex pat areas I loved the fact we got to see the real Turkey. Not all Turkish people go to the mosque to pray, not all Turkish people even PRAY, and lastly not all Muslims pray (me being a prime example.) Warm greetings from Norway. If you end up being seen by a rival group, for instance, you are almost sure to be pointed out and targeted.Always listen to the Turkish military, and always have your passport on hand to show to any officials, as there are often checkpoints set up along roads and in towns to try and catch terrorists. You don't even need to bring your own headscarf to touristy places. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26680249', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Istanbul, and I agree capri pants would be suitable and myself wouldn't wear shorts in a capital city anywhere. I'm from Scandinavia and I lived in Turkey for half a dozen years. Yes, extreme politic views occur so you have to know what you talk about before you talk. Enjoy your time here. And yes, the trip is coming together, I can't wait to visit Turkey! And for months thought I was living in Europe--part of Istanbul is on the European side and the balance in Asia. Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour, Cappadocia Dream - 2 Days Cappadocia Travel with Balloon Ride from/to Istanbul, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html, Sabiha Gokcen airport connection/ transfer process, Visiting Istanbul at the beginning of December - suggestions. I would also think twice about capris in Istanbul, but we did see some. I'm wondering what type of clothes to pack to battle the heat and also remain respectful. This topic has been locked by a moderator. you look pathetic when you keep saying you are a secular country! Hamam in Istanbul which is not touristy and locals go. I find it quite surprising that, people who don't know about a religion are commenting on Islam. 4.3 out of 5 stars 41.

Turkey is not a country to push any liberal agenda unless you know the place well. What are the attractions of the Asian Side of Istanbul. What to wear in Turkey will vary significantly depending on if you are intending to travel during the summer or the winter months. First, not all hotels will accept a male and his female friend (except as husband and wife) to stay in a same room. How do Turkish people feel about cats? There is no bs like Middle East in Geography, it is called Asia!!! I always wear long linen trousers, a loose longsleeved top, and a scarf that I can put over my head. Turkey is a very conservative nation and you could also be offending local customs that the west take for granted. So I wear short sleeve t's with no cleavage. Turks come from Hun empire and gender equility is the main cultural principle of Turks. What should be the length of the trousers? You can carry in your purse a light summer scarf that you can use to cover your hear when you would like to enter a mosque. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. However, in the trendy more Western downtown, touristy areas, there is no concern. Hi, You may wear as in your homecountry except mosques. "Do you know how to pray?" In Kusadasi and Antalya you can wera whatever you you normally would to a beach resort. Lonely Planet. I haven't heard someone saying bad stuff about you or any racism. if you are reading this page, i am sure you would like to learn about the ethics and culture. I don't want to take attention to myself especially in public, so I take care of how much I show off, unless If I really want to show off. We have too many of these idiots that are ruining Turkey. Select your footwear carefully and certainly do not take new shoes to Turkey. In city centre larger cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, and touristic areas, nobody cares if a woman wears slightly skimpy clothes or if men wear shorts in summer. A for the mosques It is just general respect. You can Especially in Turkey Islam has no effect on public rules but only in morality of people and this is many times mixed with Islam however it's traditions and respect! I'm sensitive to my surroundings and respectful. Based on this understanding, you can go ahead and m ake a packing list for your Turkey visit.. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26685868', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Istanbul is a large, exciting European city with a vast population. Any grocery delivery service for Metro Supermarket? People in istanbul are far from "rich" in restaurants they beg for you to come in and give some tips. On the other hand the southeast is undeniably Middle Eastern, and so it's more culturally conservative than the north or the west. If they do not you can just put your head scarf over your shoulders. It's secular and for sure Turks are strong-minded and will do exactly what they want no matter who is in power. It's not a Muslim thing, it's just not the norm and would be a little awkward. http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/details/WomenTravelers/index.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157620754843776/. Since the election of President Erdogan in 2014, Turkey has become less secular with government and religious affairs. I plan to wear short sleeves to Turkey, but I don't know whether I should stick to ankle-length trousers or whether below the knee I also ok. Of course, you will get stares when the person behind you is fully dressed while you are basically half-naked. What are the useful websites, blogs and videos on Istanbul and Turkey ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26625926', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Turkey. The Call to Prayer is very sacred, and travelers should avoid making disparaging comments, as that may increase your chance of being targeted by religious extremists. we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. All smart travelers know the importance of paying respect to local customs and beliefs, if only because it opens more doors and ensures that your hosts are friendly, and it would behoove you to study up on Muslim practices before you go off to Turkey.

that's a human characteristic. ISTANBULKART, How to get it and how to use it. Stick to longer skirts, pants or dresses. I've been told to dress modestly, but don't really have a good idea of what the acceptable parameters are. You will have no problem walking around wearing t-shirts and pants. Awesome, thanks for all the great input everyone! To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. $25.59 $ 25. All mosques require that your shoulders and knees are covered and your shoes must be removed.

by the way doesn't a reward become more valuable when it has been earned? Turkey will always be secular and modern Turks have nothing in common with mostly over religious Arabs. I would agree that you should not join a protest against the government, as that is unfortunately more and more likely to get you thrown out of the country. One guy asked are Turkish all Muslims? None of my friends pray or got to a mosque and most of the Turks that claim they are Muslims are not Muslims at all. They give you free. Please feel free to browse existing topics for answers to your travel questions. Turkey is a mix of liberal and conservative, where different regions, as well as specific neighborhoods in big … Travelling to Turkey is safe as long as you use common sense and take the same precautions you would at home.