To ask you about Istanbul?

[IstanbulBaby]

I know I am but I'm not getting responses in Holidays
We're going to Istanbul at the end of June. Two DC aged 8 and 3.
All recommendations welcome.
What clothes should we wear?

Apologies for the poll.
I suppose the q would be
Aibu to look for holiday advice in aibu
Yabu - not a suitable topic.
Yanbu - it gets the most views so why not

Not trying to scare - simply to inform so that caution is in the OP’s mind.
We had a week-long terrible experience. I wish we’d been forewarned.

For those having a problem with my post, may I ask you, as women, why are you happy to comply with covering up, aside from respecting the archaic rules, that belittle women?

People said the same all the years I boycotted South Africa.

Same answer.

If my friends aren't welcome somewhere, why would I go there?

Went 20+ years ago, but I loved it. Dress modestly, and carry a headscarf for if you plan to visit a mosque (which you should do, because they're absolutely beautiful).

@IstanbulBaby
Book into the Hurrem Sultan Hamami which is in the square in between the Blue Mosque & Aya Sophia. It was built for Sultan Ahmet's wife, Roxanne, and was recently refurbished. It's amazing, well worth leaving the kids with dp while you get pampered.

https://www.hurremsultanhamami.com/en/about-us/

I didn't cover up! How many years ago did you visit? Istanbul is full of women in tight minis and shorts.😮

Turkey is wonderful but I don’t think I would go for an holiday either personally because of Erdogan. Same for US until Trump is gone. I don’t think I would visit Hungary under Orban for the same reasons.

Not according to this thread. I've never been and have no intention of going.

Ha! Ok.
You are offering advice on a place you have never been. I have travelled there extensively.

And just looked at the thread. Posters have clearly said the only time you have to dress modestly is in a mosque. You know, just like you do in the Vatican.

For other places, normal shorts and a tee is fine. Not maybe hotpants and a tube top.Or loose linen trousers and a tee.

Istanbul is amazing! A very cosmopolitan city, I felt very safe there. We also went to Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Cirali. Used local transport including overnight buses and people were so helpful to us.

We had a bit of a shock when we took a taxi from the airport to our hotel, the driver suddenly sped off in the wrong direction as we approached the centre - but he was just going round a ring road to avoid the crazy traffic he'd have hit if he'd gone straight through.

I would recommend loose, flowing/floaty clothes for you, the children can wear whatever they will be comfortable in. Have a great time!

The revamped Museum of Modern Art is fab but maybe not for little ones. Cafe has great views.

Still outdated rules in mosques and other places of worship. It's always the women having to comply. I hope feminists, in particular, never do this.

You don't have to have been. This thread is confirming what I thought.

Nope, not useful at all.

It's in an AIBU thread, not in holidays. Try reading the actual AIBU.

I’m a feminist. I spent the eighties campaigning for reproductive rights. I can assure you that of all the barriers and threats to women’s hard-won rights at the moment, not letting my buttocks out for air in Aghia Sofia isn’t up there with my chief concerns.

So selective feminism then. As I thought.

Do you usually wear shorts to church?
It's also possible to visit Istanbul without going to any mosques. Perfectly doable.

Bur anyway thread derail: no point taking advice from people who havent done a thing.

Have you ever been to Istanbul? It is full of wen wearing t-shirts and shorts or mini skirts. Yes there are some women who choose to wear Islamic clothes but they are the minority and just as you would see in London or Madrid.

There are some areas of Turkey which are more reserved but Istanbul is not one of them.

I mean if you want to visit the Sistine Chapel you have to cover up - religious places often require it no matter what country/continent you are in. In Spain you would be expected to wear below knee length attire in a cathedral.

You are also wrong that 'it's always women', men can't wear shorts in the Hagia Sophia they also have to cover up.

You miss out on so much if you refuse to follow any local/religious customs. Where exactly do you go on holiday?

Loved it. Easily walkable too. Food is smashing. Wet burgers were good but the grills. The grills!
As pp said for mosques and certain places, long sleeves and trousers for both women and men (knees, elbows at least), children young as yours are usually fine with normal clothes.
Great sights. Great food. Absolutely coming back.
Also local paracetamol hits different 😳 no idea why but wowza. Good

Anywhere that allows me to be who I am and where I feel safe.

Sorry OP, didn't mean to derail the thread but you did post in AIBU. Have a great time x

Felt far safer in Istanbul than certain parts of London.

So why are you hear wanging on?

Surely there is another post for your uninformed opinions.... oh wait, yeah, it doesn't end with you - and you disguising your views with concern for oppressed women isn't washing either.

OP, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. I go there often to stay with my Turkish friend and her blonde haired blue eyed kids.