What is the appropriate dress code in general?
Most Turks are Muslims, but Turkish society is modern and predominantly secular, so European dress styles prevail. Dress the same as you would to visit France, Germany, Italy or the UK. Stylish casual dress for most places. Dress up more for the cities, less for the seaside resorts. The nearly universal summer tourist dress of shorts‐and‐a‐T‐shirt is fine except in mosques, but in Turkish cities‐‐as in New York, Sydney or London—most of the local people around you will be more stylishly dressed. (ie – we would not recommend that you go into town dressed like you just rolled out of bed, with sloppy looking clothes, etc.) Observe the locals and as the old saying goes – “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” (in this case, Istanbul…) In Mosques: To visit mosques, clean and modest dress is appreciated and often required. In short, don’t show thighs, shoulders or tops of upper arms. Slacks, or knee‐length skirt or dress; blouse or top with sleeves to at least the mid‐upper‐arm. Have a headscarf
