Appropriate dress for Istanbul and Ephesus/major sites?

[mlbcruiser]

What is o.k. to wear when in Istanbul and Ephesus in early summer? We plan to visit the major sites. Have heard it's very hot in Ephesus. Do women wear capris? I wouldn't think shorts would be appropriate. What about shorts for men? How about tops? Are sleeveless things o.k. if they are not stretchy tanks w/spaghetti straps, or should women dress more modestly? What is most common for women in Istanbul? Thanks for any help.

[mlbcruiser]

Just forgot to click the email notif. and have to write a reply to do it. Sorry!

[smeyer418]

The only time you have a potential problem is going into a Mosque. There you need to have your knees and shoulders covered(most times). Other than that, you can wear whatever you want except in extreme Eastern Turkey where few tourists go any way. At most Mosques they will GIVE you coverups to use while there if you are not within the guidelines. You don't have to buy from the cover up sellers on the way in. In Ephesus no rules apply but it is best to dress modestly. In Istanbul, We saw a woman wearing a short tight red leather skirt( a mini) It would have turned heads in NY. It did it Istanbul too. One native and I exchanged glances and both laughed.

[mountainhouse]

Maybe the question is, how should you dress in Turkey. This site says that due to cultural differences, it's best for women to dress conservatively in Turkey. I haven't been, and was therefore am a bit surprised by the info at this site, but it seems like good advice.

[mountainhouse]

In Istanbul, We saw a woman wearing a short tight red leather skirt( a mini) It would have turned heads in NY. It did it Istanbul too. One native and I exchanged glances and both laughed.

 

I guess we posted about the same time. I'm wondering if due to the variation in attitudes around Turkey, it might be better to dress conservatively. We're not looking to stand out. Also, I'd be curious what you think about the comment on the site that women should make contact with strangers in a more formal manner.

 

Darn, and I do look sooo good in a red mini!

[smeyer418]

My feeling is they will know you are tourists. On any trip you should dress conservatively, IMO. Hey I am a guy what do I know about how a woman should dress or do in a foreign country. I read that site and mostly its good advice for any one on a trip anyhere.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Dress a bit conservatively. Have a little sleeve on your tops, no tank tops (although I gave in the last couple of days in Istanbul, it was hot and humid, and I wore a sleeveless dress.)

 

Capris should be fine, but not shorts.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Dress a bit conservatively. Have a little sleeve on your tops, no tank tops (although I gave in the last couple of days in Istanbul, it was hot and humid, and I wore a sleeveless dress.)

 

Capris should be fine, but not shorts.

 

Istanbul is humid, unlike Athens, so be prepared to take breaks during the day, non-stop walking and touring can really take it out of you.

[ctj_57]

You can wear what ever you like in Turkey, specially in the big cities and touristic places, like any of the European countries or U.S. When you are visiting Ephesus, if you like even you can wear your bikini. There are no need to wear any coservative dresses.Turkey is a Muslim country but very modern and western. Just to show your respect, when you are going to visit any Mosques, do not wear mini skirt or short.

 

Smooth sail

[tjcox9]

Have booked a tour of Ephesus in May. The tour company stated in their reply and instructions the following:

 

"* You will have 1,5 k.m. walk in history in Ephesus and the weather will be hot.

a) walking shoes are recommended,

b) sun glasses and hats are recommended,

c) Cameras are recommended,

d) shorts and t-shirts would be much better ( for ladies too. Turkey is a muslim country but not like Arabic countries, ladies can wear short's and t-shirts)"

 

Hope this helps.

[mlbcruiser]

Wendy, your reply (and a few others) is the type of info. I was after. "Conservative" sometimes means different things to different people and it becomes hard to determine something like whether or not a sleeveless shirt or dress is considered risque. When we have were in Europe before, I had read about sleeves and head coverings, no pants on women in some churches, etc. Even no sandals inside the casino in Monte Carlo! However, in each case the "rules" seemed more liberal than what I had been told (incl. the casino). In the cathedrals, they had things to put over your shoulders or heads when this type of dress was required, as mentioned by one of you above for Turkey. Thanks to all of your for your input.