Hi We are going to Istanbul for a few days before a cruise in mid August. I know it will be hot what is the accepted dress at this time of year? Can we wear shorts to bazaar and touring? How about at night?

There is no regulations about drees in Turkey EXCEPT Mosques.

In August The temtrature will be around 30-35 C (90-100 F)

Sinan Akdeniz

There are no "regulations" about attire in Istanbul but adults, especially women, touring the city/major sights weaing shorts (unless skorts) are likely to get quite a few stares and possibly some comments. The same is true of very skimpy tops or outfits with a bare belly. This is really not the usual attire.

(Note: This is not really appropriate attire for adults in any major city - if you look at the locals in European capitals - or even New York - they don't wear shorts in the city center - although unfortunately tourists are doing this increasingly - and no longer get stares but definitely still get commented upon.)

While there are no rules against shorts and/or abbreviated tops, except at Mosques, you'll be just as comfortable in cropped pants with t-shirt or camp shirt as with shorts, and probably more so.

Even for people who live in metropolitan areas worldwide, it is rare that you see grown women wearing shorts on the streets.

Certainly if you were going to the beach or spending the day in a park, shorts would be ok, but not once you leave these areas - you wear longer pants, skirts and tops with covered upper arm. The same holds true for Istanbul.

Dress attire
shorts are ok but visiting a mosque or church you may neeed something to cover your shoulders and heads.
Long skirts are suggested.
Light dress is ok. even night time.
Easy walking shoes qare recommended.
Nejat incedogan
guide Ephesus/Istanbul

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thanks, I guess in my mind "shorts" are capris or long walking shorts not short shorts and crop tops....shows my age.

Capris and knee length loose walking shorts are one thing - tight and skimpy shredded cut-off jeans or mini-shorts with half a rump hanging out are another - and you would be amazed at the number of the latter two I see on tourists wandering the streets of midtown Manhattan. (And for some reason usually the skimpier the shorts the bigger the butt they're barely covering.)