I am going to Istanbul for a few days as part of a trip. Will be site seeing and visiting the Grand Bazaar. We are from the United States and do not want to accidently insult anyone with our clothing choices. Is there items that we should not wear - shorts, sleeveless tops. etc? Is it necessary to cover your head if visiting a mosque or religious sites? Thanks for any advise.

When dealing with religion, I am conservative and always go for more coverage, but I remember reading somewhere that you do have to be covered there at the mosque.

Before going to Turkey, see "Crossing the Bridge." I just got the soundtrack and can't wait to own the film. It is a documentary on Music in Turkey.

Where is the film available? I just tried a search on Netflix, and up came a movie about high-school kids and drugs.

There was an earlier thread on this subject that included a response from someone living in Turkey--you could try a search for the thread. Good luck!

Yes women should cover their heads when visiting a mosque and not wear shorts or sleeveless tops.

Istanbul is a wonderful place - enjoy and stroll

Please see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34832802

Best wishes,

Rex