Dress in Istanbul/countryside
Jul 22nd, 2004 | 08:04 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2003
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Dress in Istanbul/countryside
Have done all the planning for a 3 week trip to Turkey (Istanbul/Turquoise Coast)but forgot to ask about the appropriate dress in Istanbul/countryside for my girl friend...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and get me back in her good graces...thanks, Bob
Jul 22nd, 2004 | 11:04 PM
#2
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I've visited my Turkish boyfriend's family several times, and I have asked this question many times before.
In Istanbul and the beach resorts your girlfriend can get away with most clothing - its pretty westernised and you'll get some leniency for being tourists if you misjudge the clothing situation. Actually, being a "secular Turkey" is seen as a priority in the big cities and you can get looked down upon for appearing too conservative.
When in the countryside (or in my case, visiting conservative relatives) I generally avoid shorts and sleeveless tops, and stick with long pants and skirts.
The other issue would be visiting mosques and other religious sites (and more conservative cities like Bursa) Here, definitely no shorts, I bring a light long-sleeve shirt to put on in the mosques. Although some of the mosques lend out pieces of fabric, I'd also suggest your girlfriend pick up a headscarf. They are pretty light and small to carry around and make a cheap souvenir. I have one in my purse all the time in Turkey.
Hope this helps a bit.
In Istanbul and the beach resorts your girlfriend can get away with most clothing - its pretty westernised and you'll get some leniency for being tourists if you misjudge the clothing situation. Actually, being a "secular Turkey" is seen as a priority in the big cities and you can get looked down upon for appearing too conservative.
When in the countryside (or in my case, visiting conservative relatives) I generally avoid shorts and sleeveless tops, and stick with long pants and skirts.
The other issue would be visiting mosques and other religious sites (and more conservative cities like Bursa) Here, definitely no shorts, I bring a light long-sleeve shirt to put on in the mosques. Although some of the mosques lend out pieces of fabric, I'd also suggest your girlfriend pick up a headscarf. They are pretty light and small to carry around and make a cheap souvenir. I have one in my purse all the time in Turkey.
Hope this helps a bit.
