Lori

My undestanding is that Friday is the "sabbath" for Moslems. Does this present any problems with closings, ie shops, sites, etc.? <BR> <BR>Also, can I (woman) get away with short sleeves at the Mosques, etc.? (In Israel at the various holy sites you were okay as long as you had your shoulders covered--Fodors book inferred that you needed long sleeves) Also, do please let me know if I can wear shorts and any comments on head coverings. I don't happen to have any scarves for my head---guess I might be buying one in Istanbul??? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>(also, Paulo, if you happen to be reading this, thank you very much for your previous post to me. I've been having problems posting replies, accessing, etc.)

michele

Lori, <BR>I don't recall Istanbul shutting down on Fridays; it's pretty secular. At the mosques you will be provided with a wrap if you are <BR>inappropriately attired. I was wearing a knee length skirt at one and was given a wrap to cover my legs. <BR>To be respectful and to avoid unwanted attention I would advise modest attire at all times.You do see women in shorts, but they really stand out. If you are going in the summer it's also good protection from the sun.( I wore very lightweight pants, short sleeved or light long sleeved shirts most of the time). <BR> Have fun. Istanbul is a fascinating place. <BR> <BR>Michele <BR> <BR> <BR>

Paulo

Lori <BR> <BR>I actually didn't see any differences going to mosques on Fridays and during prayer time the other days of the week. If you happen to be at a mosque entrance door during prayer time, you'll probably see a long queue of tourists waiting to get in. If you're appropriately dressed and respectful, there's nobody that will bar you at the main entrance door (which muslims use to get in). <BR> <BR>At some mosques they indeed will provide one with a wrap but not in all mosques we visited. Our first experience was in Bursa, at prayer time. We had the choice to wait in line with other visitors or to dress appropriately. Wearing pants and short sleeved shirts we guys were ok. Our ladies (with shorts and short sleeved shirts) were not, but they soon realized that it was very easy to comply. They bought two silk scarves on the spot. A big one (guess one should call it a wrap) to put around the waist and a smaller one for covering the head (which was also good for covering the shoulders) ... and they were perfect! Both pieces were so light and folded so tiny that they fitted in a small purse. No sweat at all. Once inside, one shouldn't behave like tourists (talk loudly, snap flash shots, walk all over the place, etc). Take your shoes of. There may be parts that are off limits. Respect that. You may move, but do so quietly and slowly. Now, I've seen many disrespectful people and nothing happened besides some "ugly looks" ... didn't see anybody being chased away. <BR> <BR>So ... I do recommend that you get these silk scarves ... they're very cheap (I don't think you'll find them in the near vicinities of the Blue mosque, though ... ask your hotel desk where you can get them)! The first time up observe how muslims behave and take it from there. <BR> <BR>Paulo

lori

Thank you for your comments, and glad to hear that one of our few days (Friday) will not be limited and I don't have to worry about my hubby not packing long-sleeved shirts either. I'll go ahead and buy the scarves when I arrive---souveneir for me too! Thanks again for the advice.

julie

We were in Istanabul last year. While a secular country, the culture demands that you be "modest". Anything less than that would be an affront, I should think. Most ladies cover their head. I have a couple of light shifts (Long, and also double as a nighty) that I wear. Incidentally, they are the coolest thing you could wear, as the breezes, if there are any can flow freely. There are many beautiful scarfs to buy, and long shifts too, if you have the time. PS. Be sure to go to the spice market.