Clothing & Mosque Visits
Turkey is more relaxed about clothing than many assume — at the coast and in Istanbul, swimwear, shorts, and tank tops are normal. In the interior and in conservative neighborhoods, a bit more coverage is respectful.
Mosque Visits
- Shoes: Always remove them (bring a plastic bag or place them on the shelves at the entrance)
- Women: Headscarf (often provided at the entrance), shoulders and knees covered
- Men: Long trousers (no shorts), shoulders covered
- Behavior: Quiet, no eating/drinking, photography without flash, do not disturb during prayer
- Prayer times: During the 5 daily prayers (especially Friday noon, Cuma Namazı), tourist access is restricted or closed
💡 Tipp
Always carry a light scarf or pashmina in your bag — perfect as a headscarf for spontaneous mosque visits, as sun protection, and as shoulder covering in restaurants. For men, a light, long pair of trousers is sufficient.