What should I wear in Turkey?

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim-majority country, with an estimated 98% of the population identifying as Muslim, primarily Sunni Muslims.

In cities, most Turkish Muslims dress in Western-style clothing, similar to what you'd see in Europe or North America. In popular cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia, you can get away with shorts and a t shirt, but try to have longer shorts, dresses, and skirts and avoid wearing tank tops and spaghetti straps. While tourist areas are more liberal, modest dress is respectful to their culture.

Women in conservative or rural areas might wear traditional Islamic clothing, which can include headscarves. If you are traveling to a more rural area, you'll want to wear pants, long skirts, and shirts that cover your shoulders. Avoid anything that has a low chest or back.

If you are planning to visit a mosque or religious site, you will be required to cover your knees, shoulders, and your head. Bring a scarf to cover your head. Some places they sell head covers for the women and knee covers for the men if their shorts are not long enough. At the Hagia Sofia, it is 30 TL for a head scarf, but some sites, like the Blue Mosque, they are free and provided to visitors. You will also have to take off your shoes to enter the Blue Mosque so make sure you wear socks or bring a pair of socks if you are wearing sandals.