What is the dress code for visiting mosques in Istanbul (and everyday streetwear)?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 1 day ago
TL;DR
Istanbul mosques usually require you to cover your head, shoulders and legs (scarves/wraps are provided at the entrance), but on regular streets and in cafes shorts and short skirts are fine — you'll just get some extra looks.
What the community said
Mosques in other Turkish cities (e.g. Ankara, Kayseri) are much more relaxed about dress code — you can enter as you are, without a headscarf or wrap.
1 day ago Ankara, Kayseri — no strict dress code
In Istanbul specifically, mosques strictly require you to cover up — a headscarf and a long wrap-around skirt over your regular clothes.
1 day ago Istanbul — headscarf and skirt required
On the streets, in cafes and in everyday life nobody will say anything if you wear shorts or a short skirt, but it does draw extra attention, especially on a first visit.
1 day ago Main streets/cafes — shorts are okay
If you plan to visit a lot of mosques and temples (almost unavoidable on a first trip), it's more convenient to dress modestly from the start rather than changing clothes or feeling awkward at the entrance.
1 day ago