I am so excited. I will be going to Turkey in January. I am sure the time will go slow between now and then. Any must see places that I need to know about. I will spend a few days in Istanbul before going to K. Maras for a week then back to Istanbul for a few more days. How do I find out the list of things I cannot bring back to the states? My friend wants olives, olive oil, spices, etc. I wasnt sure what customs allows and doesnt allow. I cant wait. If only I could improve my Turkish beyond merhaba and nasilsin, lol.

Hagia Sophia, The Cistern (close by), and Topkapi were my favorite touristy places to see in Istanbul. There was a nice day trip up the Marmaris to the Black sea by boat. You stop at the castle ruins near the Black Sea and get to walk around, it is really beautiful there (in the summer). That trip might be way too cold in the Winter.

Ortakoy is a must because it is such a nice place with all these wooden ,colourful houses,narrow streets and Kumpir selling stalls.You should try it!It is incredibly big potato stuffed with delicious things.You should also see Dolmabahce saray,check the opening hours,i think it is closed on Thursdays..Ahhhh,Istanbul you will fall in love with this city for sure!!!!!
you can take oil olive and spices I think,there are some nicely wrapped boxes of spices at Egyptian Bazar( another must )

Thanks. I dont think I will let my husband rest when we get to Turkey. He is flying in from Russia, and I am flying in from the US. I dont think I will sleep these next 3 months just thinking about going there. Can I bring raki from Turkey> I have a friend who is asking to try it.

I brought in a big bottle to the U.S. wrapped up very well in my baggage last time. It leaked a little bit, but my clothes smelled very nice! Read all the importation documents on the way into your home country.