In terms of historical sites, the blue mosque is beautful, the hajira sufiyan is must do - the ottoman palace was franky dissapointing. The hype did not match up to to reality. The harem baths of the Ottoman Caliph - Shadow of God on Earth - were actually quite small. It was not apparent to me how he fit in all his wives and concubines there.

The Safavi palaces in Iran and the mughal palaces in India and Pakistan are better (no offense to my turkish friends). Any one seen fatehpur sikri?

Turkey is a fascinating country with a lot to see. I love going to Instambul. Apart from the historic sites, I recommend the ride across the bosphorus channel. The lunch buffet at the Chiracan palace. Fantastic nightclubs, restuarants and cafe places.

Other than istambul, I liked Bodrum which is where the turks go in the summer for their holidays. You can fly directly or get there by flying to izmir and driving. The ride along the Aegian and visits to the ancient cites of Troy and Ephasis are a must do for first timers.

One thing to watch out are the travel operators at the airport and the taxi drivers who will try their best to swindle you. Best to avoid the travel operators who provide little value and charge huge fees and alwasy go with the meter on the taxis.

if you like, email me on naseeb and Ill introduce you to a turkish guy friend there who can give you better tips.