Istanbul Bound - Suggestions?

Hello friends! I'm flying to Istanbul with my husband and dear friend Esra in November and I can't wait! Istanbul has long been a destination on my "dream vacation" list so now that I'm only 2 hours and 40 minutes by plane, non-stop, then I figured I'd seize the moment and just do it! I'm extremely excited to be flying to this exotic destination in four weeks. Have you visited before? Oh if so, please fill me in on what awaits us there! My friend is Turkish so we can easily get around the city thanks to her - plus she knows my taste and promises to take Thorsten and I to places that we'll love. But, you know, I always like to hear what suggestions YOU have because whenever I post about an upcoming vacation you always give me the best tips! Plus, for others going to Istanbul soon (like my blog friend Alina) your tips can really help us all so please, share, share and share some more!

I can't wait to go to Dhoku (for a patchwork rug!), Abdulla for bath things, and definitely Tulu (for pillows and fabric). In fact, I plan to take a billion photos so I'll share my trip with you on decor8 upon my return. I'll be there during the first week of November so you can expect my trip posts shortly thereafter. I leave for Marrakesh, Morocco in 10 days as well... and I'll share highlights from Morocco on decor8 too. You have lots of exotic destinations to enjoy through my eyes over the next few months. Yay!

But first, Instanbul and places to go, things to see... What are some must-see locations there?

(images: tulu)