Among the world's largest cities in Muslim nations, the Turkey's biggest city, Istanbul (population 13.1 million), is easily the most accepting of gays and lesbians. That being said, Istanbul's GLBT community is still fairly discreet compared other major cities in Europe. Still, the city's Istanbul Gay Pride Festival (Istanbul Onurhaftasi) has quickly become a major event with a considerable attendance. Istanbul Turkey Gay Pride takes place in late June - the dates this year are June 24 to June 30, 2013
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Istanbul during Gay Pride.
Turkey's Istanbul Gay Pride Week, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, consists of a variety of GLBT arts and cultural events, including films, discussions, dance workshops, a picnic, and several parties and other gatherings. Pride Week in Istanbul culminates on Sunday, June 30, with the Istanbul Gay Pride March, on İstiklal Caddesi Taksim (İstiklal Avenue), one of the most prominent and fashionable neighborhoods in the city.
Additionally, gay-popular bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops in the area have more going on than usual during Pride week. Check online resources about the Budapest gay scene, such as the Istanbul Gay Guide at IstanbulGay.com and the NightTours Gay Guide to Istanbul. Also take a look at the helpful visitor site produced by the country's official tourism organization, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office.
