The World Wide Web makes it simple to do additional research before you leave home. These sites provide a range of information, from destination overviews to up-to-date listings on everything from restaurants, hotels, and local events, as well as valuable links to other sites:
www.kultur.gov.tr is the official site of the Turkish Ministry of Culture, and an excellent source for information and links to the country's major arts events.
www.tourismturkey.org is the website of the Ministry of Tourism.
www.turkishdailynews.com and www.turkishpress.com, the sites for Turkey's two English-language dailies, allow you to plug into real-time issues.
www.mymerhaba.com is for ex-patriots by ex-patriots, but we like to eavesdrop on them, too.
www.thegate.com is the local magazine you're most likely to pick up in the airport (it's free). The online version mirrors the print edition with current info on Istanbul, plus a "Turkey from A to Z" link.