I took a very last minute trip to Turkey and spent 5 days there. I am going to try not to sound redundant because what Lothario and others have said have been on point..
If you're looking to get that
Turkish flag in Istanbul then you're not going to get it going solo. Before the trip I went on CS to find someone younger, preferrably still in university to show me around. Magically, one girl messaged me saying she would show me around.
I had a hard time getting a conversation going with girls on the tram, streets, etc mostly due to the language barrier. The only real conversations I had (without the help of my CS [/u]friend) was with the workers in the malls. Try to get out of the touristy area and hit up Takism and the surronding areas.
There were ton of european/asian tourist though. I had more sucess chatting with the Chinese woman in one day then I did with Turkish girls during my whole stay. Too bad most of them were in large sight seeing groups.
As for
location I divided my time between the Four Seasons/Antique Hostel which is right near the Blue Mosque stop. That's right near most of the attractions. It's only a 10 min tram ride to Takism also. During my last day, I actually hung out with a average looking Brazillan girl. I feel like this might be a good country to get a few other flags.
Now the girl who I met on CS showed me around for a couple of days. If you can get in contact with someone than that would
INCREASE your chances. Within that first day she introduced me to her sister, two other girl-friends, and another dude. On the last day she invited me to have a tradational dinner with her sister, a couple, and her other roommate. I def had a good time getting to know her sister but I can't say, "if I had more time..." I tell you what though, if you get yourself a Turkish GF they will treat you like a king. Myself and the other married guy I was with didn't have to lift a finger. Drinks were poured, food was put in our plates, women did all the dishes, etc etc. Guy said it's just how it is.
Def seems like this is the marriage first before lots of sex type of society. I was asked by the couple at the CS place and by other people if I was.
WARNING: Stay away from people asking you for tea also. That CS told me a story about how a Canadian was "taken" for some money after he accepted some. As soon as I got off tbe tram some guy was really incessant about having some tea with him.