Ooops - I already posted previously above.
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According to Alex best kebab in the world.
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Was there in May for the first time in years
Major highlight was going to see a Whirling Dervish ceremony at Hodjapasha Culture Centre, which I found very moving ,and learning more about Sufism there which I knew only a tad about
Cuma is a restaurant in the antiques district- not very Turkish but the breakfasts and coffee are great and its an interesting area
Food highlight for me was the fish wrap- flat bread, mackerel fillets , spicy sauce and salad- had 3 one day- The very popular place is called I think Solak Lezzeti Tarihi , but the ones nearby without massive queues are damn good too- about £4 each
Pera Museum is a quick cheap visit for a small collection of romantic Turkish art if that’s your thing- painting called The Tortoise Trainer is a highlight, and the art deco cafe there is a nice place to rest your feet
Found the bazaar underwhelming personally - low quality ceramics, and loads of knock off stuff
Best thing to buy is Hammam towels imo- lightweight, fast drying, great quality, nice designs, dirt cheap.
Why in our country we generally prefer thick heavy towels that take forever to dry , God only knows
Baklava places can stock up to about 40 varieties that pretty much all taste the same beyond the pistachio/walnut divide. But they can be nice places to people watch those who have just had surgery on faces, hair transplants or new teeth
Christ I’m old. Recommending towels ffs
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Sounds like the best reason to go! 
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For some, certainly.
But you look at some of them and think " you should have had a few other things sorted…" 
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A great place to gawk at people who’ve just had nose jobs (women) or hair transplants (men).
On the shopping front, I packed a bit light and thought I’d pick up a spare sweatshirt or something, but you literally couldn’t buy anything that didn’t have BALENCIAGA or CHANEL or MONCLER across the front in massive letters.
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Omg so many people with hair transplants it’s quite something. Food is incredible here and people have just been lovely. Easy to get around. Meeting up with my in-laws who live in Russia, they can get here without a visa or much hassle.
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I am going later this year and have booked the cultural centre for a visit. Thanks for referencing.