Might be a silly question but.......

[Chocoholic]

We all have our own opinions but at the end of the day it is a Muslim country, we are only guests and to go topless is not in their culture at all. They should not have to endure our western ways, would you offer them a bacon buttie?

[Bev & Mandy]

[maggie21]

Chris you sure now how to get debates going on here

[Chocoholic]

Chris sure is very astute and understanding to even think about it, some people just accept things without thinking it through. Very respectful and sensible question I think.

[reesy1959]

I wonder if the Turkish Government would rather have a beach full of topless women bringing money into their Country, than no tourists spending money?

Like I said earlier on in the thread too, I personally never have and never would go topless, but I do think its a bit unfair to label women as easy because they go topless!

Maybe time to lock the thread, the question has been answered.

[Chris221273]

Or easy!!!

[Chris221273]

And at the end of the day my girlfriend is a primary school teacher, and when those of you that are in icmeler when we are hopefully meet up with us, you will find she is one of the most lovely, polite and kind women you could ever wish to meet!
And far far from easy!!!!!
And irrespective of religion, as I know very devout Muslims in the uk who run shops, garages etc etc, and openly sell adult magazines. To say they frown upon seeing a beautiful woman maybe topless is very hard for me to believe!!
Chris

[icmeler rocks]

not getting into religion or ethics but at the end of the day LIFE IS TOO SHORT so enjoy it

[dragon]

I know a primary school teacher who debated whether to take her top off on the beach (not in Turkey). Not long after taking it off she was just getting comfortable and relaxed when she heard 'Hiya Miss.' She wished that she'd taken a few minutes longer before deciding to take it off

[Chocoholic]

And at the end of the day my girlfriend is a primary school teacher, and when those of you that are in icmeler when we are hopefully meet up with us, you will find she is one of the most lovely, polite and kind women you could ever wish to meet!
And far far from easy!!!!!
And irrespective of religion, as I know very devout Muslims in the uk who run shops, garages etc etc, and openly sell adult magazines. To say they frown upon seeing a beautiful woman maybe topless is very hard for me to believe!!
Chris

With all due respect, the Muslims you speak of live here, not there, it was their choice to live in this Western world- you will see no adult magazines on display for sale in Turkey. When in Rome etc. I am not saying a woman is easy who goes topless, I just meant that it gives the wrong impression of us western women and as I said before I have heard some rather unsavoury comments from these guys about topless ladies regardless of how sweet, polite or beautiful the woman is. My best male friend here is a Muslim from the Ivory Coast and he does not like to see women flaunt themselves as they do, he cannot understand it and he thinks some things should be left private but he has to accept it as he lives here. You were not brought up with their ideals so you will never understand, also you are not female and do not have to endure being chatted up most of the time because they have the wrong idea. I have walked around with friends with hubbys with them sometimes who go when I do and all is fine but on my own?? Hmmm- put it this way- if I wanted as many men as I could fit into my two weeks or so I would be very very busy! It gets me down sometimes. This is the only downside to my holidays there- the unwanted male attention. In fact my best friend came with me once and never again- she loved Icmeler but she could not hack the constant attention and inuendo's and no- she does not wear mini's and skimpy tops.

Seems to be the women on here with the same opinion as me and not the men.....I wonder why???????

Try living in a Muslim country and mix and live among the locals and then tell me your opinion on this.

[reesy1959]

I am female, and agree with above - life is too short, live and let live.

As far as the young innocent muslim waiters, doesn't stop them trying to bed any woman, any age, topless or not topless. I dont think they are as innocent as you are making out they are. Seen too much of their antics on my many visits also.

[Chocoholic]

I am female, and agree with above - life is too short, live and let live.

As far as the young innocent muslim waiters, doesn't stop them trying to bed any woman, any age, topless or not topless. I dont think they are as innocent as you are making out they are. Seen too much of their antics on my many visits also.

Yes- that is my whole point....any woman, any age but ONLY Western women- NOT their women because they have the upmost respect to their women when it comes down to sex. They are not so innocent but they are men and men the whole world over have one thing on their minds! My point is we are treated different to the way they would treat a muslim local girl because they have seen our ways when we are on holiday.
No disrespect but I think your post proves all I have posted. Also not all of us have a husband or partner to accompany us on holiday.

[reesy1959]

I am female, and agree with above - life is too short, live and let live.

As far as the young innocent muslim waiters, doesn't stop them trying to bed any woman, any age, topless or not topless. I dont think they are as innocent as you are making out they are. Seen too much of their antics on my many visits also.

Yes- that is my whole point....any woman, any age but ONLY Western women- NOT their women because they have the upmost respect to their women when it comes down to sex. They are not so innocent but they are men and men the whole world over have one thing on their minds! My point is we are treated different to the way they would treat a muslim local girl because they have seen our ways when we are on holiday.

I agree in that they only disrepsect the Western Woman, and they would never treat their own women the way I have seen British women treated.

But on the other hand, Chris asked the question about his 45 year old partner, who wants to go topless. That is her choice, and the guys will look, thats natural, but if she is comfortable to take off her bikini top, then I say go for it. If a woman is sunbathing with her partner/Husband, then feel free to enjoy your sunbathing session - some folks just HATE strap marks. Just follow the rules, and keep covered if you are going to the bar/restaurant etc.

Wish I had the body and was of the age to consider it

[Chris221273]

Chocoholic, I asked a simple question, of which I assumed I would get a simple answer, not a personal vendetta against a woman who might like to go topless!!! You obviously have several issues regarding people who want to go topless, smoke, want beach entertainment or just generally want to enjoy themselves!!!
Enjoy your holiday!!!!!!!!
Chris

[reesy1959]

Chocoholic, I replied to your post at 9:31, and agreed with you on certain points you made.

When I next looked, you had edited your post at 9:33.

Your addition is

No disrespect but I think your post proves all I have posted. Also not all of us have a husband or partner to accompany us on holiday.

But Chris's Partner DOES have a partner, Chris will be there with her, a couples holiday, they are togehter. She is not a lone female on holiday on her own.

...........my final conversation on this subject.

[Chocoholic]

This is also my final post on this subject;

It never ceases to amaze me that people visit other Countries that have different ideals and culture and make absolutely no effort to find out, enqire or understand the values and standards of the people who live there and behave exactly as they would here. We are much more liberal here in the Western world and regardless of if you think is good or bad is irrelevent but we should respect the people and customs there and behave accordingly. As I said before we are guests in their Country.


Have a nice day everyone- and dont forget to keep your top on!

[Colette]

Icmeler is a tourist resort, if women want to get there bazookas out let them. I saw a man sunbathing down by cafe del mar with no shorts on

now that is another story

[wishingwell]

Actually, and I know I am being picky here,Turkey is not a Muslim country.
It is a secular, democratic country, albeit with a predominately Muslim population.

I have lived in Icmeler and on the whole the locals (and it has to be said that while the majority of the waiters etc are not local they come from similar communities), while not altogether approving or understanding the behaviour or way of dress, or undress are very tolerant of tourists.I always found far more comments were made regarding lack of clothing when people (male and female) were walking around the resort rather than on the beach.

Regarding the topless issue I would say fine if you feel comfortable with it on the beach then fine-you are just as likely to get 8 year old British boys pointing and looking (ie my son! ) as you are Turkish men.
As for when out and about in resort, if you wouldn't wear it in your home town High Street on a Saturday afternoon then don't wear it in Icmeler.

Having said all that most people are not judging anyone. They just want everyone to have a nice holiday and return to, what is after all, a tourist destination.
Have a nice holiday

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

the turkish people in icmeler dont mind the tourists
but it is completely different in the turkish towns where its not torelated much at all
women need to cover up and not show much clevage
xxxx

[curlycat]

Well said wishingwell

Chris, I hope you and your partner have a lovely holiday and find Icmeler as relaxing and easy going as my friend and I did.

We choose to take the male attention as a compliment rather than a sign of disrespect, had a great laugh with loads of both turkish men and women, and are very glad to be women who are able to make our own decisions, within what we feel comfortable with and is appropriate.

I think it was a very good question Chris, and very sensitive of you to take the trouble to ask. I'm sure your partner will know what feels right for her once you are in the resort.

As I said, have a lovely holiday.......am jealous.....ha ha

Cat xx