Istanbul is a city of many contrasts, it is where east meets west, Asia collides with Europe and ancient architecture is 'conveniently' located next to Mcdonalds and Starbucks. Istanbul's historic core is the main tourist drag and it is where I spent my days, particularly in Sultanahmet Square. When I heard this area was bombed, my heart sank; Istanbul is such a vibrant city with so much to see and do, I fear for their tourism industry, which sees 11 million travellers annually, will be severely affected by this attack. Being an islander (Bahamian) I know the severity of lost tourism dollars and its depressive economic effects on a people, as the island I live on, Grand Bahama, has long suffered due to a tourism down-turn for several years now.
After having heard of the attacks I still want to encourage you to consider Turkey as a travel destination, but I do advise if you plan on visiting, please thoroughly check and re-check all travel warnings issued by your home country. Take their warnings seriously and read up online of current events in Turkey prior to your trip. KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.