A couple of other observations:
a. Istanbul has tons of security. Virtually every tourist hotel and many restaurants have metal detectors, and many places check cars.
b. Drivers are crazy, but they know how to drive. I've never seen as many near hits as on the roads of Istanbul.
c. Istanbul is a beautiful city.
d. We are coming up on Ramadan in September, which means that many people fast during the day, but there are all kinds of interesting nighttime activities.

I wouldn't hesitate in going to Istanbul, and in fact I'm planning a trip there myself in a month.