Can photographs be taken in Istanbul as of August/September 2016?

I'd like to go visit Istanbul in one of the next weeks; I'm not scared by it (I mean, things can happen anywhere), just concerned about possible consequences of taking photos.

I've heard a few third-hand reports about police -- before the coup -- being a bit harsh on photographers. Is it still the same, or even worse than that? Perhaps it has never been like that and those reports has just being exaggerated? I can evaluate how much risk I am prepared to take if I can get access to current information about the police.

I'd obviously avoid sensitive targets (policemen, military personnel and buildings). But I like to take photos of common places, too, so while I'll probably take photos of famous buildings I could take shots of common houses, telephone boots, generic skyscraper...everything that can make a good shot. But then, I've heard (from a friend of a friend of a friend...) that you can get in trouble with police if they think you are shooting things that they think are not interesting and thus you are not supposed to take photos of.

Best Answer

Local here.

I'm not sure you already visited here or not since you said "one of the next weeks", but I will drop my two cent.

NicolasZ's answer is quite accurate. If there is no "publication ban" (which is sometimes taken by government after some attacks for a specific area ) for the place you want to take photograph, you are always good to take it. Period. There is no law to prevent taking photos. Even if the police came near to you and ask what is going on, just explain them properly. Nothing happens.

I'd obviously avoid sensitive targets (policemen, military personnel and buildings)

Good because someone under arrested just because of try to catch a Pokemon with his mobile camera in front of a police station :) Of course he released after sometime but hey..

Source with Google Translate: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=tr&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Ft24.com.tr%2Fhaber%2Feksi-sozluk-yazari-pokemon-go-yuzunden-gozaltina-alindim%2C349301&edit-text=

But I like to take photos of common places, too, so while I'll probably take photos of famous buildings I could take shots of common houses, telephone boots, generic skyscraper...everything that can make a good shot.

You will have no problem while you taking photos of the common places.