I live in Istanbul and so can provide some information.

It is true that the situation in Istanbul/Turkey sounds scary. However, on the ground in Istanbul you don't really notice it as much as one might think. People are pretty much just getting on with their lives. The violence has had devastating consequences for the Turks and so many family business have closed -- sad. Even though daily life feels pretty normal, if you are an international newbie or prone to anxiety I'd suggest you not come. You will notice that when you're stuck in a crowd, or having to pass by an area with lots of police that your heart rate goes up a bit and nervousness sets in and that's no fun.

Istanbul is not a cheap city. That said, if you are single you'll be able to save and travel on an IS salary. Be prepared to drop some cash to get set up in your new place, be that school provided or self chosen. School provided places are barely outfitted and so bland that teachers generally feel the need to purchase items to "round them out". If you want live in your own place, expect the rent to be $500 or more for a decent one bedroom.

Traffic in Istanbul is a nightmare! Many don't care to use the metro at the moment, but it and the ferries are pretty much the only way to move around the city easily. That said, the metro stations are few and far between so you'll likely be stuck in a taxi trying to get to the metro. Taxis are cheap and everywhere!

Travel from Istanbul is cheap and easy. You can fly just about anywhere from Istanbul and for decent prices. For instance a roundtrip ticket to Rome is about $150, to London $140. Within Turkey you can travel very cheaply and there are truly some fantastic destinations.

For a city of 17-million, Istanbul is amazingly shy of anything remotely resembling culinary diversity. There are thousands of cafes and restaurants -- all of which serve largely the exact same things! You can easily find produce (nice selection year-round) and other items to cook at home. And, as mentioned you can literally have ANYTHING delivered to your door - items from the pet shop, the pharmacy, the liquor store, restaurants, groceries... . You cannot drink the water and must buy bottled water.

On a random note, if you are a person who needs greenery, has bad knees or is really out of shape you might want to pass on Istanbul. It is a very hilly city and you will climb a lot of stairs/hills. There is very little in the way of green here - parks are few and far between. Air quality is generally fine, although in the winter one sometimes encounters a bit of coal smoke (and there is a lot of cigarette smoke!!).

Lastly, the Turkish people are so lovely. Once you settle into your neighborhood and start visiting the grocer, baker, coffee shop on a regular basis you will be warmly accepted (if you also extend a friendly hand).