Arriving in July - advice (Istanbul)

Hello - I just joined this website and learning much -thank you (I don't even know how to post a photo).

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you could offer advice. I will be working in Istanbul for a minimum of 2 years - I do not officially begin until August but have all of July free. I thought I might arrive and see if there are reputable and relatively inexpensive tour groups through Turkey/Bulgaria?

Also, I am so open to any tips arriving. I already have an apartment in Uskudar near my job. I am also a gay man if anyone has any thoughts on life there as a gay man (not much of a bar guy btw).

Thanks,
Robert