Asian Side or Etiler?

We are moving to Istanbul in Jan 2010 with my husbands job.  We have been to visit to get an idea of areas to live and can't decide between Etiler or the Asian side.  My husbands work will be on the Asian side but I wondered if the expat community was as strong on the Asian side as in Etiler?  We have a 2 yr old and I won't be working to start with so will want to meet other Mums in my situation.  Any advice useful! Thanks