25/01/2016
Turkey Safety and Travel Tips
To travel safely in Turkey, it’s best to avoid demonstrations.
What Travelers Should Know About Visiting Turkey Right Now
Turkey, long known for its confluence of cultures, remains a warm and welcoming country to visit. With the November 2015 elections in the rearview mirror, political unrest has settled down; however, as is the case with many countries in the Middle East and Europe, it’s important to be aware of the potential for terrorist activity.
The U.S. State Department does not advise against travel to Turkey, but warns travelers to remain vigilant and stay aware of their surroundings. In October 2015, two bombs went off at a rally in Turkey’s capital, Ankara. No organization has claimed responsibility, but travelers are strongly advised to avoid all protests. While most demonstrations occur without issue, and with security, even intentionally peaceful gatherings can quickly take an unexpectedly violent turn.
In Istanbul, most demonstrations happen in Taksim Square and Kadikoy, and in central Ankara, they tend to take place in the Kizilay district and central Izmir. Visitors should stay tuned-in to the national media and avoid conflict zones near the Syrian border and regions of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Mus, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Siirt, Tunceli and Van in southeast Turkey.
In terms of other considerations, Turkish people are very friendly and accommodating to travelers. Walk almost any city or village throughout the country, and you’ll encounter locals perched on stools in front of shops and cafes sipping tea from tulip-shaped glasses. More often than not, they’ll invite you to sit with them, upholding their reputation as an outgoing and hospitable bunch. And with the Turkish Lira at its weakest in more than a decade, it’s an opportune time to score deals on local handmade crafts, hotels and dining options.
What Should You See in Turkey?
A trip to Turkey is not complete without visiting its most famous city. Straddling both the Asian and European continents, split by the peaceful Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul covers the entire travel spectrum — from back alley tea shops to chic rooftop bars to millennium-old mosques where the call to prayer bellows from towering minarets. While you could spend an entire trip just visiting historic sites and museums like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, you also don’t need to — just walking Istanbul’s sidewalks is bound to reveal plenty of history lessons.
Additional Ways to Stay Safe in Turkey
The U.S. government’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows users access to important safety information and updates about specific travel destinations in a timely manner, through email and text messages. It also allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in the case of an emergency. Staying informed of current developments is a good way to ensure a safer trip.
On the ground, group or private tours not only offer a hassle-free way to experience a destination, they can provide an additional layer of safety; having a professional guide in Turkey means you have direct access to someone who speaks the language and is attuned to local happenings, helping you avoid any potentially dangerous situations. Having a professional guide may also expose you to other facets of the local culture and allow you to safely venture to off-the-beaten-track places you perhaps wouldn’t visit on your own.
One more important safety note: Take out the earbuds and put away the smart phone. While your beloved handheld technology devices might be useful for insightful travel apps and maps, they also distract you from your surroundings. Be mindful about when to use your phone or tablet — sitting at a cafe is a much better choice than in the chaos of Taksim Square.
Once you have all of these safety tips in mind, settle into a meyhane with a glass of raki and some locals and enjoy Turkey’s famous hospitality and culture.
