Still safe to visit Turkey?
Jul 3rd, 2012, 06:07 AM
#1
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Still safe to visit Turkey?
We have a trip planned for September to Turkey. I haven't been bothered by the news over the past year regarding everything going on in the Middle East, with Syria, etc...until recently. I don't know why - but recently I've become a bit more concerned - perhaps it's due to the jet being shot down and Turkey/Syria relations being in the news more frequently. I understand most potential issues/dangers are isolated to region around the Syria border, but I can't possibly be the ONLY person out there worried about political and religious fanatics who take things to extreme and may target Westerners and other areas of Turkey in revenge or to prove their power, etc.
I understand from everything I read it is perfectly safe...but a lot of those posts are from 2011. Has anyone recently gotten back from Turkey and can you confirm you felt as safe as anywhere? Is anyone else out there like me that still excited and looking forward to going to Turkey but just a little nervous given everything going on? Or has anyone changed their plans or opted against going to Turkey?
(FYI - we are NOT going with a tour group, but are visiting a few key tourist areas - Istanbul, Izmir/coast, and Cappadocia - all of which I am aware are NOT near Syria)
I understand from everything I read it is perfectly safe...but a lot of those posts are from 2011. Has anyone recently gotten back from Turkey and can you confirm you felt as safe as anywhere? Is anyone else out there like me that still excited and looking forward to going to Turkey but just a little nervous given everything going on? Or has anyone changed their plans or opted against going to Turkey?
(FYI - we are NOT going with a tour group, but are visiting a few key tourist areas - Istanbul, Izmir/coast, and Cappadocia - all of which I am aware are NOT near Syria)
Jul 3rd, 2012, 06:15 AM
#2
chill, it's a big country and the Turks are sensible, my hairdresser just got back and asked me "is it near Syria?"
"but I can't possibly be the ONLY person out there worried about political and religious fanatics who take things to extreme and may target Westerners and other areas of Turkey in revenge or to prove their power" welcome to the world outside the USA
the rest of us just "keep calm and carry on".
"but I can't possibly be the ONLY person out there worried about political and religious fanatics who take things to extreme and may target Westerners and other areas of Turkey in revenge or to prove their power" welcome to the world outside the USA
the rest of us just "keep calm and carry on".
Jul 3rd, 2012, 06:58 AM
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I too am planning a trip to Greece/Turkey in October. I am also a little nervous but no more than anytime I travel. I am not changing my plans. The way I look at it is I am probably in more danger in New York or Washington DC. Enjoy your trip
Jul 3rd, 2012, 07:46 AM
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Like kmh7, I'll be in Turkey/Greece/Italy in October. I was in London during the bombings in the 1980's. I've been in the Gaza Strip when there were shooting. I did not even know about it until I returned to Tel Aviv. I did, however, get a hole in my slacks because I got too close to the barbed wire fence! The world can be a dangerous place. Life is an adventure...embrace it.
Jul 3rd, 2012, 04:31 PM
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We were also in Greece and Turkey last month - and had a great time. Scariest thing was that happened to us was our cross-country van ride to our balloon launch in Cappadoccia.
As kmh points out, probably safer in Greece and Turkey than in most cities in he US. I wouldn't cancel unless the State Department issues a warning or Otherchelebi tells you not to come
As kmh points out, probably safer in Greece and Turkey than in most cities in he US. I wouldn't cancel unless the State Department issues a warning or Otherchelebi tells you not to come
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:59 AM
#8
Thanks for the vote of confidence not-enuf_vaca.
We have just a wee amount of worry but feel that any foolhardiness by the Turkish agovernment will be quashed by all other concerned parties and not only by Russia and China.
The fact that the opposition to Essad in Syria is very fragmented with the additional information we have that if Esad disappears now, a jihadist moslem brotherhood faction is likely to force itself into power is not seen as very attractive by the United States and the European Community.
Honestly, the probability of an earthquake, although still less than one % for any specific two week period, is more than the probability of war. The advantage is that you can take better precautions against an eartquake like staying in old stone houses or very new upscale hotels and spend most of your time on the beach or sightseeing among ruins or out in the country.
Just a reminder, do not crawl under beds, tables, etc. and do not stay under doorways. Instead take the fetal position lying down next to a refrigerator, a bed or any bulky heavy furniture or appliance to protect yourself from being crushed by collapsing girders and ceilings and roofs, and to allow yourself an air and safety pocket.
I do not wish to scare anyone but we have been having tremors in Italy, Greece and Turkey for the last six months or so. This probably means that it is over for the time being but it also helps to be prepared. As a lecturer in Risk and Risk Management, I could not let this opportunity slip.
We have just a wee amount of worry but feel that any foolhardiness by the Turkish agovernment will be quashed by all other concerned parties and not only by Russia and China.
The fact that the opposition to Essad in Syria is very fragmented with the additional information we have that if Esad disappears now, a jihadist moslem brotherhood faction is likely to force itself into power is not seen as very attractive by the United States and the European Community.
Honestly, the probability of an earthquake, although still less than one % for any specific two week period, is more than the probability of war. The advantage is that you can take better precautions against an eartquake like staying in old stone houses or very new upscale hotels and spend most of your time on the beach or sightseeing among ruins or out in the country.
Just a reminder, do not crawl under beds, tables, etc. and do not stay under doorways. Instead take the fetal position lying down next to a refrigerator, a bed or any bulky heavy furniture or appliance to protect yourself from being crushed by collapsing girders and ceilings and roofs, and to allow yourself an air and safety pocket.
I do not wish to scare anyone but we have been having tremors in Italy, Greece and Turkey for the last six months or so. This probably means that it is over for the time being but it also helps to be prepared. As a lecturer in Risk and Risk Management, I could not let this opportunity slip.
Jul 7th, 2012, 06:20 AM
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A friend of mine just cam back from one of her regular trips to a Turkish animal shelter. She is not in the least bit worried about making these trips, either due to potential political problems, or fear of earthquakes 
.
.
Jul 9th, 2012, 10:27 AM
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Thanks for all the responses. I know it seems silly to some to worry about something miles upon miles away, but I guess I just had a moment of panic with all the news recently regarding Syria/Turkey tensions, and as I said, some people as we know are a bit fanatics will take revenge on anyone for any reason. We live in NYC, and we were in NYC on 9/11, so we've become use to the keep calm and carry on mentality but also remaining a bit alert too...either way, it's just nice to know there are some others out there that just don't blow us off by saying "you're being ridiculous"...nice to hear a few people still have a little worry but are going (or have gone) as well and are in our same boat!
Jul 11th, 2012, 02:58 PM
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I recall the postings on this site in the aftermath of 9/11. Those travelers visiting Turkey on that day exclaimed over the kindnesses they received from Turks. It goes to show that when things get tough, the best comes out in people. I traveled to Germany one month later (made non-refundable reservations on 9/10) and frankly have never found people to be more solicitous, although I was scared - no - really SKEERED - to fly. How strong one feels to overcome fear. Have fun on your trip.
