John G

My mother, Linda, has travelled all over the world, and her favourite place is Turkey (she hates Istanbul, however). She says she has never met such warm, loving people. I wouldn't hesitate to go there upon her recommendation.

JoJo

We're going in early June as well to Istanbul and Cappadocia, and, looking at the Atlas, Turkey and Israel seem pretty not far from each other, even though opinions here say they have different ideologies. We're still going, at this point....

Annie

The thread about purchasing carpets was titled "How much did you pay for your carpets in Turkey." If you do a search for it, I think you will find the information on this thread is very good.

x

Okay, so I'm geographically challenged, but I have a question. Is Turkey in the Middle East? And what exactly is the Middle East? I know it's not a continent, so is Istrael part of Asia? If I went to Egypt, is that considered going to Africa or the Middle East? This is very important as I'm trying to determine which continent I've been to LOL : ) Thanks

x

Terrorists, earthquakes, food poisoning. The Place is just too risky! I urge you not to go. We are going and the more silly people who cancel their travel plans, the cheaper the hotel rooms will be, the less crowded the restaurants and the better deals that I'll be able to get shopping. <BR><BR>So avoid Turkey. You might go someplace safer, say Italy. Don't worry about the threats to target American tourists there.

Heather

"x", I had the same questions about Turkey. I had a very nice email from a resident of Istanbul who saw something I posted about my upcoming trip in the Fall. He said that Turkey doesn't really consider itself a part of the Middle East. Is this an ideological separation or is Turkey really not considered part of the Middle East? I guess my confusion was sparked by the fact that Fodor's includes Turkey in the Europe and Middle East Forums but not the Asia Forum when the vast majority of the country is in Asia.<BR><BR>Or, perhaps I'm just more befuddled than normal due to my cold medicine.<BR><BR>Right now, I have no intention of cancelling my plans for Sept./Oct. But, Christine, you should make your plans (or break your plans) based upon your feelings. I hope that you do what is best for you and your family in your estimation. Good luck with the decision.

Teri

DO NOT CANCEL!!! It was the best trip I have ever taken and I have visited 28 countries. The people a warm, friendly and the country is beautiful. I was on the wrong ferry and a sweet old man walked me to the correct one and even paid a token for me to board, he was so concerned I might get lost. The ruins are amazing especially Ephesus. We stayed at the Cirigan Palace in Istanbul. It was like a dream. Plese do not miss it.

go

Yip Turkey has a beauty like no other place on earth...mystical powers await anyone with an open, respectful heart and mind...

wch

I had never even thought of adding Turkey to my list of countries to visit. After reading this thread, I am ready to go visit! I've already bookmarked the Pacha Tours web site.<BR><BR>The positive and helpful comments on this site are great! Keep 'em coming.

Christine

Thanks so much to everyone for your input (and your overwhelming support for travel to Turkey!). I am genuinely saddened at the thought of not getting to see such a beautiful and unique place. Actually, I realized that the five days we had originally reserved for Turkey would never have allowed us to do justice to the country. Since we have our hearts set on watching the sun set in Santorini, we've decided to dedicate this trip to Greece and reserve our next trip to Turkey- hopefully at a time when the mideast situation seems a little less threatening. Of course, judging from the recent protests in Athens we might be rethinking going to Greece! Thanks again for all your valuable input.

Todd

You are a scardy cat-=-a big wimp! You are safer there than in most major US cities !If you were going to somewhere with high violent crime rates like western part of the US south, eg., Texas, your chance of harm would be greater. Or maybe a place like nyc..

scaredycat

Todd thanks for singling me out and picking on me. By the way have you ever been to the Middle East?

Todd

turkey is not the middle east!

scaredycat

No Todd it isn't but it's right next to it-duh.....

anon

Turkey isn't the Middle East? 99% is in Asia and the population is almost all Muslim. What is it then, Antarctica? <BR>They have been fortunate to have an enlightened founding father, but that doesn't mean that it's not the Middle East?

Todd

Turkey, while straddling, is in Europe. It is even trying to join the EU!! Being right next to something means nothing. Alaska is right next to former USSR. Greece and Italy are near middle east but have completely different cultures. Turkey has a very different culture from the Middle East. And anyway terrorist, as we know, are not limited geograhically. We are talking about paranoia here!

Bay

Christine--I just returned from a ten day trip to Istanbul and I think you are over reacting. It was a great trip and I felt very safe regardless where I was. The people are very pro-American and the militia is present everywhere. Go and have a great time.

Bay

Anna--If you will send me a note I will give you some good places to shop for rugs and hopefully some straight advise on buying Turkish rugs. I just returned last Saturday from Turkey.

anon

Author: Todd ([email protected]) try to focus here. The issue is geopgraphy. Your example about Alaska is absurd - it is in North America. <BR><BR>The Middle East is not a culture, it's a place. Turkey is squarely in the Middle East. <BR><BR>

sinan

Anybody who wants to go to turkiye(turkey)in this forum write me to [email protected]<BR>you may get good advice free of charge<BR><BR>Mehmet Sinan Akdeniz