Cancel Istanbul trip?
 

We are to depart in one week. SFO to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Istanbul. One week spent in Istanbul. The second week cruising in the Greek Isles. Are we crazy to go? Advice please.

I'll probably be told that I'm being alarmist but we were in Turkey in the summer and I fear what might happen there now. They have the attitude of blindly following instructions from the top- and thatinformation is after making friends with several locals.Even without turkey being involved there are many people there who hate Westerners.Even if that is not enough just look at what countries it borders.(and I DID NOT say which side the Turks would be on) <BR>I know I might get shouted down but YOU are the one going. You need the facts and I really feel that many people are refusing to look at what might happen. <BR>By the way, I would consider going to the Greek Isles.

having just done a search on Bin Laden on the net it may help you to know that some of his supporters are Turks.

I, too, am leaving on 9/26 for a yacht charter through the Greek Isles (with a stop at Kusadasi/Ephesus) and then hotels stays in Rhodes and Santorini. <BR> <BR>We have asked our captain not to stop at Kusadasi, even though we were all so looking forward to it. Another time. <BR> <BR>However, at this point, the group seems fairly comfortable with the Aegean itinerary. <BR> <BR>I'll be anxious to hear other thoughts about this. Most writers to the forum feel Greece is reasonably safe - as much as any place is these days.

I cannot say what you should do and I cannot say what the general attitude in Turkey will be. The only thing I can say is we were in Istanbul for a few days before our cruise and while that does not make me an expert on Turkish politics, I was very impressed with the cosmopolitan, civiized attitude and warm welcome we had there. <BR> <BR>Yesterday I received an e-mail from our Turkish guide that we used for all our arrangements in Istanbul. I would like to share it with you as I was very touched by his letter. <BR> <BR> <BR>&gt; <BR>&gt; I just wanted to express that we share your sorrow because of the <BR>terrorist <BR>&gt; attacks in the USA. I hope nothing hapened to anybody you know. We take it <BR>&gt; as an attack to the world and to the allies of the USA including Turkey. <BR>We <BR>&gt; are also shocked.. <BR>&gt; <BR>&gt; Best regards <BR>&gt; Mehmet <BR>Turfantastik Tours" &lt;[email protected] <BR>&gt; <BR>

Hello! You posters all say you've been to Istanbul and you all felt welcomed etc etc. Let me get this right before or after the latest terriorist strike?I personally loved Turkey and was just planning a trip in November. However do you realize Turkey is located right next to Syria which is a supporter of the Taliben regime. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE NAPALM!

Sorry, but that is a little ignorant--Just because Turkey is next to Syria does not mean they support the Taliban. That's like saying every Arab is a terrorist. If anything, they are the most "European" Middle Eastern country there is. Someone also stated they wouldn't consider going to Turkey, but they would consider going to the Greek Isles. Well, there are many people from Greece who feel America got what they deserved.

Belle I didn't say all of Syria was like that but why take the chance. The majority of the people of the world are nice/honest people. Is that enough to keep my door unlocked at night. Grow up and quite being so sensative.

Uh, you're exact words were, "However do you realize Turkey is located right next to Syria which is a supporter of the Taliben regime." That implies all--whether you meant it or not. And since you stated that you have been to Turkey before, I guess it didn't bother you that Turkey was next to Syria then did it? :)

Sorry Ann, these posts aren't very helpful. Unfortunately, we can't make the decision for you. We are in the same predicament and are weighing the pros and cons of going. Of course, there are some things that are out of our hands. I think if we cancel, we will never go, because the situation over there is never going to be great. Do you have travel insurance?

Syria doesn't support the Talibans at all. It can be a dictatorship, but it's a reasonnably secular one.

Kara - Your opinions that are relevant to the question at hand are welcome, but must you spew out thoughtless personal insults? I've noticed quite a bit of venom and hostility coming from you. Perhaps you should seek professional help for that, and find more healthy ways of venting your inner frustrations. <BR> <BR>Ann - I don't think you're so crazy. I was in Turkey recently. The Turkish people were generally welcoming. They're not dumb -- they know how much money they get from tourism. Also, if anything, I would think that the Turkish, as most other civilized peoples, are more sympathetic towards Americans in light of the recent horrible events. There will always be people who are anti-American and who may start trying to cause trouble over time, but I think you should be safe in the near future. And I'm sure the Turkish government is being very vigilent to terrorist threats.

Ann: The Turks genuinely like Americans. Look at their quick response to our tragedy. My reservation is being in that part of the world during our US response. We don't know when or where that will occur. I wouldn't want to be in that part of the World during that period.

Friends are on a honeymoon cruise that just cancelled its two stops in Turkey last week due to the crisis. They substituted other Greek isle stops. I'm not sure how uniform this is in the industry.

A Turkish-American friend had a bbq yesterday, and the Turks generally agreed that the government has the radicals under control - and only the most fundamentalist parts along the Eastern border are dangerous. But I'm having second thoughts about going to Turkey for my honeymoon next April - a lot can happen in 7 months.

I loved Turkey. Would I go there in the coming months? No way. It only takes one person or one incident to kill you. Use your head people. Kara is right on.

So what's the alternative? Basque separatists have started bombing tourist venues in Spain; UK/N.Ireland is heating up again; French youth gangs have stepped up their rioting; Who knows what might happen during Munich's Oktoberfest? But when you think about it, all of these places, as well as Turkey, are safer than the US. I'm actually leaning toward taking my vacation next April, but as I said in my last post, a lot can happen between now and then. Can anyone recommend some good news/advice sources to keep up to date on travel safety? Thanks.

I know this is difficult for many people. We, as a family have decided to go ahead and go. Tomorrow is never promised to us and we must live life to the fullest. This world is not going to to get safer--it's going to get worse. It only takes one person to kill you ANYWHERE--not just in Turkey. Now obviously if there was a major war in Turkey or it was unstable, we wouldn't go. But there has been no indication that Turkey is not safe at this time, nor do we know what the future may hold. But that's just my two cents. I would be lying if I didn't say I was a LITTLE nervous! :) Bob, you might want to try www.travel.state.gov Good for travel warnings. <BR> <BR>P.S. J--Bravo--Couldn't have said it better myself!

I just returned from Turkey a few days before the WTC. As a flight attendant for a US airline, I would feel safer there than here.Their country knows how to deal with terrorism and security issues, where our country is relatively clueless. There are terrorists living in this country planning attacks against us right now, so if you think that Turkey is less safe than here, you are fooling yourself.Turkey is on our side and we have military bases over there. I would go back in a heartbeat with no fear.

One might want to avoid Turkey in the near future as flying over the middle east could be dangerous if the US starts air strikes over Afganistan or other middle eastern countries. <BR>I was in Lebanon during the civil war in the '70s. All airports were closed to American citizens- had to escape across the border to Syria in the middle of the night in order to fly home. At the time, I was a child so all of this was extemely exciting. Not so sure it would be now.

I would like to express my feelings about all posted here. <BR>You may think that traveling to Turkey may be dangerous nowadays but I presumed that if you have this idea you have not thought about it enough. <BR>The tragic events in the New York proved that nowhere on earth is safer than Turkey. Here are the reasons why; <BR>1) Turkey has been dealing with the terrorism for more than 20 years and about to end this problem soon. <BR>2) As a result of #1, all potential terrorists are under the control of police and Turkish Intelligence agency is more aware about the possible activities (They are better at least than CIA and FBI - because history thought them to be awake!) <BR>3) Yes Turkish people are muslims (99%) but believe that muslim religion bans to kill and also Turkey is a secular country. <BR>4) Supporters of Taliban and Bin Laden (even Laden Itself) are mostly Arabs not Turks (this does not means all arabs are terrorist) <BR>In Turkey we have an idiom saying: "fear is not the cure for death" <BR>Instead of living the hell on earth with the fear, live your life as much as you can. Don't forget that you could be in WTC and feeling very safe!

Hi Ann, <BR>Well your departure date is just around the corner! I have been to Istanbul two times and holding tickets to depart 11/28/01. I am going. Istanbul is a very metropolitan city. The people will make you feel very welcome. Their scurity is great. Go have a great time, check out the Grand Bazaar!! Please let me know of your decision, and how your trip went. <BR>

Dear Friends, <BR>We are not the supporters of Taliban and terorism. Turkey is standing next to America against Terorism. <BR>Come to Turkey and see how Turkey and Turkish people are. You will never know how you will like Turkey and Turkish people if you do not come. <BR>I am a travel agent in Turkey and I am trying to convince all the people who would like to change their programs. I am trying because when you come and see Turkey, you will definitely recommend our country to your friends. <BR>Hoping to see you in our nice country. <BR>

I too am planning a trip to Turkey in December. Of course I'm a little nervous about going, but I think Turkey will be "safe", especially safer than in the US. There are no gaurantees in life, people take a risk just going to the corner grocery store! After 9/11, everyone in the US is nervous and scared about traveling, but I think it is because it is the first time we have realized that we are as vulnerable to terrorism as the rest of the world. Turkey should be as safe as anywhere as here in the US. I think you should go and enjoy yourself. And please tell us how your trip went if you decided to go! Have fun and live - otherwise they win.

I was in Turkey from 8th Sept till 23rd Sept. We received nothing but condolences from the Turks after the 9th. We were in Istanbul, Cappadoccia, Nemrut Dagi (and drove near the Syrian border), the entire mediterranean coast. Didn't feel threatened at all throughout our trip. And most Turks we spoke to expected a war as the US retaliate against Afghanistan. One Turk actually cancelled his visit to the US cos HE was afraid of being victimised by aggrieved Americans. But I did caution my husband and his dad not to talk so loudly about bombing Afghanistan while we were in Turkey.

Well, just got home from Turkey. What a fabulous trip! And to think we almost cancelled--SO GLAD we did not. Turkish people are very friendly, and I think you would be SURPRISED how many feel toward the Arabs in the Middle East. Our Turkish guide told us that many Arabs dislike Turks because they say there is no such thing as "reformed Islam." I thought that was interesting...Saw no protests...heard not one unkind word and saw some fabulous places. And never felt so safe in the airport in all my life. Good to be home though!!

I wouldn't go to Turkey. Not because of the current situation, but because of their woeful human rights abuses against the Kurdish people i.e. the plans to build the ilusu dam and destroy ancient and important historical sites. Boycott Turkey!

Check out <BR>www.silkroadhotels.com <BR>Basar

Turkey is the safest country in Europe now. <BR>and it is not on the side of Taliban <BR>or Usame. <BR>and the biggest and strongest ally supporting the U.S.

I agree with Belle. We just returned from Istanbul and also visited Antalya. Everyone we met was very friendly and we felt safe. One bit of advice - take with you the written name and address of your hotel - many taxi drivers do not speak English.

Turkey supports anti-terroism campaign. They are sending troops to aid in this campaign <BR> <BR>Read this article... http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...tacks_wr.story <BR>

Read most (not all) the posts here and can add the following. Questions raised are valid in the wake of 9/11 but one has to research before drawing conclusions. Turkey seems to be the most secular and reformed muslim country in the world, with a great desire to take its place in the modern world. There are black sheep everywhere in the world but then again Turks seem to have them under control and check.<BR>People we encountered in the countryside, even in remote black sea villages or in the southeast in the antique cities of Antioch (Antakya) and<BR>Urfa, we encountered genuine friendship.<BR>Locals are ready to share their own meal with you and we are talking of families that earn less than $200 a month. On the urban and more touristy spots, Turkey fared very attractive vs. any other European city we visited. Istanbul is a world city with amenities we, at times, did not encounter in the US. I read that the single largest revenue generating industry in the country is tourism for the last decade<BR>and I would only think it would be <BR>cherished and protected at the highest level. <BR><BR>

<BR>Felt completely safe in Turkey from September 20th October 15th. <BR><BR>All the Turks we met expressed outrage and sympahy for the U. S.<BR><BR>Go!!!<BR>

My boyfriend and I are planning a tripo in March. We are not swayed by current world events and very encouraged by the few who have been thrilled with the reception of the Turkish people. I wasn't sure where we were going to go, but now I know I want to go to Istanbul. For those of you who are afraid to travel for fear you may die at the hand of terrorism, the chances are higher that you'll slip on the soap in the tub and die than the former. I am very glad I read the replies of Belle and the like for my boyfriend and I like to visit places with exceptional people.

Hello, my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Greece and Turkey sometime next year. Could those of you who have gone please recommend a good itinery (ie. Where in Greece and Turkey should we go & for how long? We plan to go for a total of 3 weeks). We loved Rome because of the architecture and history and want more of the same/also love night life and shopping. Also, could someone who has been scuba diving please let me know where the best diving is. Thank you for your anticipated valuable advice.

to Tammy<BR>You will enjoy Turkey . But please do not belittle other peoples fears.When I first replied it was in September when no-one had a clue how things would go in the world. Making travel plans now is a bit easier as world war does not seem imminent anymore.I never have been worried about travelling( I went to Greece in October and am going on 3 trips this next year) but can understand other peoples fears.

Went to Turkey in late august and came back Sept 1<BR>Had good time. People were great there.<BR>The natives outside the hotel in Antalya were super too. Did some shopping and they treated us great. Took us in and were always talking to me and bringing friends in to meet me telling them i was from the USA. One man came up and shook my hand and said he loved americans. That was in his own words before i said one thing to him. They went and got drinks for us and all treated us great.<BR>I will tell you that i was about the only american at the hotel resort i stayed in. Many Ukraine people and Russian people there. A few of them may not have cared much for me but never said a bad word to me.<BR>The natives were great though. I would go again for sure. <BR>Airport in Istanbul took awhile as they pulled all people going to the USA asside and asked lots of questions and made sure there were no problems.<BR>THis was just after we had did a little bombing in Iraq while i was there.<BR>Funniest thing? They put prices up in US dollars! Not Turkish Lira! When you pay they would check the paper and see how many LIra to the US dollar and that is what you paid in Lira!<BR>also, Russians paying in US money! And i was paying in LIra!!! Somthing funny there i would say!<BR>Have a great time <BR>dan