Females driving in Turkey
 

I'm a young female taking a trip with one of my girlfriends to Turkey in May. We're hoping to fly down to Izmir from Istanbul and then rent a car to drive to Ephesus, Capadoccia and to some of the coastal beaches. Wondering if anyone has done this recently and if they think it would be easy and safe for two female travellers?

I've not driven but I've been the passenger in a rental car as we drove from Istanbul to Izmir and around; I could not foresee the slightest problem, unless you wore the skimpiest of clothes when you stopped for petrol or food.

Modern Turkey was founded as a secular society and although there has been some increased religious emphasis it should not be mistaken for Saudi Arabia. That said, the country is both big and a mix of peoples and ideas, so the way of life could be stricter in eastern and more rural areas.

Last May/June, I (solo female) traveled extensively by car in western Turkey and I always felt safe. You might find some helpful information in my trip report - just click on my name to find it.

I am Turkish and I would much prefer that you drive rather than a male friend of my daughter who had four accidents on the same day with four different brand new cars his father gave him one after the other from the six hundred he had repossessed from a company.

The above is hundred % true and also seriously, my wife and daughters have been driving all over Turkey, sometimes alone and had no problems. You will also find that there will always be someone to assist if you have any problems with the car, a flat tyre or whatever, as long as you are on reasonably well traveled routes.

Very dangerous, in Turkey or any other place

I agree with escrunchy. I am reluctant to say this, but I suggest that you wear modest clothing. That should go without saying, but Turkey is after all a Muslim country, and out of respect for the religion, I would dress with that consideration in mind.

I attend a Catholic church that is adjacent to a university, and I am often surprised to see girls wearing short shorts and strapless tops or halter tops at Mass.

In Turkey it's a good idea to keep beachwear for beaches and resorts. When traveling around the countryside I would avoid shorty shorts and teeny tops but there's no need to dress like your grandmother.

As for the not driving comment - I assume that's just a feeble joke.

We just finished up a 2 week tour by car of Turkey ourselves, there are plenty of women behind the wheel there, including my girlfriend who shared much of the driving with me. There was never any problem with that at all. For a full review of our experience and trip, check out my blog post:

http://nobleanarchist.com/blog/2013/05/08/drive-turkey/

Enjoy!

Slightly shocked by the question, this is Turkey you are talking about. Still I understand speedos are allowed in one US town since 2005 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1395189/posts