A problem is, that many turks still chose the deny the Kurdish massacres at the time of WWI or fell personally attacked if the subject is risen. Most Germans do accept what has happened in their history, and are willing to bare the responsability. In Turkey there is still so much denial, and that's one point why I would really be scared at this time if Turkey became a member of the EU. Apart from politics Turkey sure is a very nice and mostly safe place for a holiday.

I visited Turkey in 1993 and it is still one of my favorite places in the world. Try to get down to the southern coast, Antalya, Alara Castle, Side...really amazing places. Also, try to catch a Fenerbache soccer match in Istanbul. As for safety, other than the driving (Turks are definitely wild behind the wheel), and the fireworks going off in the crowd at the soccer game, I never felt unsafe at all. Good luck.