Istanbul
 

Any concerns about traveling to Istanbul now?

I am hoping to visit next Sept. I know that people I talk to ask the same question but at this point, I'm eager to go. Most of the refugees and any "churn" as such, is far from Istanbul. Most places you go in Europe have significant Muslim populations, if that is your concern. But I'll admit - I fully believe that my days on this earth are already numbered so I am not usually inclined to base my travel decisions on a fear? factor.

"Any concerns about traveling to Istanbul now?"
Why?
Because the Turkish president is building a palace, like Ceausescu and Putin?

"Any concerns about traveling to Istanbul now?" But why, you're perfectly safe in Istanbul, as safe as in almost any other European or US/Canadian city. We were there last Sept and again this June, would go back anytime in a heartbeat!

We just returned from Istanbul and also traveled quite far east, nearer to Syria. Everything was fine in Turkey. I would not hesitate to travel to Istanbul, a fascinating city.

Everything was fine in Turkey>

check the video on news channels today of U S G Is being roughed up and having paper bags put over their heads and told to go home.

http://qpolitical.com/turkish-mob-at...hrowing-paint/

Not sure all of Turkey is safe!

It is curious why they were targeted since they were out of uniform. I would like to know more.

just returned from Istanbul. except for the torrential rain, it was fine. security at hotels, at least where we were, was tight. metal detectors, and checking the underneath of all cars coming in, but that was it.

Warren, I with you on this.

I find it strange that during this altercation a woman unfurled the Turkish flag for the camera.

I also find it odd that these Turks would be carrying plastic bags with them.

Did these Americans walk into some sort of protest?

Were words exchanged?

There has to be more to this story.

Otherchelebi, care to investigate?

Thin


We

I recommend that you look for information from otherchelebi, perhaps updates on this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m#last-comment

Exactly Thin.

Americans are too easily manipulated as evidenced for the past 13 years with anything associated with Muslims and recently with Ebola.

I know this sounds radical but let's gather more information and then apply LOGIC before reaching conclusions.

I am sorry, I was away t Ankara for a funeral, driving there, starting at 5 AM yesterday, barely making it to Nicaea home at 9PM last evening to promptly fall asleep, and getting back to Istanbul about noon today to rendezvous with my trusted laptop.

I gave detailed background info on TGB (the perpetrators), why the plastic bags, etc. on the thread kja (thanks) gave above.

Suffice to say that the plastic bags relate to the "Hood" event of 2003

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hood_event

; the protesters must have had ample time to gather up a few more of their buddies and find the plastic gags (readily available at all shops in the area) and red paint (also available almost on the spot)

This was not a violent and ugly event although the poor sailors must have been truely frightened. I know I would have been at any age.

It is possible that a TGB member was watching the warship to see if any potential victims were landing.

For all visitors not arriving on United States, Iranian, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Israeli, British, Russian, (unloved governments by Turks) etc. warships, you have nothing to worry about.

Everyday a few thousand tourists leave cruise ships not far from where the warship had moored and tourists in any numbers walk through the area where the event took place any time of day, to reach the historic sites and especially the Spice market, Rustem pasha Mosque and Yeni Cami as well as the famous fish sandwiches or the Bosphorus and Golden Horn tour and commuter boats. Neither I nor anyone on this forum or on TA have ever heard of any similar event at any time in the past, even in 2003 when the US military kidnapped 12 Turkish soldiers they were previously in coordination in Iraq.

This was obviously a staged event for taping staged by a few zealots and is a one off event I would say - I've been to Istanbul several times and I felt totally safe always and still would - now if a GI in uniform maybe not.

Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952.

Thanks for the update, otherchelebi, and my condolences for your loss.

Thanks to all. Taking a last minute trip in a few weeks and considering a few options. have never been to Turkey and the flights are doable within for a 10 day trip.