ISTANBUL in April, should I still go?
 

Dear all:<BR><BR>Me and my family are/were planning to go to Istanbul in April and given the start of war in Iraq and the possible entry of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, I do not know if it is still a good idea to go or if we should postpone?, I would particularly appreciate if any Istanbulu could answer my question and provide me with a general landscape of how things are in Istanbul now. <BR><BR>I have been to Turkey a couple of times and loved the place and I really do not feel like cancelling, but circumstances are different now. In case we decide to go, is it adviceable that we stay at a hotel chain not clearly identified with the US?<BR>

Dear IVANHOE,<BR><BR>There is no problem with the war in Turkey and won't be a problem UNLESS Kurdish people North of Iraq do something. Istanbul far from Iraq border so HAVE FUN IN ISTANBUL. There is no problem whether you identify yourself or not WE LOVE PEOPLE.<BR><BR>Sinan Akdeniz<BR>[email protected]

Personally, I would still go. Istanbul is on the other side of the country from Iraq. I have several Turkish friends and I can assure you-they LOVE Americans. (ok, so maybe it's our money. No, really, they love us!) Plus the fact that the Turks ended up not supporting us in the war. They're really not a threat to terrorists. But, you have to do what you feel is right. Frankly, I feel more afraid living in a big U.S. city right now. I would go back to Istanbul in a second if I had the vacation time and money. Go-and have a great time!

Personal opinion : We are not in a war and we wont be a side of it. We are Nato country and we support necessary actions. If Turkey did not accepted the tress passing Us. Army that is not an evidence that Turks do not like Americans. Thats a political decision weather I am aggree or disaggree. perhaps both countries made mistakes on some stage ! But tourism is another issue. <BR>I may aggree with Monalisa to some degree but we do not only love Americans becouse of dollars. Yes we need the Dollar but we also want to share cultural &amp; life experiences and we need to market how wonderful our country is and how hospitable Turkish people are along with sharing our cultural heritages. I believe Turkish people are the only nation in the world would give you something or share their bread with you without thinking to take anything in return.<BR><BR>Do not worry to visit Turkey IVANHOE... And enjoy fully your holiday.<BR><BR>Murat &amp; Pinar reports from Cappadocia...

Sorry, Propertravel, I didn't mean to offend you at all. When I said that the Turks love Americans for their money I was just joking. I know personally how wonderful Turks are-I made a male friend on my last trip there, and he showed me around all week and paid for everything and never once asked for anything in return. He was doing it just to be hospitable and to make a friend. That's was I love most about the Turkish people. And the fact that everyone is so friendly.

I want to visit Turkey as well at some point. In researching my upcoming trip to Italy, I visited the STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE, and THERE IS A TRAVEL WARNING IN EFFECT FOR TURKEY as of 3/19/03 http://www.travel.state.gov

Dear TuscanTraveler<BR><BR>Come to Turkey DON'T WORRY Turkish people in Turkey will pretect you from Iraqi people or bomb.<BR><BR>Sinan Akdeniz<BR>[email protected]

Gosh...I wish we had chosen to travel to Turkey instead of France this summer..You Turkish posters sound like great ambassadors for your country. I think it would be wonderful to visit someplace that people are so welcoming and friendly!!

Hi Monalisa ; I did not get offended but thank you to put what you mean in nice wording. That could be the case but I felt like explaining a bit :-))<BR><BR>Tuscan Traveller : Its normal state department issues such warning especially for those who wish to travel close to border. Its a way of protection if they are at all trouble. This warning does not mean something will happen.But believe me even you can travel towards border. Life goes normal for us except the Dollar is to high at the moment which effects our commercial power and makes life easier and cheaper for you guys. There were some Americans today around Goreme open air museum and everyone were showing them sympathy becouse they came to Turkey.<BR><BR>Wren ; thats a good wish. However thats great you visited France and you can always come to Turkey. Another summer is aproaching and you have the possibility to compare or just admire and congratulate yourself for the decision you made. Come to Turkey<BR><BR>Ivanhoe ; you are most welcome to Turkey and if you will come to Cappadocia drop me few lines so that we can meet and have a drink ( or two ) together.<BR><BR>Murat reports from Cappadocia and wish everyone a wonderful evening :-)

When I mean life is normal please do not get me wrong that we do not feel the pain of the war morally. We do and feel sorry for lost lives and lost human energy where people could use this for a better life whereever they live.<BR><BR>

I have been there and I would not hesitate to go at this time. I am Canadian and I don't like the war but I still like Americans. Turks love Americans and I doubt that the war has changed that.

HI TO ALL!!<BR>You better by the ticket from Istanbul or there are cheep tours for 2,3 days $45 $40 and you can buy it very easy from any travel agency!!<BR><BR>I live in ISTANBUL,welcome for questions that will be my plasure.Turkiye is the country that I think you will enjoy,every body who was here THey all say oooo It was not like what I expected greatest travel experience,I have many friends from America and they all told to me Eko we did not expect that Turkiye will be this nice,So do not worry even if there is Iraq war now that is very far from us I live in IStanbul and can tell you it is safe do not let your self stoped because what is happining arround Use your change and come here,I live in istanbul at the most oldest and the nicest area where all the tourist visits if you ever come here please do not for got to come to say hi to me for all you travelers for anything you need here or you want to ask about here please let me know for your hotels,hostels,restaurant etc,Thank you and looking to see you here and wishing to make new friends,contact to me from<BR>quastions...Thank you<BR>[email protected] or<BR>www.memorycarpets.com<BR><BR>