Turkey has long been a destination for travelers, but in recent years its popularity has grown. The recent earthquake there and its aftermath have left some travelers with vacation plans already in hand, uneasy about how to proceed. How will these events affect your trip? <BR> <BR>The infrastructure has been damaged to varying degrees and the recovery efforts will continue to have an impact on the region. Here’s what we know: While many of the residential buildings were damaged in the quake, none of the major historical or tourist sites was affected. Istanbul’s airport, into which the majority of travelers to Turkey fly, is open and operational. There may be some flight delays to accommodate recovery efforts, but there seem to be few disruptions to date. The phone lines are working, although you may experience delays from the heavier load due to incoming calls from concerned family and friends. The rail service between Istanbul and Ankara was shut down, primarily due to the fires in Izmit. While trains will begin running again, in addition to passenger use, they may be required to transport supplies to damaged areas causing some delays. Cruise ships with Istanbul itineraries are still operating. If any danger does arise, the cruise lines will reroute their ships accordingly, as they would if there were storms in the Caribbean. If you were planning on driving from Istanbul to the resort city of Termal, you will experience significant damage and heavy traffic on Routes 100 and 130. Consider taking one of the numerous sea buses and express ferries that operate daily from Istanbul to Yalova. Buses are available for the 20-minute ride to Termal. <BR> <BR> It’s important to remember that this has been a major event whose effects will be felt in a variety of ways throughout Turkey in the weeks and months ahead. As a traveler there, you might encounter service disruptions, some unexpectedly, so be patient and open to changing plans if the need arises. There are, however, ways that you can try to make things go as smoothly as possible. Preparation before the trip will help to avoid some potential problems. The U.S. State Department (www.travel.state.gov) has issued warnings to defer travel to areas surrounding the epicenter of the earthquake, including Izmit, Kocaeli, Golcuk, and Yalova. Review their advisories for updates on local conditions. Check with your airline, travel agent, or tour operator on the status of your trip. Some tours have been rerouted to avoid the greater earthquake area. Upon arrival consider registering with your local embassy in Turkey. (The U.S. embassies can be reached in Ankara at 011-90-312/468--6110 and in Istanbul at 011-90-212/251--3602.) For additional information, check the Republic of Turkey site at www.turkey.org. <BR> <BR>If you do choose to cancel or postpone your trip, make certain that you read the fine print in all of your contracts to determine what reimbursements might be due you. If you purchased trip insurance it is important to read the policy. Remember, you are covered only for what is specified in the policy. <BR> <BR>Being a smart, informed traveler is your best bet to a successful vacation. <BR>

To the top!

To the top!

What is the status of disease?......How is the water supply? With the dead buried in the buildings, will this affect Istanbul's water?

Dear editors: <BR> <BR>Thank you for the update and info! <BR> <BR>Kittie

Dear Fodor's Staff; <BR> <BR>Great Info! Thank you for a valuable update!

Editors, <BR> <BR>Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for such valuable information! <BR>

NEWS FROM TURKEY <BR> <BR>This is a collective message. It will shortly be followed by personnal <BR>messages. <BR> <BR>Hi! Thanks for asking about us!! <BR> <BR>The earthquake in Izmit has also hit Istanbul. Today, the 21st of <BR>August <BR>1999, the Press announces 45.000 dead in the area of the sea of <BR>Marmara. <BR> <BR>Izmir, Iznik, Yalova, Bursa, Gölcük and Adapazari are the most badly <BR>hit <BR>cities. <BR> <BR>The rescuers are totally overwhelmed, because of the great extent of <BR>the <BR>damages. <BR> <BR>Some areas have not yet been rescued, especially in the villages. The <BR>National and the International help cannot put up with the needs. <BR>There’s a <BR>complete lack of bread and water in Izmit. <BR> <BR>The dead are “piled” together in the indoor skating rinks, but the risk <BR>of <BR>epidemics is important and common graves are being dug. Corpses are <BR>buried <BR>without having been identified. <BR> <BR>In Istanbul, the damages are mostly to be seen in the European area of <BR>the <BR>city. Some houses have collapsed in the areas of Samatya and in the <BR>north <BR>of Pera, but it’s especially in the quite far suburbs of Avcilar <BR>(Europe, <BR>60 km away from the center of town), that the number of the dead is the <BR>greatest. <BR> <BR>As to the monuments, everything is still up, except for the ramparts <BR>(the <BR>renovated part!). Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower...no <BR>damages. In general, only the modern buildings have suffered. <BR> <BR>The population of Istanbul begins to get back to their homes, but many <BR>have <BR>left to go on the coast or in other cities. The ones who lived through <BR>this <BR>are considerably shocked. Even the animals keep getting scared at any <BR>noise... <BR> <BR>I am fine, my family and friends are OK, but still, there were 45.000 <BR>dead. <BR>If you want to help the victims, please get information in your own <BR>countries (Red Cross etc...). There’s a lack of clothes, of <BR>medicines... <BR> <BR>Thanks for thinking of us and especially of those who have nothing <BR>left. <BR>Check out our web page about this here <BR>Htpp://www.istanbulguide.net <BR>Nurdogan <BR>Or write me here for more info about Istanbul and Turkey <BR>[email protected] <BR>

To the top, and to all: <BR> <BR>I am thinking of the recent post re:how to give back. <BR> <BR>If not now, when? <BR> <BR>Just because it's out of the US news -- though I hope not out of more internationally sophisticated media -- doesn't mean things are anywhere near back to normal, nor will be for years. But relief efforts are running to chaos, and many helpers have returned to their home country. The Red Cross, or its counterpart, is the best way to help. <BR>

The second earthquake has caused much more upset. <BR> <BR>American Red Cross is www.redcross.org <BR> <BR>International Red Cross/Red Crescent is at www.icrc.org