I'm African-American and my fiance is Jewish. We are planning to go to Turkey for our honeymoon in October. I was hoping somebody could tell me if we will be treated any differently, or if there will be any reaction from the general population because we are an inter-racial couple. Also, any hotel recommendations would be helpful.<BR><BR>Thanks!

alp, "African American" is a race, and "Jewish" is a religion. A person can actually be both (the late Sammy Davis, Jr. fits into that category). I'm guessing that your fiance is also caucasian?

Alp,<BR><BR>I have never been to Turkey but I do not feel this will be a problem. Not all british people are white and blond and there are many nationalities in the U.K. Many would go on a holiday to Turkey are there are lots of package deals so my feeling is no. <BR><BR>To xxx above, relax people feel different identities. Sometimes your religion is more of an identity than your ethnic group and vice versa. Belive me I live in Ireland. Alp is being genuine at least try to be helpful.

Hi Alp,<BR>I don'think you are going to be treated differently.There are not much black people living in Turkey(only some football and basketballplayers)but they are welcomed and there are many Jewish people living mostly since 2.World War in Turkey.I send you an e-mail wrote by fodories<BR>([email protected])<BR>Date: 06/19/1999, 12:32 am<BR>Message: We are interested in a tour through the <BR>old Jewish area of Istanbul. Can anybody <BR>recommend a tour company or a guide? <BR>Thanks for your help.<BR><BR>([email protected])<BR>Date: 06/19/1999, 12:51 am<BR>Message: Try to reach Mr.Viktor Albukrek, which is a oficial guide and excellent on what you are interested.He is Jew,so he knows very well this subject.Phone 2122634627 fax:2122659971.He use to work in Dorak Tours,e-mail [email protected] <BR>which is a very good travel agency. <BR>Good luck!<BR><BR><BR>Hope you have a great honeymoon and will share your trip with us. Congratulations.<BR><BR> <BR> <BR>

The Turks get a lot of British tourists and in the UK at least inter-racial partnerships are far more common than in the US. Some 40% of afro-caribean males have caucasion partners (doesn't go the same for women for some reason) so I don't think you'll get a second glance.

Alp-<BR><BR>I just returned from Turkey a couple of days ago. I wouldn't worry about the racial differences. Turkey is very similar to Europe, in that race seems to be less of an issue than it is in the US. Regarding being Jewish, Turkey is very proud of their Jewish populations. They will readily tell you that all the beaurtiful metal work in the palaces were done by their Jewish population when the Sultans accepted the Jews when they were being booted our of Europe in the 15-17th centuries.

hi alp,<BR><BR>congratulations! this is kind of off the beaten path but if you are concerned about the way you might be treated, why don't you go on a guided tour. I know that might not sound great for a honeymoon, but it might make you feel more secure and allow you to relax and enjoy time with your new mate.<BR><BR>Just an idea.

In 1996 I went on a tour of Turkey and lucked out with only 4 of us. The other couple were black and interestly, his wife had such pale skin that she really looked white. None of us experienced any problems whatsoever. A superb highlight of the trip was when we got to Aspendos and visited the colliseum. Jim, our travel companion who is black, decided to sing the Lord's Prayer and you've never seen such a quiet place. Everyone stopped talking and stood in awe of this man - we were thrilled and I was reduced to tears. Later, at a restaurant stop, someone sent him a glass of champagne. Honestly, I don't think race is an issue.

I was in Turkey last year and had the best time of my life. I'm black and was welcomed there more than in my homeland (US) and anywhere else traveled. I'm female, traveled with another female friend. We were invited out daily by many of the Turkish people. Race was not an issue at all. Do realize, they very rarely see blacks, so some may appear to be astonished, but they are fascinated and are very loving. I am looking forward to returning next year. I can't wait.<BR><BR>Feel free to email me.

Hi Alp - <BR>I have a West Indian female friend with dreadlocks - and her boyfriend is Caucasian. They stayed in Istanbul and also travelled extensively throughout Turkey without incident. In fact, the only curiosity was concerning her hair. Istanbul is one of the most diverse places on earth, you shouldn;t have any troubles.<BR><BR>I'm Caucasion and my fiance is a black woman from Barbados. We've travelled extensively throughout the world with out incident. In fact the only time we're confonted with racism is here in the good ole USA!!!