Traveling to Turkey next week
 

We are finally leaving for Turkey in 10 days. We have been reading about anti-american demonstrations in Istanbul. Anyone have any take on whether the atmosphere will be safe for us travelling around the country? We have been so looking forward to our trip.

ttt

My wife and I just returned from traveling around Turkey in a rental car. We went from Istanbul to Cappadoccia to the west coast of Turkey. Everywhere we went the people were helpful and very friendly.
We have visited just about every European country and the people of Turkey rate at the top of our list. Relax, you are going to love Turkey!

Thanks Kettamic, I am so happy to read your positive review and what you think about us :-)

Bouchet; there is an anger to your administration but fortunatelly not to the citizens.....

Happy travelling,
Murat

Anger to our administration?

I don't believe you know our government system.

The White House (President, the Administrative Branch part of our goverment) is against the Armenian bill and they promised to veto it.

It's the Congress (The Legislative Branch, Senators and Representatives) that pushed this bill through for voting on the floor.
Perhaps you should be angry at them?

The Judicial Branch has nothing to do with this unless it ends up in courts at some point.

Just thought we should have the facts straight.

How rude. He was trying to reassure the original poster and it turns so ugly.

how is it rude to state the facts?

Rather than a tutorial to a single Turkish citizen in English on the intricacies of our form of democracy, I think information of this sort should be provided in the other person's language lest the non-American misunderstand any details of the "lesson."

I'll second that one!!

AAFF, put down the wrath and step away from the indignant. IMHO you are reading too much into what was intended as a reassurance and not political analysis. Please note there was no reference to the Armenian issue.
And FWIW, the statement is probably true in most of the world these days, and has nothing to do with the Armenian issue.

AA is correct- the discontent is all about the Armenian issue in Turkey. Certainly most there have little conception US governmental functions and duties , just as americans have little or no knowledge of government and sensitive political issues in Turkey.

I spend much time in Turkey and in fact watch their international TV station almost daily via satelite in Europe, so see a little of what happens.

Travelers should have no trouble at all in Turkey.
The turkish people are most friendly as mentioned some places above.
They will accept tourists , first as individuals- not as citizens of this or that country.

They welcome Americans, just as they welcome Iranian and Isrealis too.
This political issue and political demonstrations will do nothing to cause problems for the tourist.

The facts are

- Newspapers promoting hate to sell more of their daily circulation
- Government that doesn't accept the facts of a genocide that happened a long time ago and finally settle the issue
- People that believe it's an attack to them, when one mentions the evil deeds of some of their ancestors.

I'm not very optmistic all this will change soon.

Merhaba! I was just in Turkey for 6 days (October 1st-7th). I didn't feel any non-American sentiment while I was there. I seemed to get more stares due to my "non burka-like outfit" (to the knee shorts and a t-shirt). Enjoy your stay in Turkey. I can't wait to go back!

Relax and have a wonderful time in Turkey. I was in western Turkey (Agean & Mediterranean Coasts) for a week in September. People were constantly asking "where are you from?" At first I was reluctant to say I was from the US. I finally fessed up and was met with extraordinary reactions - like I love America! One shop keeper even gave me a hug. I never received a negative response. So many Turks I met have traveled to the US (or want to). I was astonished at their kindness. I've traveled to 28 foreign countries and I must say the Turks are the best. I was even invited to a private home for dinner. Turkey is an extraordinary country with extraordinary people. Go, have a wonderful time. I myself can't wait to go back.

I was just in Turkey from Sept. 23 until Oct. 10th started in Istanbul went to Cappadocia, Konya, the Med and Aegean Coasts and felt safe and welcomed the entire time. Enjoy your time in Turkey! :)

Not that I care and I'm going to Turkey in December, but anybody reporting on their trip that took place before 10/10 is not really reporting what's going on there right no. In Istanbul there are anti-American demonstrations, the Turkish government has recalled their US ambassodor and threating to cut ties with Washington, there is talk about shutting down US military base that supports our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The angry reply is due to the the Armenian genocide vote in the congressional commitee and now its also used as a way to invade northen Iraq by Turkey which US does not want it to happen at this time.

I'm not saying that the hotel owner/employee or the store/restaurant/tour employees will act any different, but the situation has certainly changed in the last few days.

Please read the reports from bbc.com, cnn.com, your local news provider, the State Dept. warnings about traveling to Turkey at the moment.

Like I said, I'm not an alarmist, but I'm a realist. It's fine to travel there, but certain precautions have to be taken in the major cities.

I was in Turkey through Oct 15 and didn't hear anything about the Armenian resolution until I read it on the internet! So don't worry.

AAFF there is always "anger to our administration" no matter what branch of gov't we are talking about. I'm sure you don't know all the intricacies of other countries' governmental systems. Does it matter if it is Bush or the Congress who pisses someone off? We elect all of them and they select the judicial branch - thus they all represent the American people in one way or another. Chill out.

Bouchet,

Like Murat, I live here in Turkey. As stated previously, the current tension is from the anticipated House vote on the Armenian Genecide Resolution. I do not think it will have an impact on your travel plans. A date has not been set for the vote and support appears to be declining. I would encourage you to register with the Embassy in Ankara via the State Dept website. www.state.gov

This is an amazing country with very hospitable people. My 77-year-old mother was just here visiting for three weeks and we had a great time driving all over the country.

Enjoy your trip!

Patty

Hi Bouchet,
Hope you will enjoy and let us know about your trip in Turkey....

Thanks native English speakers to give your opinion on what I tried to say!

Just wanted to comment on some points for the general posts;

I knew a little bit of the difference of Administration and the congress as mentioned. How we percieve is they are both legal organs of the American democracy and its systems and people are voting for them. They are ruling the country one way or another. As said on my previous post when you talk with locals they will be as hospitable as to any foreign visitor to Turkey (Believe me or not Americans are more appreciated as they try to localize themselves and speak to locals and show interest and respect to the country & culture & people - different than all inclusive resorts type tourists we receive)for a local it does not matter who is saying what but what has been said overall, congress or Republicans or Democrats. People will find you as point of referance to tell you what they feel about. We are (fortunately) a nation of emotions, so thats it.

American people will receive the famous Turkish Hospitality after 10/10 as well no hesitation for this but they will still talk about their upsetness to our important allias. Demontsrations are there for every reasons for also our own administration time to time and this is not something to see as general behavior.

I happen to talk to a couple last night at restaurant happen to be Americans and after a simple question they asked we talked half an hour for almost everything, they seem happy with their visit !

Like Molker suggests, people are able to distinc the nationas and citizens in different levels.

I am also upset about the Armenian genocide issue; I do not want to go in to deep, but ready to discuss in every aspect, madallion has always two sides and objective people should allow themselves to read both sides. Turkey has not been aggressive on the issue to tell its own side of the story and probably did not market as well as others did. What has happaned in 1915 is 8 years before Turkish Republic was found. Ottoman archives are open to all interested parties to get a full picture anyway.

I am a travel professional and great believer traveling will educate people in many ways and give them a broader vision on the issues either politicaly or culturely. The more we travel we will have better understanding and sympathy to the planet we are living in.

Now lets talk about Travel:

Before coming to Turkey, do not bother to exchange your money to YTL (new Turkish Lira). You will get much better rate once you are Turkey and at Ataturk airport exchange offices of banks are plenty. ATM's are also just outside of the customs.

Trying to learn few essential Turksih words will help you won the hearts of people for better communication.

On sunday we have a referandum in Turkey, in big cities you will see more people on streets than usual so be aware of traffic issues etc.

Happy travelling,

Murat

Murat, thank you for coming back to post again and for your reassurance that Turkey is a friendly tourist destination for Americans.

This is a website to help others with their travel plans, and we definitely benefit from the knowledge we receive from someone like you. Please continue to answer our questions about your country.

Thank you Murat and all who responded. I especially appreciate the assurances that we will be treated as individuals - and not as representatives of a government that is unpopular not only abroad, but at home as well. And thank you for the tip about lira. I was about to go buy a small amount at the bank today, but will wait till we arrive at the airport.
Any recommendations out there for good food? We will be in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, and Bodrum.

Bouchet, The Cafe Sofra, in Taksim Square, at the top of the Marmara Hotel, I think, has good food and the ability to explain the offerings well. That last may be the consequence of having several cafes in London. Try the Anatolian wines there as well; after all, they were mentioned by Homer, how bad can they be? The Yakut is a particular cheap wine favorite.

The only downside we came across in Istanbul were the pickpockets. Fortunately for us, they were not very skilled. A money belt or wallet keeper (mine is from Eagle Creek) is recommended.

Be prepared for aggressive vendors, particularly in the Bazaar. A smile and a firm "no" is usually sufficient. Major purchases should be accompanied by tea and conversation, and if you are considering rugs or furniture, a local guide will save you far more than the cost of his/her services.

Incidentally, after unsuccessfully fending off vendors in English, French, and Spanish, my wife resolved to respond to the next person in Hungarian. Because of that, we ended up in a long conversation with a Hungarian speaking vendor and he became our guide through the rest of the Bazaar. It is better to find an ally and enjoy the experience than go in, as I must I admit I did, with a negative attitude.

Hi Bouchet - I wish you a wonderful time in Turkey. It is a lovely country with beautiful people and places and fun things to do. Enjoy yourself.

Yay, Murat ! I'm back from Dubai. Had an excellent time. Will PM you.

M.

Two restaurants in Cappadocia:

Urgup: Solime (I may be misspelling it but it is in all the guidebooks). Has outdoor dining, good fod and nice service. It was my best dinner in Cappa.

Mustafapasha: Old Greek House. I thought this was quite good but not great. However everyone else raves about it so consider it highly recommended.

Hi Bouchet;

I am happy to hear my suggestions worked for you.

I have a long list for Istanbul, please e-mail me so I send you the list. In Cappadocia; Somine is in Urgup and testi kebab is one of the favorites. I eat there at least 4 times in a week just accross to my office and saves us cooking at home after a busy day :-)
Old Greek House is in Mustafapasa and serves homemade dishis next to a menu. Usually everyone we brought there or send are happy with the food & service and ambiance. Elai in Uchisar offers more fine dining. Owners are friends and in past I had irregularities on the food but last experience was good.

Orient in Goreme is good for steaks.

Dibek in Goreme for local flavours are my other favorite after Somine.

In Cappadocia try to stick to Red wine only. Dibe^k's house wine are both good for white and red.

For the ones interested in rugs, give a chance to Cappadocia and compare what you found elswhere and make your decision after may save money and offers richness of choice for a second thought.

HeyMathieu; welcome back home....Look forward hearing about Dubai and your time there.....keep me posted.


Happy travelling,

Murat

I also recommend 'Dibek' - which Murat suggested to me - as a very good place for an authentic atmosphere and food in Goreme.

Murat, what was the name of that place that the 4 of us went to for dinner with Gouray ? Do you remember it? It was a local place and was quite packed. We all various vegetarian platters and dipping plates and then the grilled meat platter and ALL the food was great. I forgot my camera in the middle of all the empty plates and the owner came running after us with it as we were driving away !

(I'll PM you with the Dubai information. Had a GREAT time there.)

Hi Mathieu;
It was in Avanos, but can not remember the name of the place. Only other thing I remember that I had much more kebabs & grills than I could handle :-))

Ciao,
Murat

Thanks for all the up-to-date info.
Bookmarking for our trip (maybe moving the date earlier to May 08 instead of Oct 08)

Sorry to have to say it, but AAFrequentFlyer is correct.

I just returned from a trip spent traveling all over western Turkey which coincided precisely with the first anti-PKK and anti-American protests (we arrived on Sunday, Oct. 21, the day 12 Turkish soldiers were killed by PKK along the Iraqi border). If I close my eyes I can still picture the sea of red Turkish flags plastering the sky above all the streets, especially in the larger towns and cities, and the angry student protestors shouting their way through the crowds.

I never felt in any danger, but our reception by almost all the Turks while we were there this time was MUCH cooler than it had been during our 2006 visit. They seem to at least partially blame the U.S. for the Kurdish problem, whether right or wrong to do so. Personally I think it's naive to believe the U.S. has that much power to solve all the problems in that region, perhaps especially this problem, let alone expect them to do it.

Okay, now I just glanced at the original post (above) again and noticed "bouchet" said on 10/13 that he/she is leaving for Turkey in ten days. So, now when you are back, bouchet, why don't you post a followup so we know how it went for you?

~L