Visiting Turkey for Fun and Adventure, Oasis or Chaos
Aug 17th, 2015, 04:00 AM
#22
annhig. 
The 13 year incumbent AKP's leader and self-proclaimed Sultan, having lost just over 20% off their 52% of the 2011 vote in the June 7, 2015 elections, delayed as much as possible the formation of a new government and Turkey is still continuing with the pre-election government which is in the process of waging a civil war against the illegal and legal representatives of the Kurdish population of the country in addition to any and all opposition media, critics, prosecutors and judges and soldiers and police who do not support them.
The government which is supposedly discussing the possibility of forming a coalition government with one of the opposition parties, just listens to their points of view for some weeks and then moves on the next, with no results.
It seems that there will be new general elections in Turkey anytime from second half of November to June, 2016.depending on when the President who declared last Thursday that he is the de facto ruler of the country despite the constitution (and that the constitutional and other legal amendments will be made afterwards) believes that he and his party will be able to get a parliamentary majority to allow him to formalize his palace coup.
In the meantime, he suddenly changed tactics and re-started the war against Kurds with the hope of gaining the nationalistic vote they had lost to MHP and the vote of the Kurds who could be scared or bought off.
United States is paying lip service to him by not criticizing his mass attacks to Kurds within Turkey and Northern Iraq in the hope that he will stop supporting ISIS and the other Islamist groups in Turkey. But He has not done so.
This is actually good news for the traveler to Turkey, because ISIS does not pause any threats and the PKK and the Kurds are fighting for their lives and rights against the armed and security forces well aware that they need international support in this fight.
The Gulf and Saudi aid and investmet to Turkey in support of Islamist action is not sufficient to make up for the loss of international capital market trust, resulting in more Turkish Lira depreciation. Current rates are 2.87 to one USD and 3.17TL to one Euro.
All touristic areas remain safe, as well as touristic Istanbul.
Stay away from unruly groups, protests, chanting or flag waving people on the march.
Your biggest risk at locations like Ephesus, Termesos, Aphrodisias, Sardis, Xanthos, Patara, Myra, etc. is nodding offep and dreaming that your town is invaded by the Perians or Pirates or Phenicians or Hittites, whatever and that you are caught up in the battle.
If there is any increase in risk or safety, I shall immediately post here.
My recent tweet on the Middle East and one of my favorite American novelists:
Aug 8
#EWhittemore met a 3000year old man in Jerusalem
He did not know there were many of them
They had no memory
And war was their only story
The 13 year incumbent AKP's leader and self-proclaimed Sultan, having lost just over 20% off their 52% of the 2011 vote in the June 7, 2015 elections, delayed as much as possible the formation of a new government and Turkey is still continuing with the pre-election government which is in the process of waging a civil war against the illegal and legal representatives of the Kurdish population of the country in addition to any and all opposition media, critics, prosecutors and judges and soldiers and police who do not support them.
The government which is supposedly discussing the possibility of forming a coalition government with one of the opposition parties, just listens to their points of view for some weeks and then moves on the next, with no results.
It seems that there will be new general elections in Turkey anytime from second half of November to June, 2016.depending on when the President who declared last Thursday that he is the de facto ruler of the country despite the constitution (and that the constitutional and other legal amendments will be made afterwards) believes that he and his party will be able to get a parliamentary majority to allow him to formalize his palace coup.
In the meantime, he suddenly changed tactics and re-started the war against Kurds with the hope of gaining the nationalistic vote they had lost to MHP and the vote of the Kurds who could be scared or bought off.
United States is paying lip service to him by not criticizing his mass attacks to Kurds within Turkey and Northern Iraq in the hope that he will stop supporting ISIS and the other Islamist groups in Turkey. But He has not done so.
This is actually good news for the traveler to Turkey, because ISIS does not pause any threats and the PKK and the Kurds are fighting for their lives and rights against the armed and security forces well aware that they need international support in this fight.
The Gulf and Saudi aid and investmet to Turkey in support of Islamist action is not sufficient to make up for the loss of international capital market trust, resulting in more Turkish Lira depreciation. Current rates are 2.87 to one USD and 3.17TL to one Euro.
All touristic areas remain safe, as well as touristic Istanbul.
Stay away from unruly groups, protests, chanting or flag waving people on the march.
Your biggest risk at locations like Ephesus, Termesos, Aphrodisias, Sardis, Xanthos, Patara, Myra, etc. is nodding offep and dreaming that your town is invaded by the Perians or Pirates or Phenicians or Hittites, whatever and that you are caught up in the battle.
If there is any increase in risk or safety, I shall immediately post here.
My recent tweet on the Middle East and one of my favorite American novelists:
Aug 8
#EWhittemore met a 3000year old man in Jerusalem
He did not know there were many of them
They had no memory
And war was their only story
Aug 17th, 2015, 04:44 AM
#23
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"the President who declared last Thursday that he is the de facto ruler of the country"
That shocked me.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erd...&NewsCatID=338
That shocked me.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erd...&NewsCatID=338
Aug 20th, 2015, 03:12 AM
#26
Another Cappadocia Festival starts this week.
This is mostly theater and visual arts with CRT SBlaise Theatre Research Association, European Union NGO Dialogue Center and local Francophile sponsorship.
All shows will be free at the August 21-23 Uchisar, Nevsehir Arts festival.
Other Cappadocia festivals and events later this year are as follows:
8.31 - 9.2 International Avanos arts and crafts festival
9.16-22 Turkmen Cuisine Festival
4th week of September. Forgotten Tastes of Goreme
October 3-6. Grape Harvest Festival
Sept 5-15 Salcano Cappadocia Bike Festival
https://cappadociabikefestival.com/
Official web site of Salcano Cappadocia Bike Festival. ... and unique history! Life is like a non-stop festival in Cappadocia Cycling Festival! ... Registration Deadline: 2015/09/05 ..... Ahmet Enes Geçer, Turkuaz Bisiklet Kulübü - GBD, 1996. 9.
December ? Photography Competition
Politically, the humid weather seems to be fomenting the slimy mess Turkey finds itself embroiled in. (sorry about ending with a proposition in a hurry)
The USD is today almost 3 Tl. (2.98) Expected worst will be 3.2. but to get back to the 2.85-3.00 range. This is not my view. But I have always been wrong in my forecasts regarding Fx.
When working as an advisor at the Ministry of Planning of another Middle Eastern country, I played a game of investing an imaginary portfolio of USD10Mil in Platinum, gold, FS, Yen, DM and $ in my spare time (in 1980-85). I was down to less than one million within six months, without even playing the futures market.
This is mostly theater and visual arts with CRT SBlaise Theatre Research Association, European Union NGO Dialogue Center and local Francophile sponsorship.
All shows will be free at the August 21-23 Uchisar, Nevsehir Arts festival.
Other Cappadocia festivals and events later this year are as follows:
8.31 - 9.2 International Avanos arts and crafts festival
9.16-22 Turkmen Cuisine Festival
4th week of September. Forgotten Tastes of Goreme
October 3-6. Grape Harvest Festival
Sept 5-15 Salcano Cappadocia Bike Festival
https://cappadociabikefestival.com/
Official web site of Salcano Cappadocia Bike Festival. ... and unique history! Life is like a non-stop festival in Cappadocia Cycling Festival! ... Registration Deadline: 2015/09/05 ..... Ahmet Enes Geçer, Turkuaz Bisiklet Kulübü - GBD, 1996. 9.
December ? Photography Competition
Politically, the humid weather seems to be fomenting the slimy mess Turkey finds itself embroiled in. (sorry about ending with a proposition in a hurry)
The USD is today almost 3 Tl. (2.98) Expected worst will be 3.2. but to get back to the 2.85-3.00 range. This is not my view. But I have always been wrong in my forecasts regarding Fx.
When working as an advisor at the Ministry of Planning of another Middle Eastern country, I played a game of investing an imaginary portfolio of USD10Mil in Platinum, gold, FS, Yen, DM and $ in my spare time (in 1980-85). I was down to less than one million within six months, without even playing the futures market.
Aug 24th, 2015, 03:10 AM
#27
I just posted this on twitter as a general explanation of the current situation in Turkey:
"Rumor is that problems in #Turkey, former oasis of ME, are ecological & due to pathological effusions by bloated egos, henchmen & coffers."
"Rumor is that problems in #Turkey, former oasis of ME, are ecological & due to pathological effusions by bloated egos, henchmen & coffers."
Aug 24th, 2015, 08:43 AM
#28
There were heavy rains in Western turkey last two days. The weather has cleared and temperatures are on the rtise again.
However, Northeastern Turkey is not so fortunate. Continuing heavy rains, worst in fifty or more years have caused severe flooding and landslides. There are at least 8 casualties and two people lost with a large number of destroyed homes.
The video on the following news portal shows the lack of risk management by the local authorities who should have closed down at least some lanes of the highway which is definitely under risk of rocks carried by tthe waterfalls created by the floods :
http://haber.sol.org.tr/turkiye/tari...dirildi-127327
Events like these are why I always warn travelers to the region to take good care when driving and renting a suitable car.
However, Northeastern Turkey is not so fortunate. Continuing heavy rains, worst in fifty or more years have caused severe flooding and landslides. There are at least 8 casualties and two people lost with a large number of destroyed homes.
The video on the following news portal shows the lack of risk management by the local authorities who should have closed down at least some lanes of the highway which is definitely under risk of rocks carried by tthe waterfalls created by the floods :
http://haber.sol.org.tr/turkiye/tari...dirildi-127327
Events like these are why I always warn travelers to the region to take good care when driving and renting a suitable car.
Aug 24th, 2015, 11:21 AM
#30
Hi ann, the video disappeared from that site but i found it here :
http://www.posta.com.tr/video/video-izle?VideoID=34758
http://www.posta.com.tr/video/video-izle?VideoID=34758
Sep 4th, 2015, 09:47 AM
#32
Waiting for November 1 elections.
Violence in the Souteast and East has escalated against security forces who have been bombing Kurdish insurgent bases in Turkey and in Northern Iraq.
Istanbul and all touristic areas as well as Black sea, Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, central stay safe.
here is something another Fodorite posted that you may find interesting :
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/al-...&NewsCatID=349
Violence in the Souteast and East has escalated against security forces who have been bombing Kurdish insurgent bases in Turkey and in Northern Iraq.
Istanbul and all touristic areas as well as Black sea, Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, central stay safe.
here is something another Fodorite posted that you may find interesting :
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/al-...&NewsCatID=349
Sep 4th, 2015, 11:29 AM
#33
Thanks, OC - a fascinating article. I particularly liked the differing views of the locals and visitors, especially where one local complained that the arabs never tipped immediately followed by another saying how generous they are.
I see that two of the three journalists arrested a few days ago for allegedly ""working on behalf of a terrorist organisation" have been released [the British ones] but their Iraqi colleague remains in jail.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-34142492
Doubtless the situation for journalists will worsen leading up to the election.
I see that two of the three journalists arrested a few days ago for allegedly ""working on behalf of a terrorist organisation" have been released [the British ones] but their Iraqi colleague remains in jail.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-34142492
Doubtless the situation for journalists will worsen leading up to the election.
Sep 16th, 2015, 08:48 AM
#35
Sad news:
The number of provinces and cities in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey which are dangerous and have serious warning flags have increased.
I would include Kars and Ardahan as well as Erzincan, Elazig, Sivas, Erzurum, Gumushane, Batman, Adiyaman and even Malatya as "too risky to visit" at this time, in addition to the very touristic Hatay, Gazintep, Diyarbakir, Urfa and Mardin provinces.
This is a pity, but it appears that this was the wish of the government which started bombing PKK bases in Northern Iraq and a large number of guesstimated PKK sites within Eastern Turkey, possibly hoping to stage one of three alternatives to continue to stay in power :
1. To make it impossible to hold the November 1 elections because of lack of security
2. To announce marshall law and curfews with extraordinary security measures to silence most opposition parties, criticizing media and NGOs with arrests and threats.
3. To try to appear as the only hope for peace and salvation for the Kurds who have been pinpointed as xenophobic targets by the ruling party and the President as well as the Nationalistic opposition.
Please note that, civilians and tourists not in the specified zones are not in any type of risk or danger. All PKK activity is geared towards the security forces and all security force and government legal activity is geared against open critics, the meia, the Gulen movement supporters and the opposition.
As in all countries, it is never a good idea to argue with the police or any government employee, and/or criticize them directly.
Th weather is finally cooling. We had five very hot and humid days at Kemer Club Med, West of Antalya. The sea was glorious until I hugged one of the partially sea weed covered small floatation cylinders separating the swimming and water skiing zones. Apparently, there were some tiny barnacles on it which damaged my breast and allowed the seaweed to poison the skin. It was very painful for about 18 hours until the cortisone and anesthetic creme ombination and the antihistamine pill took over. But I still wear some red scars that I proudly exhibit.
I also walked quite a bit, between the room and the beach and the restaurant, all worthy targets, A/C, sea and good food.
Ceylan and SIL took of immediately to Athen and Chania after we flew back to Istanbul. They called to say they regret we did not have all our holidays in Crete. I hope we will get another chance to do just that.
The Turkish Lira is still down, due to political uncertainty, PKK and government military activity, Chinese economy, Russian arming of Syria, over two million Syrian refugees in the country (about two hundred thousand on the move towards the Western borders with the hope of making it through Bulgaria, Greece and other countries en route to Germany.)
Chick peas with lamb and okra in olive oil awaits. Take care and happy travels all.
The number of provinces and cities in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey which are dangerous and have serious warning flags have increased.
I would include Kars and Ardahan as well as Erzincan, Elazig, Sivas, Erzurum, Gumushane, Batman, Adiyaman and even Malatya as "too risky to visit" at this time, in addition to the very touristic Hatay, Gazintep, Diyarbakir, Urfa and Mardin provinces.
This is a pity, but it appears that this was the wish of the government which started bombing PKK bases in Northern Iraq and a large number of guesstimated PKK sites within Eastern Turkey, possibly hoping to stage one of three alternatives to continue to stay in power :
1. To make it impossible to hold the November 1 elections because of lack of security
2. To announce marshall law and curfews with extraordinary security measures to silence most opposition parties, criticizing media and NGOs with arrests and threats.
3. To try to appear as the only hope for peace and salvation for the Kurds who have been pinpointed as xenophobic targets by the ruling party and the President as well as the Nationalistic opposition.
Please note that, civilians and tourists not in the specified zones are not in any type of risk or danger. All PKK activity is geared towards the security forces and all security force and government legal activity is geared against open critics, the meia, the Gulen movement supporters and the opposition.
As in all countries, it is never a good idea to argue with the police or any government employee, and/or criticize them directly.
Th weather is finally cooling. We had five very hot and humid days at Kemer Club Med, West of Antalya. The sea was glorious until I hugged one of the partially sea weed covered small floatation cylinders separating the swimming and water skiing zones. Apparently, there were some tiny barnacles on it which damaged my breast and allowed the seaweed to poison the skin. It was very painful for about 18 hours until the cortisone and anesthetic creme ombination and the antihistamine pill took over. But I still wear some red scars that I proudly exhibit.
I also walked quite a bit, between the room and the beach and the restaurant, all worthy targets, A/C, sea and good food.
Ceylan and SIL took of immediately to Athen and Chania after we flew back to Istanbul. They called to say they regret we did not have all our holidays in Crete. I hope we will get another chance to do just that.
The Turkish Lira is still down, due to political uncertainty, PKK and government military activity, Chinese economy, Russian arming of Syria, over two million Syrian refugees in the country (about two hundred thousand on the move towards the Western borders with the hope of making it through Bulgaria, Greece and other countries en route to Germany.)
Chick peas with lamb and okra in olive oil awaits. Take care and happy travels all.
Sep 16th, 2015, 08:57 AM
#36
Sorry to hear that the situation has deteriorated, OC. I feared that it might. The plight of the refugees doesn't seem to get any better either; the ones stuck in or around Hungary seem to be particularly unfortunate.
These are indeed interesting times.
These are indeed interesting times.
Sep 17th, 2015, 01:37 AM
#37
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I see the UK Foreign Office has added a couple of new orange provinces to their map - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey
I've missed out on Turkey this year, but getting my 25-year-old BMW prepared for a mega tour next year, thinking of getting over to the north-east and Georgia and Armenia. I haven't been to Van since '86. Would also like to go to Nakhchivan but I'm not sure if that's possible for foreigners on the land route from Turkey.
I certainly want to have a look at some more Urartian sites, including the Şamran water channel - http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/cha...&NewsCatID=375
I've missed out on Turkey this year, but getting my 25-year-old BMW prepared for a mega tour next year, thinking of getting over to the north-east and Georgia and Armenia. I haven't been to Van since '86. Would also like to go to Nakhchivan but I'm not sure if that's possible for foreigners on the land route from Turkey.
I certainly want to have a look at some more Urartian sites, including the Şamran water channel - http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/cha...&NewsCatID=375
Sep 22nd, 2015, 10:20 AM
#38
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"A logic of war has been put into place that makes us nostalgic for the days of martial law and the 1990s" - HDP minister, Ali Haydar Konca.
I remember this saying from the old days - "the army will sort it out". I'm wondering if there is still this muttering amongst the general population? I guess one can't say they were the good old days.
In '82 I was hitch-hiking along the south coast from Anamur to Tarsus and got a lift from a man called Evren, we were waved through all the checkpoints with no problems!
I remember this saying from the old days - "the army will sort it out". I'm wondering if there is still this muttering amongst the general population? I guess one can't say they were the good old days.
In '82 I was hitch-hiking along the south coast from Anamur to Tarsus and got a lift from a man called Evren, we were waved through all the checkpoints with no problems!
Sep 29th, 2015, 08:04 AM
#40
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OC, I want to THANK YOU for this and your previous threads which I've followed over the past year. My husband and I just spent two weeks in Turkey, spending time in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Selimiye on the Bozburun Peninsula.
By the time I boarded the plane to Istanbul I was exhausted and a little stressed out by the "are you crazy" looks and bad information I received when I told friends/acquaintances I was going to Turkey. My mother begged me to go to India (????) instead lol. I chose to trust you though with your up to date information and we had one of our best trips. The people were incredibly friendly, the food delicious and we felt so fortunate to see so many amazing and different areas in Turkey.
So once again, thank you for your valuable information and updates!
By the time I boarded the plane to Istanbul I was exhausted and a little stressed out by the "are you crazy" looks and bad information I received when I told friends/acquaintances I was going to Turkey. My mother begged me to go to India (????) instead lol. I chose to trust you though with your up to date information and we had one of our best trips. The people were incredibly friendly, the food delicious and we felt so fortunate to see so many amazing and different areas in Turkey.
So once again, thank you for your valuable information and updates!
