Is Is Safe To Travel To Turkey?

Published On : 21 Oct 2024

Turkey is a relatively large country straddling both Europe and Asia. This destination is famous for its history and varied terrain, from the shores of the Aegean Sea and remains of classical antiquity to the flat central Anatolian plateau and the mountainous regions of the Black Sea. Istanbul, one of the biggest cities and today the capital of Turkey, is situated on both the shores of the Bosphorus, this city is proud of its great mosques, noisy bazaar and shining palaces.

However, in recent past one could hear some things about safety issues related to travelling to some regions of Turkey. Here is an overview of the current situation

In general, the tourist areas in western and central Turkey where most of the tourists prefer to visit are relatively safe for tourists. This list includes Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, Pamukale’s thermal spas, Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Many travel to it every year and such visitors never leave with any tale of horror.

The southeastern part near the borders with the countries of Syria and Iraq is affected by the conflict in the Syrian territory. Such areas are best avoided particularly those that are in close proximity to those borders. There have been fatal terrorist attacks in Gaziantep, Sanliurfa and other cities in that region of Turkey. It is an area where the Turkish military is actively involved in operations against Kurdish militant organizations.

Since 2015, many attacks occurred in the biggest cities of Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara: several of them were perpetrated by ISIS or Kurdish militants. There are more safeguards today, but terrorism is still possible. One should be wary and conscious when in urban areas and any famous tourist attraction.

The case of refugees from Syria is another consideration. Turkey is currently home to more than 3.5 million refugees. This has stretched resources in border towns. However, most of the refugees are harmless to tourists but due to economic hardship and misunderstanding, sometimes safety becomes an issue. Treat the other person politely and tactfully regardless of what you are discussing about.

A protest or march can occur at any given time, not necessarily in the big cities only. Most are friendly but one should not be close to big political meetings. Stay abreast of local media and government travel warnings and alerts.

Some best practices when visiting Turkey

Do not travel to provinces close to the Syrian border like Hatay and southeastern regions which are still experiencing conflict. Check government travel warnings.
Always be cautious and alert especially in public places such as the metro stations, during rallies or at tourist attractions. Report unattended packages.
They should not flaunt costly gadgets and accessories in the hotel; instead, they should use the hotel safety deposit.
Always travel in registered yellow taxis or order a ride through a reputable ride-sharing app. Investigate on shuttle service and transfer service providers.
Show respect for cultural traditions. Always wear appropriate attires when you visit a mosque. Do not bring up politics or religion unless you are close friends with the other person.
Check your government travel advice before travelling to Turkey for updates depending on whether you are heading to Istanbul, Ankara or the southeast region.
Choose a travel insurance policy that includes medical evacuation and trip cancellation due to terrorism or civil unrest.

Many people visit Turkey and move within the country without experiencing any harm each year. The vast majority of visits are without incident in areas other than high risk categories. As an informed tourist, one will be able to avoid or avoid close contact with people who will cause an issue during your tour since you will be fully prepared. However, one should not disregard the idea of avoiding some countries and regions with active military conflicts or that have experienced large-scale terrorist attacks recently and touring them only after the situation has settled.

Do not hesitate to contact me if there is a particular part of this blog content that you want me to explain further. I attempted to include the major points concerning safety and security measures for tourism and gave true and balanced information on the dangers that may be incurred. However, please do not hesitate to expand on this or take the article in a different direction as well.

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FAQ

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

Generally, Turkey is considered safe for tourists, although it's important to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, particularly in tourist hotspots like Istanbul

Are there any specific areas in Turkey to avoid?

While many regions are safe, the southeastern provinces near the Syrian border may pose risks due to potential terrorist activities. It's advisable to heed travel advisories and avoid areas with ongoing conflicts

What precautions should female travelers take?

Turkey is generally safe for female travelers, but it's wise to dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and avoid poorly lit or secluded places at night. Traveling in groups or using reputable transport services can also enhance safety

Is it safe to use public transportation in Turkey?

Public transportation can be safe, but travelers should be vigilant against pickpockets. It’s best to avoid using public transport late at night and to stay in well-lit, busy areas

What about terrorism risks in Turkey?

Turkey has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, but the situation has stabilized in recent years. While there is still a low-level risk, many travelers find Turkey to be safer than some Western European cities. Staying informed and following local news can help mitigate these risks