Are Americans safe to travel to Turkey?

Takeaways Turkey is a buffer country between Europe and the Middle East Many Americans are afraid to travel to Turkey More Americans should travel to Turkey Did you know? Women have been voting in Turkey since 1934, and have already had a woman Prime Minister. Related Content - View all (5 total) A Day Without Immigrants Divides Am... Go Where the Sun Never Sets - Alask... Driving Cross-Country: On the Road... The American Character: How The Res...

More by C Akdemirbey Vacations for Spiritual Meaning Back to School for Teachers Do You Need a One Wheel Bike Traile... READ LATER E-MAIL COMMENT PRINT Is Turkey a Safe Vacation Destination for Americans? With Unrest in so Many Middle Eastern Countries, Many Avoid Traveling to a Real Gem Click to rate: 1 2 3 4 5 (Rated 3.7 out of 5) By C Akdemirbey Aug 15 2006 07:50AM

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After watching the Israel-Hezbollah crisis and reading about recent foiled airline bomb plot by Islamic fundamentalists, many are wondering about the safety of any Muslim country safe for Americans. My husband is Turkish and I lived in Turkey for several years; so, every time something happens in the Middle East, friends and acquaintances ask me the same question: is Turkey safe? From my experience living in Turkey, I know it is not the top Mediterranean destination for Americans. I encountered far few Americans than I did Europeans or even Canadians. Those Americans I did talk to often told me that a “friend” had visited and recommended Turkey. I used to joke that what Turkey really needed was a better Minister of Tourism. In truth, I believe the problem is much more complicated than simply lack of advertising. As recent events demonstrate, many Americans are numbed by media images of bombing and hatred in the Muslim world.

Just this week, I experienced two disparate encounters that illustrate so well the American public’s perception of Turkey. A few weeks ago, a friend asked me to provide some travel tips for a couple who were planning a trip to Turkey. Then, on Monday, my friend informed me that “due to the unrest in the Middle East” the couple didn’t think it wise to go. Now, I know these two people are the adventurous sort, but the situation with Israel persuaded them that terrorists lurked behind every Roman ruin in Turkey. This was before the recent airline plot - I can only imagine what they think now! Yet, the next day, I was stuck in my daughter’ pediatrician’s office for eons as she gushed breathlessly about her recent trip to Turkey. “It was the most hospitable country I’ve ever visited,” she exclaimed as I inched my way to the door. Even as I passed her on my way out, I heard the doctor continue to rave about Turkey to a nurse. I thought what Turkey really needs is to hire her as their Minister of Tourism. Then I wondered, how can Turkey be both one of the friendliest places on earth and one of the most inhospitable? Is it simply bad press or is it something more?

Is Turkey a Middle Eastern Country? On some official lists, Turkey rests in Europe, and on others, it is listed as Middle Eastern. Which is it? True, much of the food you would find in a Lebanese restaurant you would also eat in a Turkish restaurant. But that is also true of a Greek restaurant. Called “the gateway to the east,” a small portion of Turkey rests in Europe and, on the other side of the Bosporus, the majority of its land spreads through Asia. More than the Bosporus fissures Turkey. When I worked there, the female teachers wore skirts shorter than Heather Locklear’s Melrose Place minis, and, for years, the government of Turkey has been strenuously overhauling the country in order to join the European Union. At the same time, truck loads of Syrian and Iranian dollars have been pumped into conservative religious schools and enrollment is high. As many of my Turkish friends tell me, “Turkey is neither Middle Eastern nor European; Turkey is the buffer between both.”

Sure it's safe. By the way, here's a guitar with a key of Hash in it. Mind dropping it off at the address on the back?

No,no thanks.In the 80's,I spent 24 hours in New Dehli but had to leave because of culture shock like you wouldn't believe.In the international departure area of the airport,I was strip searched twice by customs officials.I found out later that India was a prime drug runners destination and that my short stay fit the profile of a drug runner.

I sincerely doubt that I would have enjoyed an Indian prison.I'm glad I've never been into drugs.

It's been almost 15 years since I was in Turkey but back then it was a one of my favorite places. I'm sure things have changed in that time, which is unfortunate because the Turks were some of the friendliest and most hospitable people I've had the pleasure to meet.

I spent most of my time on the western coast although we did go inland to see the limestone formations in Pamukkale and the caves in Cappadocia -- truly amazing! The Roman ruins in Efes are the best I've ever seen and I think they still allow tourists to wander unobstructed through the ancient city. The Aegean coastline is also well worth exploring and I highly recommend the beaches of Butterfly Valley outside Oludeniz.

Whatever you do, don't travel to the Eastern part of the country. There's plenty to see and do along the West coast where the people depend on tourism and are friendly toward non-Muslims.

I am sitting in Caanakale, Turkey right now... sunshine, great food and the people treat you with respect. Just this weekend I made a trip to Efes (The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus) and it was filled with tourists from all over the world and it is a great historical site to visit. The culture on this side of Turkey (at the entrance to the Dardanelles) is more of a secular islamic. I kind of think of Turkey as an Islamic nation much like the US is a "Christian" nation. I don't see a lot of people rushing to the local mosques for the prayer calls.

Turkey could very well be the most civilized and reasonable of the world's muslim countries...but that doesn't say very much,IMO.

Exactly. There is a reason why the EU is resistant to allowing Turkey to become a member state. They have seen the anti-social behavior of Turkish immigrants that refuse to blend in to Western society. Turkish immigrants have moved into EU countries and lived in insular communities and then they want the laws changed to accommodate their culture. Even European liberals have come to realize that they are in danger of losing their Western cultural identity if they allow Turkey to become a member and have voting rights.

Ataturk imposed a secular democracy on Turkey in 1915- going as far as forbidding hijabs and prohibiting outwardly religious Muslims from working in the government. That has changed, especially in the last ten years, but Turkey is still perhaps the most secular and democratic Muslim country out there with the possible exception of Oman. Of course with competition like Saudi Arabia, "most secular and democratic Muslim country" is not a hard thing to accomplish.

I travelled throughout Turkey in 2005 and it was one of the most spectacular places I have ever been to. The hospitality in Istanbul was great and the ruins at Ephesus are one of the Wonders of the World. Some of the best Roman ruins are actually in Turkey. The house that Mary was rumored to live in after Jesus' death is in Turkey. Although it was hard to find, it was a very moving experience whether she actually lived there or not. Turkey is remarkable for its culture and history and I never felt unsafe. It really cannot make up its mind whether its European or Middle Eastern - it all depends on where you are. I spent most of 2004 in the Middle East and would go back again and again. The best advice I can give you is do not ride on buses and only grab a cab in front of a hotel or at a posted cab stand.

OK freepers having traveled in Turkey and having become very close to some turkish families here is my experience in the country.

Instanbul is an amazing city. I feel much safer there walking around than in most large Americans cities. You do not have to fear getting mugged or raped. There are the occasional pick pockets, I have been told, but if you take standard precautions with your money you should be safe.

The capitol city of Anakara is incredibly beautiful. It is also very safe to travel there.

I travelled extensively in the Western part of Asian Turkey. From Izmir to Epehesus to Marmarsis on the Med. This is where you really get to see the true people of Turkey. The vast majority love Americans and are extremely hosptitable to you. A lot of the young people speak English and love nothing more than to practise their English talking to you.

I did not travel to the East. The farther East you get the more rural is gets and also more dangerous. There are Kurdish separtists that could really cause you problems. So if you go to Turkey, stay in the West and everything should be OK.

The Country is obviously muslim, but it is secular, as decreed by Kemal Attaturk. It is run by the military and they do not put up with any crap from the government.

There are so many things to see and so much history I could spend months there and not get bored. The food is just like Greek food, but the Turks hate the Greeks, so they claim they invented all the dishes.

There is also one nice perk when you make it to the beaches in the Med. There are tons of Europeans tourists there (I realize that's not all that great). However, most or the European women go topless. I don't think you will be seeing that in Saudia Arabia any time soon!

My wife is Mexican, I have traveled all my life in Mexico. Believe me, you are much safer in Turkey than you are in Mexico.

And that is my two cents....

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist bombings -- some with significant numbers of casualties -- over the past four years have struck religious, government, government-owned, political, tourist and business targets in a variety of locations in Turkey. The possibility of terrorist attacks, both transnational and indigenous, remains high.

I think I'll pick another place. I hear Cleveland's lovely this time of year.

After just being in Ephesus over the weekend I found the virgin Mary's house by accident. Her "home" is more a Catholic shrine in my opinion and the entrance fee is a bit much compared that it has the same fee as getting into the ruins of Ephesus. Her house is reconstructed (I believe in the 1950's) on the foundation of where she alledgedly lived when she was brought here by John.
I have not felt one bit of nervousness while travelling around the country. The only danger is with their driving habits in the mountain areas. The Turks are a bit impatient on waiting in traffic, a no passing zone means nothing to them. I saw a few near collisions.
I am planning on making a trip to Bergama over the next weekend. Did you by chance make it over to the Pergamon site?

No, I didn't. Wish I had, though. Not too far away is Priene and the Temple of Athena Polias - not too bad. My boyfriend and I were the only ones there that day and we had a lovely picnic including the best fresh peaches I have ever had. They do indeed drive a little wild. I love in Istanbul that when you come upon a red light that it actually turns yellow before it goes green. I suppose it gives everyone a chance to step on the gas!

“The food is just like Greek food, but the Turks hate the Greeks, so they claim they invented all the dishes”

Is this a joke? Where is the correlation? Putting aside that observation of yours that makes no sense, let me correct you by saying that the Greeks hate Turks more than Turks hate Greeks, and even my Greek friends have said this as their text books are written in a way that implies being patriotic means hating your former enemies.

Greece has attacked us first in the past. It is only natural we resent them but for some strange reason, they hate us even more.

We do not claim we invented their dish because we hate them. We claim it because it is the truth. Just because you know about Greek dish in the US does not mean they are the owners. It just means they were smart enough to advertise it first.

You need to educate yourself on the history of both countries. Before Greece became Greece, we ruled them for 200 years. As a result, their music and food are very similar to us. Turkish food and music is a mixture of Middle East, Balkans and Asia, the very regions Turkey lies on TODAY unlike Greece so when they were ruled by the Ottoman Empire (Turks), they took adapted our culture.

Damla, 2 1/2 years to reply? That has to be a record. Please accept my apologies for my lack of understanding of Turkish culinary history, but also allow me to respond.

"..let me correct you by saying that the Greeks hate Turks more than Turks hate Greeks"

The absurdity of you argument of who hates who more, illustrates the point. Once you get to the level where you have to quantify hate, I think the matter becomes mute.

"You need to educate yourself on the history of both countries. Before Greece became Greece, we ruled them for 200 years. As a result, their music and food are very similar to us. Turkish food and music is a mixture of Middle East, Balkans and Asia, the very regions Turkey lies on TODAY unlike Greece so when they were ruled by the Ottoman Empire (Turks), they took adapted our culture."

And before the Ottomans there was the Byzantine empire. And before the Byzantines there was the Persian Empire. At the same time Greece was not a nation as we know today, but a collection of city states such as Athens and Sparta. So who actually "invented" the dishes of the region? Although I do not have the references to back it up, I would suspect the cusine was a combination of all these influencial cultures in combination with the local flora and fauna. To claim that Turkey invented lamb kabobs and the Greeks simply marketed them to the rest of the world is rather silly don't you think?

Please do not take this the wrong way. I love your country and its people. The national pride you and yours exhibit is something I think has diminshed in America. I wish more Americans would stand up for thier country like the Turks do for Turkey.

again, just my two cents.....

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