Lisa Morrow

4 Reasons to Visit Turkey in Winter

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 19:45:44 GMT

Most people visit Turkey in summer for its beaches, archaeology, and history but I prefer it in winter; there’s still plenty to see and do, but with fewer crowds and less heat and humidity. Simply replace swimming with skiing, dress warmly instead of for the beach, and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear instead of sandals. Here are four Turkey destinations that are especially worth visiting in wintertime.

The ancient city of Mardin
The Hittite capital of Hattuşa
Antakya, capital of Hatay Province
Kayseri and Erciyes Ski Resort

The ancient city of Mardin

In Mardin, in southeast Turkey, honey-colored stone buildings cascade down a hill overlooking former Mesopotamia. Throughout the centuries the town has seen Assyrian Christians, Arabs, Seljuk Turks, an Artuqid Turkoman dynasty, and even the Ottomans claim it as their own. Stone walls studded with wooden doors lead through unexpected, low-slung arches to a bazaar area with streets that are so narrow and windy, donkeys are used to carry out the garbage. It’s my kind of town, perfect for walking, getting lost, and finding treasures.

These include Kırklar Kilesi (Mor Behnam), the serene Church of the Forty Martyrs, the gorgeous Abdüllatif Mosque, and Zinciriye Mesdresesi, a religious school. Or Ulu Camii, the Great Mosque – from the terrace café, the one remaining minaret covered in Seljuk, Artuqid, and Ottoman inscriptions looks close enough to touch. Mardin and Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museums are each of note, both for their collections and the buildings themselves.

Domestic visitors love the post office, built in 1890 as a home for a prominent local family. A grand staircase leads up to a wide terrace with sweeping views. In summer it’s packed with tour groups and wedding parties, but in winter there’s room to breathe.

It’s impressive, but I think Deyrul Zafaran (Mor Hananyo), the monastery and original seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate four miles outside the city is the undisputed star. I saw 300-year-old doors, inscriptions in Syriac, the Patriach’s throne, lush wall hangings, and even a visiting church dignitary decked out in full religious regalia. It’s possible to visit the ancient fortress city of Dara on the same day. Recent discoveries now date these ruins back to 3000BC.

Traditional silver filigree jewelry from Midyat, near Mardin. Image credit: Getty Images / Ayhan Altun

I’m not normally a big fan of souvenirs, but the items sold in Mardin are far from ordinary. There’s delicate silver filigree jewelry from nearby Midyat, paintings of the Şahmaran (a mythical half-woman, half-snake creature), and wine made by Assyrians.

The Hittite capital of Hattuşa

I was hopeless at history in school because I couldn’t remember dates, but walking through an archaeological site, I get it. In Hattuşa, near modern-day Boğazkale, it’s easy to see how the ancient people lived. The Hittite’s highly developed urban planning skills are evident in paved roads, fortifications, and other structures enclosed by an almost 5mi (8km) stone wall. With snow covering the masonry, entering via the Lion, Royal, or the majestic, weather-worn Sphinx Gate is like stepping into Narnia. The cold is a plus – it makes the 4mi (6.4km) walk, including a steep hill, comfortable to do.

The Lion Gate at Hattuşa. Photo credit: Getty Images / mehmetakgul

Yazılıkaya

A little over a mile away is Yazılıkaya (meaning inscribed rock), the Hittite Empire’s holiest religious sanctuary. Two sizable rock chambers contain striking examples of relief art showing processions of gods wearing traditional kilts and pointed hats, along with other carvings. Archeologists believe the site depicts the Hittite’s understanding of the cosmos, consisting of the earth, sky, and underworld.

Alacahöyük museum and ruins

Alacahöyük was an important cultural and artistic pre-Hittite center. Only 23mi (37km) from Hattuşa, it was first excavated in 1907 with digs continuing until a few years ago. Temples, sphinx sculptures, and most importantly, 13 royal tombs have been uncovered. I like the fact it combines an archeological site with a museum. Although most of the original pieces are now in the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the displays help me understand where everything fitted in, dates and all.

Antakya, capital of Hatay Province

Modern-day Antakya was founded as Antioch-ad-Orontes in 300BC. Named for the Orontes River (Asi in Turkish), Antioch was a Christian community under Roman rule, but control of the city was contested right from the beginning. Everyone from the Arabs through to the French had a go at running things, before Hatay officially become a province of Turkey in 1939. Today there’s still a strong Arab influence in the food and spoken language.

The most important sites are outside the city center but within walking distance. Temperatures in summer make for tough going, but not so in winter.

Hatay Archeology Museum

The collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics in the Hatay Archaeology Museum is the second largest in the world. Some date back as far as the 1st century AD. Being surrounded by large, intricately tiled panels depicting skeletons, portraits of the gods, and fantastic imaginings of children riding whales and dolphins is an extraordinary experience, knowing they were also seen by people living almost 2,000 years ago. The elegantly carved sarcophagi and sculpture of the pensive Hittite King Suppiluliuma in other rooms were equally mesmerizing.

Mosaics at the Hatay Archaeology Museum. Image credit: Getty Images / Tolga TEZCAN

Sen Piyer Kilesi (St Pierre or St Peter’s Cave Church)

Brooding cliffs loom above the simple façade of this church in a cave inside Mount Starius, where the term Christian was used for the first time in history. You don’t need to be a believer to imagine the impact St. Peter’s words had when he preached here in 38-39AD. Some of the interior stonework dates back to the original 1st century church and there are graves both inside and out so there’s plenty of atmosphere. Pope Paul VI designated it an official pilgrimage site in 1963, but few devotees visit.

Habib-i Neccar Mosque

Architecturally Habib-i Neccar Mosque isn’t spectacular, unlike its history. It’s named for a carpenter alive at the same time as Jesus Christ. According to Christians, Habib-i Neccar proselytized to people who didn’t want to convert, while Muslims claim he called them to follow Allah. Either way, Neccar was martyred and made a saint. Two sarcophagi in the courtyard are said to hold the remains of John the Baptist or Saint Peter, depending on who you believe.

Kayseri and Erciyes Ski Resort

When I lived in Kayseri, the provincial capital of Cappadocia, I was told if anyone borrowed something they’d return it when the snow melts on Erciyes Dağı (Mount Erciyes), meaning never. These days this 12,848ft (3,916m), formerly active volcano is better known for the Erciyes Ski Resort. The resort offers multiple ski runs of different lengths catering to all levels. Even someone like me who’s not a skier can have a great time sledding and trekking in the snow.

Erciyes Ski Resort. Image credit: Getty Images / Ayhan Altun

There’s a range of accommodations, equipment rental, restaurants, and shops on the mountain. However, Kayseri itself is just under 12mi (19km) away and many city center hotels offer reasonably priced transfers to the ski slopes and back. The streets are flat and easy to traverse but in winter non-slip shoes are essential.

Kayseri has many interesting examples of Seljuk architecture. Built in 1249 with a typically austere interior, the Hacı Kılıç Mosque features dark, volcanic stone walls. Sahabiye Medresesi, from 1267, has a square, squat profile concealing an elegant inner courtyard defined by finely pointed arches. The Museum of Seljuk Civilization in the Gevher Nesibe Museum building (originally a darüşşifa or hospital) provides historical context.

Inside the much-restored walls of the 3rd-century castle, shops sell sucuk, a spicy local sausage and pastırma, a cured meat similar to pastrami. Have a bite and then warm up with a cup of salep, a drink made from ground orchid roots and hot milk, before heading to the quaint Ethnography Museum (in the former Güpgüpoğlu mansion). I come from a family of sewers and loved the tableaux showcasing local costumes and domestic traditions.

5 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Turkey

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:05:00 GMT

Turkey's wealth of historical sites, diverse landscapes, adventure activities, rich culture and delicious food make it an extremely rewarding place to explore. Before you set off to see the mosques in Istanbul, landscapes of Cappadocia, and ancient ruins of Ephesus, here are five handy travel tips to make the most of your visit to Turkey.

1. Are Turkish people friendly?

Yes! Turkish people are incredibly friendly, love to help, and are very inquisitive. They often ask questions such as “How old are you?” or “How much money do you earn?” that can feel invasive, and staring is common. On a 10-hour bus ride, the headscarf-wearing village woman next to me gazed unblinkingly at my blue eyes the for the entire trip.

Anything marking you as different – skin color, hair, clothing – makes you an object of fascination, especially outside urban areas. I try to respond with good grace because Turks have a genuine desire to know about foreign life, but you don’t have to answer or engage more than feels comfortable.

2. A few Turkish words and phrases go a long way

Outside the tourist areas, even in big cities, not many people speak English, so having some Turkish language basics is really useful. If you receive an invitation to a local family home for Turkish coffee or tea, knowing even a few words is much appreciated. However, some unscrupulous people take advantage of that friendly nature.

Understanding Turkish non-verbal communication is essential, particularly when it comes to saying no. Turkish hospitality means you’re offered more food and drink than you want. To stop the flow, simply put your hand on your heart as you say no. If you’re being pressured to buy something or give money and saying no hasn’t worked, tilt your head up and back while making a brisk tsk sound with your tongue. It might feel rude to do so, but it works.

3. Currency, costs, tipping, and bargaining

Travel with a mixture of cash (in small denominations), an ATM card, and a credit card. Travelers’ checks are no longer common. US Dollars and Euro are the easiest currencies to convert into Turkish lira and change offices offer the best exchange rates. There are many ATMs throughout Turkey but check with your own bank beforehand about overseas withdrawal fees. Always carry cash on you, in case you can’t find a machine that accepts your card.

Good service is the norm in Turkey but wait staff don’t earn much, so tipping is welcomed; 10-15% is usual in upmarket restaurants, but I always leave something at small, family-run neighborhood places too. Round up the fare for taxi drivers or add an extra US $1-2 (8.40-16.80tl) if they help with your bags. Note: Turkish lira is quite volatile at the time of this writing, so this currency conversion is approximate.

Always check prices – on menus before ordering, and the bill or taxi meter before paying – and query any discrepancies. Some negotiation is usual in carpet shops, so first learn the price and currency they’re quoting. It’s perfectly all right to ask for a better price. If that fails, stand up and say you’re running out of time before checking one last time if that’s the very best they can do. The main thing is to buy something because you love it. My house is full of carpets I’ve bought in Turkey. Looking at them still makes me smile, while the memory of what I paid is long forgotten.

4. How to dress appropriately in Turkey

Turkey’s population is 99% Muslim, so religious beliefs influence a lot of the daily behavior and customs you’re likely to experience, be it in cosmopolitan centers or traditional rural communities. This doesn’t mean women traveling in Turkey have to cover from head to toe, but being aware of proper etiquette and dressing modestly helps you avoid unwanted attention.

A scarf is the perfect multi-purpose go-to. You can drape it around your shoulders if you’re feeling a bit exposed, or when the temperature drops. Use it to cover your hair when you want to enter a mosque and keep a bag handy in your purse to carry your shoes – you’ll have to take them off to enter.

5. Traditional Turkish toilets

While most Turkish hotels, museums, and restaurants have western-style toilets, you'll frequently encounter squat toilets on your travels. I prefer them because they’re often cleaner. The floor of the stalls is sometimes wet but don’t worry, it’s just clean water that’s been splashed around. They have a tap with running water (bidet) installed next to the squat area as Turks generally use water instead of paper, so remember to keep a packet of tissues in your bag. Hand sanitizer is a good idea, too.

If you’re wearing long pants, you might want to roll up the cuffs, and wearing jumpsuits is not advised. After you back into the stall, remove any objects from your pockets before you squat – likewise sunglasses perched on your head or hooked over your shirt front. If you forget, good luck retrieving them.

The majority of public toilets in Turkey charge a small fee so it’s wise to carry change. Most mosques have toilets (some of them free), so you’ll never be caught short.

Is Turkey Safe for Women Travelers Going Solo?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:28:00 GMT

What to wear in Turkey
Tips for traveling around Turkey
Accommodation in Turkey
Dealing with unwanted attention in Turkey
What to do to feel safe in Turkey

Here are our essential safety tips for women to stay safe while traveling alone or with friends.

What to wear in Turkey

Take note of what Turkish women are wearing to get an idea of the local dress code. It differs depending on the area, with towns and villages often being more conservative than major cities, especially in central and eastern parts of the country. Wherever you go, covering more of yourself than less will show you respect local customs and help avoid unwanted attention.
While it’s usually fine for to wear shorts and skimpy tops in beach areas and coastal towns, elsewhere you’ll be more comfortable in longer pants or skirts and T-shirts that cover your upper arms.
Layering is the way to go. Make sure to have one or more scarves that can double as a head covering, mandatory for entering mosques. Carry one in your bag at all times so if you suddenly feel too many eyes on your neckline, you can drape it over your decolletage.

Tips for traveling around Turkey

Buses are a popular choice for long-distance travel, offering clean, well-priced transport. Most major companies now offer a 2+1 seating configuration so ask to be seated in a single seat. When they’re all booked up, it’s normal to be seated next to another woman. Don’t be embarrassed to insist. The same goes for trains.
When a seemingly random man tries to grab your luggage at an intercity bus station, don’t panic. He just wants to put it on the bus for you. Turkish women never carry their own bags.
That said, try to pack as light as possible. You'll be more independent not weighed down by heavy luggage, and have more space for the souvenirs you’re bound to buy during your stay.
Turks are very friendly and curious about travelers so be prepared to answer a lot of questions. However there’s no need to be specific about your travel plans or to give out the name of your hotel if you don’t want to. Just say you can’t remember.
Turks love to give directions, even when they don’t know the right way. If you have to ask someone, ask three people and continue to check as you go along, otherwise you may find yourself going in the wrong direction.

Accommodation in Turkey

Choose a hotel or pension in the tourist part of town where there are restaurants and late-night stores. This feels much safer than staying in alternative accommodation in residential areas and means you’ll have a shorter walk back to your accommodation after dinner.
Be polite and friendly with male staff but don’t over do it. What you think of as normal interaction – smiling frequently and thanking them profusely - can be seen as an invitation for more.

Dealing with unwanted attention in Turkey

Regardless of age, women traveling alone in Turkey may find themselves the focus of insistent male attention. Here are some suggestions of what to do and say (or not, as the case may be) to help you handle these situations:

Be selective when you ask for directions. Where possible choose a woman but if your only option is a man, try to ask a vendor in a small kiosk rather than a man in a shop. The former have to stay put while a shopkeeper can easily ask a friend to mind the store and then accompany you.
Turkish people often stare at tourists, particularly in less touristy areas. When a Turkish man won’t stop looking at you, curb your natural reaction to stare back because they’ll take this as a come on. Wearing dark glasses can help you avoid accidentally meeting someone’s gaze, but it won’t stop them looking because your foreignness will already be obvious.
Women of color, anyone dressed dramatically differently from the norm and women with blue eyes can be the focus of intense scrutiny. Blue eyes are frequently associated with women known locally as “Natashas”. Back in the early 2000s there was an influx of female Russia traders looking to buy and sell goods. When the economy failed some ended up working in the sex trade and unfortunately this stereotype is still prevalent in the popular press. When a man stares at you the best thing to do is to look away and ignore him. Turkey is a patriarchal culture and challenging every man who looks your way is unlikely to change anything. Women stare too and I always smile back because it opens up the chance to interact.
Wearing a wedding ring and pretending to have a husband is often recommended for solo female travelers but it’s generally not very effective. Turkish women rarely travel long distances unaccompanied by relatives. When they do, they’re constantly on the phone to them.
Men are very physically affectionate towards one another with no sexual meaning attached. However if you’re chatting with a guy at your hotel or in a shop and he casually drapes his arm around your shoulders, this isn’t part of the culture. Shrug off his arm immediately and/or move away, making your displeasure obvious.

What to do to feel safe in Turkey

It’s hard not to stand out as a tourist in Turkey and most of the time that’s OK, but here’s what to do if you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe.

Walk with purpose and confidence even when you're not sure where you're going. Avoid going down dark, narrow streets and stick to brightly lit main roads.
If you think someone is following you, stop and look in a shop window. Usually, it will be someone wanting to practice their English, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If they say or do something you don’t like, enter the shop or look for a security guard at a bank and ask them for help.
Some male bystanders catcall foreign women in Turkish. If this happens ignore them and keep walking. It’s unlikely, but if they do say something insulting in English don’t answer back. If you’re near your accommodation report them to reception. In tourist areas go to the tourist police and make a complaint.
Most of the time the attention doesn’t run to more than staring and attempts at conversation. However, if you are feeling unsafe, make your discomfort known to bystanders by loudly saying “Çok ayıp!” (Very shameful) and point at the individual in question. You’re guaranteed to attract attention, the right kind, from Turkish people keen to see tourists have a safe and enjoyable stay in their country.

Transport in Turkey: Tips for Traveling Around Safely

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:25:00 GMT

In 2021, Istanbul moved from second to first spot as the most congested city in the world. Due to the pandemic more people opted for private rather than public transport, increasing the number of cars on Istanbul’s roads dramatically. As a result driving is an infuriating and sometimes nightmarish experience for many locals.

Even though the Turkish government has invested hugely in new infrastructure over the last decade, there are more car owners, despite the increase in costs of both buying and running a car, and therein lies the problem. To say Turkish drivers tend to be haphazard on the road is an understatement so road safety concerns are a constant reminder to be aware while driving. They even have a name for this menace, calling it ‘Trafik Canavari’, or ‘Traffic Monster’.

Driving in Istanbul
Is it safe to drive in Turkey?
Safety tips for brave travelers driving in Turkey
Travel insurance for driving in Turkey

Driving in Istanbul

Turkish drivers are generally chaotic, impatient and unpredictable. I was once almost hit by a car reversing 100 meters the wrong way up a street at speed. When I remonstrated with the driver he said I was at for fault for not looking before I started to cross. Of course I did, but the other way! Now, don’t get me wrong, not all drivers in Turkey are heedless of the mayhem they cause, but it is worth noting some of their more dubious habits.

Drivers don’t like indicators, traffic lights, paying attention to pedestrians, signals or road rules. They like to honk their horns, continuously, often for no obvious reason, and to randomly drive in reverse, even on highways, so look out! They also often stop unexpectedly in the middle of the road when they’re lost, unsure, or on the phone.

Add to this scooters navigated by distracted riders coming out of nowhere, at anytime.

Is it safe to drive in Turkey?

The answer to this question is “Not particularly – but it is doable”. While the roads themselves have definitely improved, in 2020 there were more than 983,808 road accidents, with 4,866 people were killed and 226,266 injured.

For those uninitiated in driving in Turkey, here’s what you need to know.

Generally, when you’re in big cities and towns such as Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and so on, it’s better to stick to public transport. Turkey’s public transportation systems are top notch, very affordable and extremely efficient. Wherever you want to go there will be a bus, ferry, train, tram, dolmuş (shared minibus) or taxi to take you.

Long-distance buses are clean and well-priced, however ,if you plan to head out to regional areas using your own itinerary, you’ll want to consider a hire car. Do note that despite the physical improvements, Turkey’s highways can still be quite dangerous. A lot of motorists have a ‘demolition derby’ attitude. They scream around blind corners, overtake in dangerous situations, and generally drive in a fashion that would turn the knuckles white of even the toughest professional driver. Even the more sedate of drivers rarely signal, often cut out in front of you and meander from lane to lane.

Driving after dark is not recommended. There can be very little street lighting and sometimes no guard rails on mountain roads. Turkish drivers don’t always turn their lights on at night either and truck drivers have a habit of rolling large rocks onto the road when they break down, as a warning to motorists following behind. Quite often they’ll leave the rocks there. In the middle of the road.

Safety tips for brave travelers driving in Turkey

Be aware of every car you encounter, you have no idea what they might do, and you should be prepared for any possibility
Don’t drive at night if at all possible
Try to avoid driving during peak times. Simple journeys of only a few kilometers could take several hours in a traffic jam
Be aware of roundabout etiquette in Turkey – generally nobody gives way so you just have to go for it while being as cautious as possible
Many people vent their road rage verbally in Turkey and it’s best to keep your emotions in check if you’re the focus of an angry motorist
Be prepared for police stops. By law drivers must carry their license with them. Additionally all tourists, residents and citizens are required to have their passports or ID on their person at all times. Photocopies are not accepted and fines apply
If you have an accident do not move the car until police have arrived, take photos and contact the hire company straight away.

Travel insurance for driving in Turkey

Most hire companies will rent you a car if you’ve held a license in another country for at least a year. Some require drivers to have an international license as a condition of their insurance contract. Check with the hire care provider. If you have an accident, your chances of having a claim for medical expenses paid are good, as long as you haven't broken any laws (like drink driving, or not obeying the local road rules). Cover is not provided for personal liability while you're driving/riding a vehicle.

Terrorism Issues in Turkey: Should Travelers Be Worried?

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 22:01:00 GMT

Tourism is booming in Turkey and it’s no surprise. The people are welcoming, travel is comfortable and affordable and it's possible to see and do some wonderous things, at all points of the compass. However it’s important to be aware Turkey has suffered from acts of terrorism. Before you go, find out about the risk of terrorism in Turkey, and if you are covered by travel insurance.

Is there terrorism in Turkey?
Where are the terrorism hotspots In Turkey?
Is the ANZAC dawn service in Gallipoli safe?
Am I covered for terrorism in Turkey?

Is there terrorism in Turkey?

Yes, there have been terrorist attacks in Turkey. The large majority of them have occurred between terrorist groups and Turkish security forces, such as police, military or government units, in the east and southeast, on the border Turkey shares with Iraq, Iran and Syria. However, while terrorist groups in Turkey mostly target workers in positions of authority and tend to avoid civilians, this is not always the case.

The major cities of Istanbul and Ankara have also been the site of major terrorist attacks. In 2016, there was an attack on tourists in the precinct of the Blue Mosque and in June of the same year an attack at Istanbul Ataturk airport resulted in 41 dead and more than 230 people injured. In 2017, 39 people were killed and 79 wounded at Reina nightclub in the Ortaköy neighbourhood of Istanbul in the early hours of New Years Day.

Following an attempted coup in July 2016, a state of emergency was declared, ending in 2018. Since then police presence on the streets has increased and there have been no further major terrorist acts recorded in tourist areas since then.

Government travel advisories frequently recommend travelers avoid crowded areas in Turkey, but this isn’t possible in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. More useful advice is be aware of your surroundings, follow police instructions and when a crowd gathers (other than to listen to street musicians), keep on walking. Stopping to watch a street protest can quickly become an unpleasant experience if things turn ugly.

Many government travel advisories also recommend travelers avoid going to the provinces in the east and south east of the country due to the heightened threat of terrorism and the potential for civil unrest. Areas close to the border with Syria can be particularly tense. Travelers are told to exercise a “high degree of caution” due to the level of terrorism threat, with some areas flagged as “reconsider your need for travel”. It’s important to heed warnings issued by your respective foreign offices, but it's also equally important not to scrap traveling to this fascinating part of the world due to paranoia. I’m hardly a risk taker but travel to provinces in south east and eastern Turkey – Hatay, Gaziantep, Şanliurfa, Mardin, Doğabeyazıt – is high on my agenda.

If you do decide to travel to Turkey, stay up to date with all local information regarding any potential threats – talk to locals, read the news and continue to stay informed while you’re in Turkey. That way you can change your travel plans if needed.

Is the ANZAC dawn service in Turkey safe?

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service on the coast of Gallipoli has become a pilgrimage for many thousands of Australians and New Zealanders who come to commemorate the fallen in war and reflect on the ANZAC spirit. Being a large tourist attraction, some have raised concerns about the safety of the event.

So, is the dawn service secure? We asked Mat McLachlan, head of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours about what kind of preventative measures are put in place.

“The security at the Gallipoli Dawn Service is always tightly controlled. Visitors have to submit to bag checks and x-rays, plus there are hundreds of armed Turkish security personnel in attendance.

“We advise all our visitors to get to the site as early as possible and expect delays due to the high levels of security. The whole operation is extremely well run and the safety and security of the attendees is the number one priority.

Security is so tight that the biggest problem we usually have to contend with is passengers who lose patience with the screening process! But at such an important international event, security has to be given top priority.”

Nonetheless Mat also encourages visitors to Turkey to keep an eye out for any risks.

“We do advise our passengers that there have been terrorist attacks in Turkey in the past and to keep themselves informed of developments with their government advisories. There have been no terrorist attacks at Gallipoli during the Dawn Service in the past ... security levels at the Dawn Service are extremely high, and therefore this is probably as safe as they will be during their entire time in Turkey. In my opinion the chance of a terror attack at the Dawn Service is very small.”

Am I covered for terrorism in Turkey?

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in the rare event of a terrorist attack, and are injured, fortunately you are completely covered for any medical expenses incurred.

However, it’s always a good idea to check with your government warnings on Turkey when you make your travel arrangements.

If warnings for these areas change to "Do Not Travel" by your foreign office, and you are injured, you may have your claim voided if there is suspicion you placed yourself at voluntary risk.

Crime in Turkey: What Travelers Need to Know to Stay Safe

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:10:00 GMT

Travelers in Turkey are more likely to be overfed by the locals than run into any sort of violent crime, but it pays to be careful. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Types of crime in Turkey
General safety tips in Turkey
Men's safety tips in Turkey
Women's safety in Turkey
What to do if you're in danger

Types of crime in Turkey

Opportunistic crimes like pick-pocketing do occur in Turkey, particularly in the tourist areas of Istanbul like Sultanahmet, Taksim and the Grand Bazaar. To avoid being a target, wear a cross-body bag and close all pockets and zips before you exit a shop or board public transport. Men shouldn’t put wallets or phones in the back pockets of their jeans or trousers. If you see someone watching you on a crowded tram or metro, fold your arms over your bag and keep your eyes on the person. Make it obvious and they’ll think twice.

By law you have to carry your passport on you at all times in Turkey so make sure you keep it secured in a zippered compartment of your bag or inner pocket of a jacket. Passport theft is not an issue to date, but this could change.

Travelers are frequently warned against going to dangerous border areas with Syria and Iraq, because kidnappings by terrorist groups operating there are a major threat. While kidnappings do occur in Turkey, they have mainly involved foreign nationals residing in Turkey, including priests, and women and children with Turkish partners, rather than tourists. Many cities in southeast Turkey are quite safe to visit and definitely worth including on your itinerary.

General safety tips in Turkey

Being on holiday doesn’t mean forgetting basic safety precautions. Like anywhere, visitors should take note of what’s happening on the streets around them, particularly in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Izmir.

Stay alert and be aware of events happening in Turkey and elsewhere in the world that might have an impact on you. Keep up to date with local news reports and avoid protests or demonstrations. The presence of police vehicles and street barriers might only signal a highly contested football match but could also lead to a full-on display of tear gas, rubber bullets and arrests.

Even if you think you blend in, more often than not you’ll clearly be a yabancı, a foreigner, especially in smaller cities and towns, attracting stares, comments and sometimes approaches from all and sundry. Don’t panic. Turks are warm and welcoming, sometimes too much so, but usually their intentions are good.

They love to learn about visitors and what they think about their country. You don’t have to answer every question, but make sure never to insult Atatürk (the founder of the modern Turkish Republic), Turkish culture or Islam. It’s OK to talk about religion, as long as you don’t try to say one is better than another.

Don't get involved in any arguments or demonstrations about political issues such as the Armenian genocide, Kurdish separatism, or issues concerning Cyprus. Turks take these topics very seriously, and you could get into serious trouble. Just keep your opinions to yourself.

LGBTQ+ travelers need to be aware that individuals like themselves are generally not well accepted in Turkey. Gender roles are still quite specifically defined, meaning men and women need to worry about different things when traveling.

Men's safety in Turkey

Men traveling on their own in big cities should be wary of overly friendly, well-dressed young men purporting to be local Turks looking to take them out on the town. They usually begin with general chat then say “I know this great club/bar…” If you go with them, more often than not you’ll be joined by other men along with women eager to flirt, and be served copious drinks. At the end of the night, you’ll receive an enormous check. Saying you don’t have the cash won’t help as they’ll escort you to the nearest ATM. Refusal to pay could result in you being roughed up, your wallet stolen, and all your valuables taken.

It’s pretty easy to avoid finding yourself in this situation. Just say no or pretend you’re meeting up with friends.

Women's safety in Turkey

Turkey’s secular and moderate Islamic traditions means women are fairly visible in public life but they are still expected to fit into traditional roles. This has an impact on how locals view women traveling solo.

Female tourists, especially if they have blue eyes, long legs and blond hair will often be asked “Rus mısın?” (Are you Russian?). It’s code for “Are you a sex worker?” This is largely due to misleading media reports. I’m a redhead (at the moment) with blue eyes and when I get this question I know the men who ask me are poorly educated. Rather than responding to their ignorance with anger, I politely say “Hayır, Avustralya’liyim” (No, I’m Australian). Mostly they apologize profusely and leave me alone.

However, if a man touches you or follows you, tell him to stop very loudly, so people around you can hear. Common phrases to use are:

Dur (pronounced "Dour") = Stop it!
Çok ayıp (pronounced "Chock Eye-yep") = Very shameful!
Birak beni (pronounced "Beh-rahk ben-ee!") = Leave me alone!
Polisi arıyorum (pronounced how it looks) = I am calling the cops!

Turks are extremely proud of their country and want you to see its best side so will go to great lengths to remove an offending man.

Women should always be careful about traveling by themselves at night in the cities, sadly necessary no matter where you are in the world. Take a cab if you’re nervous about walking to your accommodation on your own.

Violent religious crime is generally not part of the visitor experience in Turkey. Dress codes require both sexes to dress modestly to enter mosques and tombs. While inside, women should cover their hair, legs and upper arms. If you are approached by a person complaining about your attire, apologize and accept the covering they are likely offering, or leave. It’s not necessary to wear a headscarf in the countryside, but you will garner more respect and interactions with locals, particularly women, if you dress more conservatively. Wearing shorts that stop mid-thigh is still frowned upon in some areas, especially in the east and south east of the country.

What to do if you're in danger

If you feel you're in danger of being attacked or you have been attacked and want to report it to the police, dial 112. The call is free of charge.

Luckily however, most travelers leave Turkey having met warm and generous people, seen incredible archeological and historical sites and eaten a greater variety of Turkish food than they knew existed.