I'm set to travel to Istanbul in a few weeks and am now concerned for personal safety after the recent bombing in Ankara. Reading the State Department website did not help matters. I am a fairly seasoned traveller and travel in low key manner but am concerned.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
There are dangers everywhere, you could change your plans go to France instead and be at the wrong place at the wrong time when an explosion occurs at a nuclear reprocessing plant. Or you could go to Norway enjoy a scenic cruise on a coastal ferry and a fire erupts in the stern of the ship. In reality, you have a greater risk of death crossing the street in Istanbul over a bombing from a terrorist group. Enjoy you visit to Constantinople!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I don't need to reiterate what Michael already said. Turkey is a great country and I would not hesitate to travel most anywhere there. The people are great- though our governments may have differing opinions on some things, that does not necessarily translate to the individuals you will be encountering.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
I would not be too concerned. The tourist areas in Istanbul are generally well patrolled and safe. Most of the periodic violent attacks in Turkey, such as the recent Ankara bombing, are from a Kurdish group (PKK) and are directed at the Turkish government, not at tourists. There are occasional anti-western protests (e.g. anti-NATO), but these are typically announced and organized in advance and can easily be avoided. I encourage you to keep your plans. A similar incident occurred with me back in in 2004. My wife was very concerned about coming to visit me in Turkey because there had been a PKK bombing in Istanbul the morning she left. When I picked her up at the airport, she was surprised that I hadn't even heard about it.