Friday, April 11, 2014

Is it safe to travel Turkey?


The Recent Terrorist Attacks in Turkey 2016

Unfortunately, Turkey is densely suffering from Syria problem during this period as well as PKK Kurdish Terrorists wants to control over the Southeast Region of Turkey. As a result of these, there were some recent bomb attacks in Istanbul and Ankara. Only one of them targeted tourists was in January 2016.

The other parts of Turkey remain safe so you can still consider travelling West and South of the country offers beautiful vacation deals for tourists.

As a Turkey travel specialist I would recommend you to keep an eye on the news and, closer to your departure date, talk to your travel provider for their latest advice. Additionally, leave organising your Turkey holiday money until closer to when you plan to travel to avoid any unnecessary exchange losses if you are unable to go.

If you would like to make a trip plan for alternative destinations you can contact Turkey Tour Specialists www.turkeytourspecialist.com and they will offer you some safe trip plans for Turkey.

How is general situation at the moment?

Being friendly and hospitable to visitors and guests is a part of Turkish Culture so don’t be surprised or think wrong when you see a Turkish reluctant to help you or welcome you in their house.

Of course, I am not talking about the guys hassle tourists walking around the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square. Be aware of them and do not accept any offers will end in a quasin’s shop!

However, we can still consider Turkey as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers.

Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey with its over 20 million population. With the recent Syrian war, Turkey gets many refugees to the big cities. You must be careful about Street Crime, Pickpockets, bag-slashers, bag-snatchers, con artists. Always hold your bag in front and closed. Never carry so much cash and avoid displaying your valuables. Its simple and same as you would do in any other metropolis such as New York, London or Shanghai.

Mugging and Rape by force is rate but might be danger for alone travelers.

Any danger for female travelers?

Turkish guys can be very flirtatious, you must avoid turning a nice conversation to a date and then expect a long-term and trusty relation. As long as you observe the cultural norms and behave accordingly, you will have no problem or physical danger in Turkey. Thus, you can consider Turkey as one of the safest countries for female travelers.

What about street protests and political unrest?

Turkey has a young, developing country and people trying to establish democracy in the country. Its not easy to do it in a country ruled by “Sharia” (Islamic Religious Laws) over 600 years. Think about Europe and United States and how many wars made between countries, how many people died for it?


Although there is a cold war in the country, they are trying to find the mid-way with peaceful protests. These protests running mainly in Istanbul (Taksim Square), Ankara ( Kizilay Square) and Izmir (Konak Square) and not covers touristic areas of the cities. As a tourist you must stay around the touristic areas and do not participate any of the political or civil protests.

Istanbul Museum Pass Is it worth to buy?


The Istanbul Museum Pass is for tourists serious and eager to visit major landmarks left behind by the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It gives discounted and free entrance fee to prominent, historical, and cultural sites of Istanbul, some of which date from over 9000 years ago. Landmarks and buildings free of charge with the Istanbul Museum Pass include…

• Mosaic Museum
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Archaeological Museum
• Topkapi Palace and Harem 
• Hagia Sophia
• Galata Mevlevi House Museum
• Yıldız Palace
• Museum for the History of Science and Technology in Islam
• Chora Church

The card also gives substantial discounts in museum cafes and shops, GES bookshops and other popular attractions throughout the city.

Where to Buy it?

You can purchase the card from various stations within Istanbul or if you already live in Turkey, can purchase it online from the Muze Kart Official website.

Is it Worth it?


This will depend on how much time you plan to spend in Istanbul and if you intend to visit most of the sites included within the program. Some guided tours may provide discounted prices, no need to queue, advantage of pre-arranged transport, and the services of a professional, qualified guide to help bring the city alive by recounting the historical value and significance of the landmark buildings you will visit.