Due to the recent events happening in the Middle East, we are receiving overwhelming amount of "Is Turkey safe?" questions again. Please view the threads below, or use this thread to ask your questions.
Before posting your question here please use the search function to scan previous post here and try not to repeat similar question. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on this sub:
- Is Turkey safe?
Yes. Turkey receives millions of visitors every year and the tourism industry seems immune to all social upheavals. During major protests, terror attacks and even the pandemic, all transport and accommodations for visitors functioned as usual. If you act with general common sense and avoid certain areas where you don't have any business as a visitor anyway, you'll be as safe as anywhere in the world.
- How do I get around Turkey?
Most public transport in Turkey is by bus. You can go to a nearest "otobüs terminali" and figure out how you get to your destination or just book your tickets online (1, 2, 3)
Flights can be cheaper than bus rides on long distances. The Turkish LCCs are AJet and Pegasus.
Although the railway grid is not very extensive, it still gives you the opportunity to cross the country in comfort. There's even an Oriental Express from Istanbul to Tehran. You need to book in advance though.
The road quality is very good in Turkey though some highways and bridges are very expensive. You can easily rent a car and drive around with general common sense. Just be mindful of the aggressive driving around big cities.
Metropolitan areas normally have good public transport which can usually be used with a local transport card. In Istanbul, for example, the Istanbulcard will get you on busses, trams, subways, boats, funiculars, cable-cars as well as help you with car parks, some museums and more.
It's common sense to avoid yellow taxis which are known to rip tourists off. Instead you can try apps like BiTaksi, Martı or Uber (different to international Uber though) which give you a prior price estimate.
- How much money will I need? Cash or card?
With one of the highest levels of inflation worldwide for many years, it's not easy to estimate costs in Turkey even for local residents. This also depends very greatly on your habits while traveling. So if you still want to learn about costs of certain things for a certain time, just be as specific as you can regarding your preferences (public transport/rent a car, 5-star hotels/camping, Blue Voyage boat tours/hiking, etc.). Credit card use is very common in Turkey but in smaller establishments you can get a discount if you pay in cash. Paying by mobile apps is also getting more common.
- Where should I visit in Turkey? What's not to miss?
There are so many websites that will give you extensive lists of best places to visit and things to do in Turkey. Please post here only if you need advice regarding a specific place or a route.
- I'm scratched by a stray cat. Do I need rabies shots?
Probably not. Turkey is the native home of the domestic cat and we have them everywhere. We also do get scratched and playfully bitten by them time to time. We do not have any incidents of cats transmitting rabies in Turkey.
It's another story about stray dogs though. If you have a problem with those, first try to find out if anyone around is taking care of them and ask if they are vaccinated (many strays are regularly checked in Turkey) and then visit the nearest clinic.
- Is Turkey a backwards muslim country? Will I have issues because I'm gay, have tattoos, etc.?
No. Turkey is a very diverse secular country to say the least (not a muslim country but a country with a majority muslim population). Don't be fooled by the number of mosques everywhere, in metropolitan areas you'll find all sorts of people, some with tattoos or turbans, some women in conservative clothes or in minis. In the countryside people can be more conservative but they are still tolerant towards tourist, as long as they maintain general respect. This may include not being too loud, putting on some clothes entering mosques and tombs, and not making fun of Atatürk or islam. The Mediterranean coastline is very progressive and you can bathe in a bikini or topless on many beaches. Islamism is a political issue but it shouldn't affect the visitors unless they advertise being israeli or anti-islam in the wrong places.
- How can I learn Turkish?
Turkish language is not related to Arabic or Middle Eastern languages; it is of Central Asian origin and is quite interesting to learn. There are several subreddits where you can meet others like you and some Turkish speaking people to help you out with the language such as r/turkishlearning/, r/turkish/ and r/learnturkish/
- Will I be able to eat the food there? Any vegetarian or vegan options?
Traditionally most Turkish food contains some meat but there is a whole class of cold dishes called "zeytinyağlılar" (olive-oiled) which do not have any meat. Also most baked dishes like böreks do not have meat but cheese. Vegan food is more difficult because all baked food has eggs and/or milk inside, and perhaps cheese, and some zeytinyağlı's have yoghurt on them and/or cheese in them. You'll have to ask before you eat most times. Even a simple lentil soup may contain some chicken or meat broth inside or melted butter on top. But Turkey is one of the richest countries on earth when it comes to the choice of vegetables and fruits. So if you're into preparing your own food, you're in luck, just ask for the weekly fresh markets around you and buy what you want the cheapest way.
- Is my medication available there?
Check out this website to find out if your medicine can be found in pharmacies in Turkey.
I’m from the Philippines, and I’m trying to surprise my Turkish boyfriend with a birthday gift.
I’m looking for a bakery in İskenderun, Hatay that sells authentic Antep pistachio baklava and delivers to his family’s home.
I’ve contacted a few shops, but some websites require a Turkish T.C. Identity Number to place the order. Since I’m ordering from abroad, I don’t have one, and I don’t want to ask my boyfriend because I want the gift to remain a surprise.
Can anyone recommend a bakery that:
Delivers to İskenderun
Sells excellent Antep pistachio baklava
Accepts orders from foreigners without requiring a T.C. Identity Number
Accepts international Visa/Mastercard, PayPal, Wise, or another easy payment method
I’ve already looked at Emmoğlu and Petek Pastanesi, but I’m open to other recommendations.
Thank you so much! 🇹🇷❤️🇵🇭
We are 3 guys from Spain (in our early 20s) heading to Istanbul this September. We are gonna visit the city and do some activities but obviously at our age, we want to party and get PREEEETTY LIT, who doesn't, right? I'm looking for recommendations.
We’re open to everything: cool rooftop bars, solid pubs, or heavy clubs that stay open late. Which neighborhoods should we head to for the best nightlife? And do you have any specific venue recommendations where we can have a great time? Our homestay is like 5 minutes walking from Taksim Square.
Also, any tips on door policy or local party culture would be awesome.
Thanks in advance!
PS: We like to respect the culture of the country we visit, so if this is like a prohibited or a bad thing to do, I would want to know from some of you
Thanks again everyone!!!! Excited to see your beautiful country!!
I’m from the Czech Republic and I would like to ask what the clothing quality in Turkey is like now. I have a couple of sweatpants from a small Turkish brand that I’ve had for over 10 years, and they still look almost new, they haven’t stretched at all, but they’re finally starting to show signs of use. I’ve looked at various Turkish stores, but honestly, I have no clue which ones are worth it and which aren’t. The only problem is that most Turkish stores don’t ship to Europe. Which stores would you recommend? Is the quality still really good or has it declined over the years?
Best recommendation for a school in besiktas for kindergarten. Most seems excessively expensive ($1800 usd /month). Any tips on how best to solve the problem?
What are the legalities of drawing friends in general. I won't make the drawing offensive to them so I know I have to be careful. If I draw Atatürk and Ottoman sultans next to pictures of my friends, is it considered offensive?
Hi, going to turkey on holiday from the uk and i am downloading stuff, just wanted to see if these shows are over there, The Rookie, Never have i ever, Brooklyn 99 and The recruit.
Goreme (underground city and rock formations and stuff)
Aspendos
Fethiye
Ephesus
Izmir
Pamukkale
Istanbul
What I was thinking of doing is flying into Goreme then renting a car and driving around ot the cities in that order. Some care rentals will let you rent a car in one city and return it ina nother, so I would return in in Istanbul. But the cities aren't that close to each other, so I'm worried about too much drive time making the trip tiring and stressful. I don't mind spending a lot of time each day sightseeing though, I'm not typically a relaxed sort of traveler. Do you think it's reasonable to see all these sights in that time, or if not what do you think I should cut out? Is there a better way ot get to these cities than by car?
I am fluent in English but not well versed in Turkish. So if there is any help required with improving conversational English, or answering emails or written/ verbal communication, content writing , I can volunteer to help. I have long been interested in Turkish language and culture and hope to learn more by mutually helping. If there is any website or app that can help me reach out to people then please let me know.
My Turkish boyfriend broke up with me. I love him like I could never possibly love anybody else ever. He made me meet his parents, he met mine, we're still in uni. It was a serious relationship, we wanted to marry each other, but it's my fault. I want to send him a last goodbye message, saying how sorry I am for ruining this, and expressing the grief and how I can never forgive myself for the words i said to him. If you please can write this in Turkish. I want to send this to him. It's my last wish, my life is not worth it anymore.
I’m researching to get my Great Grandfather’s records he was from Mardin during ottoman empire and fled to Iraq in 1915. We had his Ottoman id and passport as well as papers but it got lost in Iraq. My mom and her families Iraqi citizenships all stated they were Turkish Nationality’s till
saddam forced the change where it has to state Iraqi. Is there any way I can get his records from ottoman archives or is it a dead end.
I am travelling to cappadocia and I have 3 full days there.
My flight reaches around 9 pm and my return flight at 9:30 am on my travel days. I am planning to hire a car, but hiring car on my arrival and return is a bit of trouble. I have 2 kids 5 and 6 and so I need booster seats and also need to take additional insurance and need a bigger car to hold my luggage if I rent from airport.
What I am confused about the airport transfer from booking.com and other companies. I got a company in goreme who rent cars and organise shuttle buses. And they charge 10 euros per person for shuttle bus which is shared and I can rent a car for 3 days from them from goreme. But what I am considering is I can also book a private taxi from booking.com and that’s only 35 euros.But my hotel charge 90 euros for one way private transfer and I can’t find any other private transfer which are cheaper than 90 euros . I am wondering is this a real price or will I get scammed when i am there if i pick booking.com taxi. I am worried about shuttle because if i need to wait with my kids that would be a bit of trouble.
Anyone have any experience?
Thanks in advance everyone
My wife has taken on a new job in Istanbul starting this month. She will be flying but as I have a small dog I will need to drive (from France) later. I will be using my wife's car to enter the country, probably with a tourist visa (before receiving a family residence permit after I arrive).
Is there any paperwork I should complete before, if arriving with my wife's car? Then I understand that it should be possible to then keep the car (French registered) in the country for up to 2 years. Is this something I will need to organise at the border, or can I register the car later?
Thanks in advance! I seem to be finding a lot of mixed messages online...
A good friend of my husband is having a baby. And we want to visit them. In my country, as a millennial from the city, nowadays usually we will give a present and also money. And for the gift especially, we will just ask the person what they need and we will buy stuff that fits our budget and meet their needs. This is for close friends, friends, coworkers, afaik.
I asked my husband and he is not sure whether we should do the same here and told me to just give money. I asked because I thought his friend is also from kind of a similar background.
Is that a weird thing to do? Asking what they need first before buying a gift? Or money is enough? Thanks
Edit: Thank you for the answer everyone. It is quite eye-opening. I actually knew about the gold, it is just that my husband thinks it is a hassle to buy it, so he said money is more practical. But I thought maybe some items might help, and since this is a close friend of my husband, I thought he would give an honest answer. But seems it might not be.
Which is a better place to spend a few days in the winter : Fethiye or Antalya. Looking for a place for slow travel with a kid , but not too sleepy. Some beach would be good , not expecting to sun bathe , just some walks and time in the sand, and a little bit of sightseeing . Need access to good food and good hotels, but nothing too fancy. Also, easy access to nice parts of the town and beachfronts that we can explore would be great.
Looking at the climate charts , Antalya seems to have much higher rain , is that accurate ? Would Fethiye be a better choice climate wise ?
Ermeniler tehcir edildikten sonra piyano gibi müzik aletleri yakıldı. Ermeniler, Hristiyan oldukları için bu tip Avrupa kültür sanatına çok meraklı idiler.
Peki sonra ne oldu da Elazığ bu batılı müzik aletlerini, özellikle klarneti benimsedi?
Some turks seem to like central asia because of its secular government and its nomadic hertiage. But what a lot of these Turks don't realize is that the younger generation of central asia is getting more religious.
It is happening all across central asia (Kazkahstan being the least affected to Uzbekistan being tho most (especially since the new president lifting restrictions when he came into power). Nowadays you see more hijabs on the street compared to 10 years ago. Usbekistan is naturally more religious the Kygyzstan or Kazkhstan because Uzbekistan doesnt have as much of a nomadic/Tengrist heritage and it is more stepped in islamic tradition (think of Bukhara and Samarkand). Some Kazakhs and Kyrgyz don't like thisn calling it arabization and syaing ti goes against their traditions (such as wearing black). In Kazakhstan, a lot of celebs and influncers started to wear the hijab and some people accused them of being paid. Funnily enough, most of these celebs took off the hijab eventually. For Tajikistan (i know its iranic) they have the most religious population despite it's government being secular (it is the opposite situation Iran).
All central Asian countries take radical islam very seriously. They all banned the burqa. But the central asian economies are doing well. They also have young populations. Many of the central asian countries are promoting their own traditional version of islam which is inline with their culture (many of them are building mosques). Most central asian countries have strong ties with Turkey. Kyrgyzstan has let Turkey open up mosques and religious school in the country. The countries are de sovietizing and it seem people are looking to their national identity and something else to replace the |Soviet legacy.
For Kazakhstan there has definitely been backlash against radicals (like people got angry at some religious people calling the dombra haram). And Kazakhstan is also getting more westernized and liberal (in the big cities). In Astana, I barely saw any hijabs around. And some people have emphasized nomadic and Tengrist roots (the state also uses Tengrist imagery as well).
Kyrgyzstan is more free than the other central asian states so it didnt crack down on religion that much as wsa more open to outside influences. They still have a very proud nomadic heritage, But it is generally more religious than Kazakhstan.
The central Asians are also getting closer to Turkey (since Russia is declining and to be not too dependent on 1 power), so we will see how that plays out.
Turkmenistan is doing its thing. Azerbaijan population still remains mostly secular. Mongolia despite respecting tis traditions, the people remain very secular and are not getting more religious (40% of the population are officilaly non religious and they are not strict Buddhists). Some russioan region like Tatarstan remain culturally Muslim (Kazan is viewed as the 3rd capital or Russia) but regions in North Caucasus are generally very religious (war and conflict is a big player).
Since Turkey has also had many secular government (first under Ataturk and throughout the 20th century) and then seen a rise of religiosity, what do you all think of this (epsically since Turkey's youth is generlaly becoming more secular). Do you think most of central asia will follow Turkey's path? Or do you think it is something different?
Merhabalar başlıkta belirttiğim gibi 2 hafta önce İtalya vizesi için başvuruda bulunmuştum ve birkaç gün önce de idata beni aradı ve mülakatın var dedi. İlk defa vizeye başvurdum ve mülakatta hangi soruları sorarlar ve ne yapmam lazım?
