Is It Safe To Travel To Istanbul Turkey?
It’s important to recognize that safety can indeed be subjective and influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual circumstances. Providing information based on official advice and sharing personal experiences, while acknowledging the limitations of one’s perspective, is a responsible way to help others make informed decisions about their travel plans.
It’s crucial for travelers to conduct thorough research, stay informed about the current situation, and take into account their own comfort levels and unique circumstances when making decisions about travel destinations. Your approach of presenting what you know while respecting the diversity of perspectives and experiences is a valuable way to contribute to the discussion on travel safety.
Is Turkiye A Safe Country To Travel around?
Turkey is, a safe country for travel, especially for solo travelers. Safety considerations often revolve around petty crimes rather than violent incidents, and I’ll delve deeper into that shortly. But for now, let’s focus on the broader context.
In 2016, Turkey experienced a failed coup attempt that led to a night of turmoil and violence. During the same period, there were several shootings and bombings in Istanbul, including a nightclub attack and explosions across the city, including suicide bombings at the old Istanbul airport.
However, in recent years, the situation has generally been more stable, with the exception of a bomb detonation on bustling Istiklal Street on November 18, 2022. Despite these incidents, governments are not necessarily advising against travel to Turkey, except for very specific areas where travel advisories were already in place.
For instance, the United States currently issues a Level 2 travel advisory for Turkey, indicating “Exercise Increased Caution.” Similarly, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office advises against:
All travel to areas within 10 km (6 miles) of the Syrian/Turkish border.
All but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari, which are close to the Syrian border.
It’s important to note that these areas are well over 1,000 km away from Istanbul. So, if you’re visiting the city (or any typical tourist areas in Turkey), you don’t need to be concerned about wandering into regions that are highly targeted by terrorist groups.
Terrorist Attacks In Istanbul Versus Threat To Safety At Home
In a traveller view, the primary concern for safety when traveling is terrorism, but it’s essential to put it into context. The bomb incident in November resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and left over 80 people injured. While any loss of life is deeply regrettable, it’s worth noting that this number is considerably lower than what we often hear about in mass shootings in the United States, which unfortunately occur with greater frequency.
The perception of safety can also be influenced by our familiarity with our home countries. For instance, before obtaining my residence permit in Greece, I lived in London, a city that has experienced its share of terrorist attacks. Since 2017, the UK’s terrorist threat level has oscillated between substantial, severe, and critical, indicating a likelihood of a terrorist attack or a highly likely threat in the near future. However, such concerns weren’t a constant source of worry for me or my colleagues and friends.
While it’s crucial to remain mindful of Turkey’s political situation, it might not be fair to directly compare it to the UK or the US. The point here is to assess the probability of encountering violence in Istanbul versus staying at home.
I personally visited Istanbul in October/November 2022 and had returned home just a week before the bomb incident. While the thought of terrorism was at the back of my mind during my visit, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by fear. Instead, I stayed vigilant and alert, practicing situational awareness.
Interestingly, I had already been planning my return to Istanbul for the Christmas/New Year period, which is where I find myself now as I write this. Surprisingly, I feel quite relaxed about the whole situation.
Exercising Caution:
While I’m exercising caution and relying on common sense during my time in Istanbul, I’ve noticed a few patterns in my approach. For instance, when I need to visit Istiklal Street, I tend to go earlier in the day when there are relatively fewer people around. Istiklal Street, as far as I’ve observed, is almost always bustling with activity.
I did find myself in a rather large crowd when I visited St. Anthony’s Church on Christmas Eve. At that moment, I briefly pondered whether it was the best idea, but I didn’t feel any imminent danger.
However, when it comes to New Year’s Eve, I’ve made the conscious decision to avoid large-scale events like the street party in Taksim Square. The memory of the 2022 bombing is still fresh, and there was a nightclub shooting on January 1, 2017. Crowded places with a higher risk of collateral damage are more likely to be targeted.
While I generally feel safe in the city, I believe it’s a prudent choice not to place myself in a situation with an elevated probability of being targeted.
Security Protocols in Istanbul:
Security measures in Istanbul are notably stringent, exceeding what I’ve encountered in most other travel destinations. Turkish authorities have implemented airport-style security protocols at various entry points, such as shopping malls, large hotels, and airports. When arriving at these locations, it’s standard practice to place your bag on a conveyor belt for screening while walking through a metal detector.
This rigorous security approach is also evident at airports, where you pass through metal detectors at the entrance and again after passport control. Additionally, when arriving at hotels or the airport via taxi, vehicles are often stopped for trunk inspections before being allowed to proceed. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of visitors.
In addition to these security measures, official advice includes:
Avoid Demonstrations: Steer clear of demonstrations or situations that could escalate into protests or riots. Beyond the potential for violence, law enforcement authorities employ various crowd-control measures that you’d want to avoid.
Crowded Areas: While it can be challenging, try to stay away from densely crowded areas, especially when visiting popular tourist attractions.
Security-Conscious Hotels: Consider staying at hotels with evident security features, such as metal detectors at entrances and vehicle security checks.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local media for any updates or developments related to security and safety.
Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plans at short notice and have a contingency plan in place, especially if you’re traveling with others who you might get separated from.
Response to an Attack: If you find yourself caught up in an attack, leave the area and seek refuge in a safe place as quickly as possible, while following the guidance of local authorities.
Social Media: Avoid posting derogatory comments or content about the country or government on social media platforms.
These precautions and guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors to Istanbul, and it’s essential to follow them diligently during your stay.
Ensuring Tourist Safety
Guarding Your Belongings:
Returning to the topic of crime rates, Istanbul generally maintains low crime rates. However, travelers should remain vigilant, especially regarding petty crimes. Like most major cities, it’s important to prioritize security awareness in the busiest areas, particularly those frequented by tourists.
In Istanbul, tourists can sometimes be viewed as easy targets for pickpocketing, especially in popular locations such as the Grand Bazaar, the vicinity of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. To safeguard your belongings:
Maintain Constant Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye on your personal possessions at all times and ensure that thieves cannot easily access your bag.
Separate Credit Cards and Cash: It’s advisable to keep your credit cards and cash separate. Using the safe in your hotel room can also be a prudent choice to avoid carrying all your money with you every day.
Consider Money Belts: Some people recommend using money belts to secure your cash and cards. However, personal preferences vary, and you should choose the method that suits you best.
Ultimately, the key is to stay cautious and adopt protective measures to deter opportunistic theft while exploring Istanbul’s vibrant streets and tourist attractions.
