4774Papa Posted February 7, 2016 #101 Share Posted February 7, 2016 But to return to the topic of this thread, Turks are not Arabs. And I suspect very few of the vendors at the Grand Bazaar would have any idea where to obtain a real camel. :D You are correct, Turks are not Arabs, but their culture has similarities, especially with the same religion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted February 7, 2016 #102 Share Posted February 7, 2016 They have 'wrestling camels' in Turkey, a huge annual festival held near Izmir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karennella Posted February 8, 2016 #103 Share Posted February 8, 2016 You are correct, Turks are not Arabs, but their culture has similarities, especially with the same religion. And also has many differences. Our guide on our land tour of Turkey was a cultural Muslim but an atheist, just as probably at least a quarter of Australians are culturally Christian but are not believers. Our daughter happily backpacked alone through Turkey for a month when she was 23. We were more worried about her when she was in Spain and sure enough that was where she had all her possessions stolen albeit because of her carelessness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeleyes27 Posted February 9, 2016 #104 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I know the OP asked about safety in Turkey. We were in Ephesus in Turkey last summer. We had a private tour with Ephesus Shuttle. At no time did we feel unsafe (although the pushy merchants were very annoying). However our guide spoke to us quite frankly, asking us to pray for the Turkish people. She said she wished she had gotten out years ago and was concerned that the government was becoming more authoritarian. She said they are discriminating against women who do not wear burkas and she was concerned about terrorism. She was a sweet lady and all the Turks we met were warm and friendly ( although the pushy sales people were too friendly). However pushy sales people, pickpockets and the flirts like the camel guy can be dealt with and are not a threat to your life or security. Terrorists are a different story. Our cousin has lived in Istanbul for the past 11 years. She likes it there and her daughter was born there but they are looking to leave. She stays vigilant and away from public transport and crowded areas. She had to watch what she posts on public media. Since I have been to Turkey, I am shocked at how much has changed. The relationship between Turkey and Russia has gotten heated although I doubt it would lead to war. I have seen stories as well as heard from Turks themselves that Turkey has bought ISIS oil although I am uncertain how true that is. ISIS has been planning and conducting larger scale attacks in Turkey as well as Europe now targeting tourist groups. I saw these two articles regarding future attacks http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/08/world/intel-warnings-paris-attacks/ http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/03/europe/europe-threat-isis/ I am unsure myself about a future European trip in light of these claims. It is scary that now tourists are the targets. Papa, we just went to Hawaii and are looking into a future trip to Iceland and possibly Alaska. I think it is a personal comfort level. I can see how much this terror group has morphed. I personally think that instead of saying that I won't let them stop me, we need to say how can we stop them and keep us safe. We do outnumber them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted February 9, 2016 #105 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) DW and I have spent our share of time in Turkey (hope to be back in Istanbul in less than 2 months) and have always felt safe and welcomed in the country. Yes, they have had their terrorist problems....as has many other countries including our own. We do not think there is a lot in common between Arab and Turkish culture other then a common religion. In fact, if you tell a Turk they have an Arab culture most would take that as an insult. For starters, women in Turkey have had full suffrage (the right to vote) since 1935! There are no "religious police" in Turkey and women are free to dress as they please (although many do wear pretty conservative dress). And the Turks are not "Arabs" and do not even speak the same language. And many folks do not know (or forget) that Turkey has been an active member of NATO since 1952! Hank Edited February 9, 2016 by Hlitner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeleyes27 Posted February 9, 2016 #106 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Another thing is that Turks fought for their right to free speech and value it highly. They are one of the western world's best allies. I wish these terrorists would stop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted February 17, 2016 #107 Share Posted February 17, 2016 We were in Greece for five weeks last fall. It was wonderful. Fewer tourists/less crowds, lower accommodation prices. This fall it will may well be Greece and Turkey again for us...both are favourites of ours. I would not be too concerned. The trick will be to get a map, read some reliable in depth news reports, and understand where you feel comfortable going and where you might not. The only issue we currently see is that some towns on the Med are apparently very crowded with refugees. But this is a minor nit....lots of wonderful places to explore in Turkey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare brazilgirl Posted February 17, 2016 #108 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted February 17, 2016 #109 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Just an update on HAL vis a vis Turkey. We are on the next scheduled western ship to dock at Istanbul (April 1 on the Prinsendam) and as of today HAL has not made any itinerary changes. This is actually an overnight at the port. On our CC Roll Call there has only been one couple who posted that they cancelled their cruise because they had personal safety concerns about Turkey. Nobody else has expressed any concerns and some recent posts (from folks that recently booked) indicate most folks are fine with the itinerary. This is a pretty long cruise and the passengers tend to be experienced cruisers/travelers....so the lack of concern is interesting and we think shows that many experienced travelers are fine with returning to Turkey. Personally we still look forward to returning to both Istanbul and Kusadasi (been to both places many times) and plan to go off on our own and do whatever strikes our fancy at the time. We have always felt very comfortable in both ports and expect to feel the same during our upcoming visit (unless HAL decided to make a last minute itinerary switch). Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted February 17, 2016 #110 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Just an update on HAL vis a vis Turkey. We are on the next scheduled western ship to dock at Istanbul (April 1 on the Prinsendam) and as of today HAL has not made any itinerary changes. This is actually an overnight at the port. Hank Hi Hank -- if you do go to Istanbul, it would be great to get an update on the work that is supposedly being done at the port -- how it's progressing, whether there will be any changes, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chefestelle Posted February 18, 2016 #111 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I saw that one of the excursions on HAL for my July cruise was no longer in my itinerary for the Kusadasi day. So I asked my agent to suss out why. I was hugely relieved that it was for operational reasons (the sea park) and not an early indicator that the port may be cancelled. Yay! So far, so good for Turkey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted February 18, 2016 #112 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Hi Hank -- if you do go to Istanbul, it would be great to get an update on the work that is supposedly being done at the port -- how it's progressing, whether there will be any changes, etc. Will try to remember (hard at my age) to post something :). As of now we have heard that much of the regular docking area is closed for construction and cruise ships are having to dock somewhat further from the bridge (and tram stop). Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smlake60 Posted March 14, 2016 #113 Share Posted March 14, 2016 http://turkey.usembassy.gov/warden_information/travel-warning---turkey-february-29-2016.html Our US Embassy in Turkey recommends we stay away from crowded tourist sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanceholt Posted March 20, 2016 #114 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Very sad times for Turkey which is one of our favorite places. If you can find it on YouTube or elsewhere, watch the Anthony Bourdain episode set in Istanbul. He captured perfectly the mood of the Turkish people and the very sad things that are happening to Istanbul. While we were not afraid to go, we didn't use public transportation, had our own Ekol guide and driver, and felt that things could change at anytime and this COULD be our last time there. They are not Arabs in any way shape or form, so that was a very uninformed comparison IMHO. Istanbul is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with a lot of very bright people who are distraught about what is happening to their country and their beautiful city. Our hearts go out to the Turkish people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy trailer Posted March 20, 2016 #115 Share Posted March 20, 2016 There was an Israeli tour group at the site of yesterday's attack. Three of the members of that group were killed (two of the killed had dual US/Israeli citizenship), and several others were wounded. The group was comprised of a mix of Jewish and Arab Israelis on a culinary tour. This was reported soon after, before the deaths were announced: 'An official from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, Irem Aktas, reportedly tweeted shortly after the attack: “I wish that the wounded Israeli tourists were dead,” and her account was subsequently removed from social media.' That was a government official endorsing and applauding terrorism in her own country. My husband used to travel to Turkey regularly for business. I was in Euphesus in November. It will be a very, very long time before either of us gives even a small thought to visiting the country again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs4fun Posted March 20, 2016 #116 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Very sad times for Turkey which is one of our favorite places. If you can find it on YouTube or elsewhere, watch the Anthony Bourdain episode set in Istanbul. He captured perfectly the mood of the Turkish people and the very sad things that are happening to Istanbul. While we were not afraid to go, we didn't use public transportation, had our own Ekol guide and driver, and felt that things could change at anytime and this COULD be our last time there. They are not Arabs in any way shape or form, so that was a very uninformed comparison IMHO. Istanbul is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with a lot of very bright people who are distraught about what is happening to their country and their beautiful city. Our hearts go out to the Turkish people. Well said, lanceholt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy trailer Posted March 21, 2016 #117 Share Posted March 21, 2016 Something to consider if you plan to tour Istanbul, despite the current situation: Our news is reporting that the bomber did indeed target the Israeli tour group which suffered casualties (3 Israelis - including two who had dual US/Israeli citizenship- were killed in the attack, and several others were wounded). He is said to have followed them from their hotel, to the restaurant they went to for breakfast. When they exited the restaurant, he blew himself up. With reports of 3 more IS terrorists on the loose and planning to carry out another attack in Istanbul, and London on the alert for multiple attacks as I write this, it appears the best plan if you go might be to avoid traveling with a group, and also avoid major tourist/shopping areas. In other words, it's the time to get the taste of local life, walking residential neighborhoods and eating in small 'off the beaten path' cafes. I always wonder what exactly posters mean when they say they will be extra vigilant when they tour (Do they know what to look for? What to do?), but at least the above is a strategy which might provide you with some security. (Needless to say, after Saturday's attack, our government not only told Israelis to stop all travel to Turkey, but also said anyone currently in Turkey should leave immediately.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeleyes27 Posted March 21, 2016 #118 Share Posted March 21, 2016 Horrible! So sorry to hear that they were targeted in this manner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy trailer Posted March 21, 2016 #119 Share Posted March 21, 2016 Horrible! So sorry to hear that they were targeted in this manner! Thank you- your compassion is greatly appreciated.. Sad to say, but I believe yours is the only post on CC to express condolences for these victims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.O.cruisers Posted March 21, 2016 #120 Share Posted March 21, 2016 My condolences to all the victims in this latest attack. I am supposed to be docked at Kusadasi at the end of May and I'm still hoping that RCI cancels this stop. At worst, I will probably choose to remain on board for the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted March 21, 2016 #121 Share Posted March 21, 2016 Kusadasi is nowhere near Istanbul. I don't know where else your cruise is stopping but the whole of Greece, Spain, France, UK et al are all on red alert for a terrorist attack. Nowhere is safe these days, so I would just enjoy my cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted March 22, 2016 #122 Share Posted March 22, 2016 Well, as per my previous post of yesterday, we have had the terrible incidents in Brussels today. They are probably in retaliation to the recent arrests. As I said, nowhere is safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angeleyes27 Posted March 22, 2016 #123 Share Posted March 22, 2016 Happy trailer, you're welcome. It is a horrible thing. My heart and sympathies go out to the heartbroken families of those who died on Saturday as well as those who died today in Brussels at the hands of the heartless monsters who did this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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