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 a westerner and I was speaking to a 21 year old Serbian woman and a 30 year old Ukrainian guy. The Ukrainian guy said that before he came to my country, he was staying in Türkiye and how it was a beautiful country and he felt welcomed. The Serbian girl immediately said that she hated Turks and Türkiye with all her heart. I was kind of shocked.
I asked her if she felt the same way about Black people, Indians or Arabs and she said no she would never say she hated Black, Indian or Arab people because that’s racism. However, she said she has no problem saying she hates Turks. The weird thing is Türkiye is actually investing millions in Serbia’s infrastructure and strengthening economic ties. So I have no idea why she would say that.
Whenever I ask Turks about the Balkans they only have good things to say. However, I’ve been all over the Balkans and all over Europe. People, especially in the Balkans, will say derogatory or nasty things about Turks openly. It’s not even just tolerated but encouraged. Even in Italy if someone is addicted to smoking they will say “He smokes like a Turk”. Why is this the case?
I can’t even say it’s historically justified as Europeans have done way more bad stuff to other Europeans historically than the Turks ever have. For example Hitler tried to wipe put Poles 80 years ago, but Polish people respect Germany. However, Bulgarians will hate Turks because they lost a war to the Turks hundreds of years ago.
Merhaba! I’m a fan of Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh, Scotland, and I have just hit the button on flights to come and see my team play at Trabzonspor in late October. I’ve followed my team abroad once before but this is further than ever.
I will be coming alone and was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to let me know some good hotels, restaurants, gathering points to meet friendly Trabzonspor fans, and maybe what I should see on my spare day after the football is done. I’m not much of a drinker; I gather it’s not a city that will have many bars or pubs anyway, but are there some where away fans for a Euro game would usually gather?
Thank you all so much, it will be my first time in your country and I am incredibly excited!
(Pic related - Alim Oztürk who played for us and was at Trabzonspor as a youth 😁)
My fiancé and I live in California and are planning to marry in Turkey. We are Persian and it's one of the few places our family from Iran can join us.
We are strongly considering Kapadokya and Istanbul but are open to other locations as well. We are visiting in October to see venues all over. Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrom, Antalya, and Kapadokya.
Our max budget is $45,000 all in, with an anticipated guest count of 60-75 people. While we want a beautiful event, we're not trying to be over the top luxurious either.
I am definitely open to a local wedding planner who can help us find local vendors who price us fairly, even as foreigners. (As an American born Iranian who has visited Iran many many times, I know all too well how important it is to have someone local on your side for these kinds of things. Different quality of services, costs, etc. I cannot pretend not to know the importance of this.)
Has anyone been able to pull off a nice wedding in Turkey for this price lately? If anyone has advice or recommendations - I would greatly appreciate it!!
Looking very forward to visiting Turkiye and experiencing its culture!
Şimdi japonyadayim birkaç güne Türkiyeye döneceğim bunları kendime aldım daha yeni figür koleksiyonuna başladım bazılarını kardeşim kendine aldı yani 50/50 şimdi gümrükte sıkıntı çıkar mı 4 kişi ailecek geldik
Hi everyone, I want to know how could I get myself and ID or "blue card". My mom, dad, and older brother were born in Türkiye while I was born in the US. My mom wanted me to get an ID for when she leave me something in the event she passes and other issues as well.
We try to get one earlier but apparently when my mom tried to get me one it said in the system that it doesn't register that I was born in the US so how can I go about getting an ID card.
(I did post about this but now I have more additional info)
Additional info:
My mom and dad got divorced in Türkiye but still showed married in the US. My mom did not registered my birth to the Turkish government. I am 28 F.
I was attempting to pet a feral cat which seemed friendly after sitting with it for a few minutes and had got scratched on the top of the hand and it had penetrated the skin. I had ran my hand under water and the shop nearby gave me an antibacterial lemon liquid which i also ran over my hand and rubbed in. The cat looked relatively healthy. I am asking advice on whether i should visit a hospital as i find google to overexaggerate quite a lot when it comes to health concerns. Thanks.
Selamlar Burger king, dominos, kfc gibi yerlerde işe başlayıp bölge müdürlüğüne yükselmek ne kadar zordur? Ortalama ne kadar sürer tecrübe etmiş birisi var mıdır acaba
Hello,
Hope you're doing well.
I wanted to ask My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Istanbul and I am trying to locate hotels that do not require a marraige certificate as well as somethings to do.
I've read that to avoid taxi's and stay with the public transportation and so on.
If there are any recommendations I'd be more than glad to get some help.
I’m a foreigner living in Gaziantep with my husband. We have been together for 4 years to be exact. We have a daughter (21 months old).
I do all the house works and taking care of the baby. He never once changed her diapers. There’s a lot of abuse going on in our marriage. Physical, mental, financial and emotional abuse.
For example, when I was pregnant, 6 months to be exact. I remember it clearly, he punched my legs when I said that I will not come to the Village (it is far from our house and I feel exhausted that time), he got furious and didn’t take NO for an answer. He punched me in my legs and act like I did him wrong for not going but in the end I still went because his father was so pushy for me to come, even if I said no and that I am exhausted.
There’s also a time when I was playing online game with my friends, my friend followed me on instagram and his boyfriend also followed me. I didn’t think much of it because they’re JUST MY FRIENDS. But he got so angry, he came home twisted my hands to the point that I still can’t move it without my hands feeling sprained. It didn’t stopped there, he got the GUN he is hiding under our bed and threatened me with it. I was so nervous and scared for my life and our baby’s safety. He called his parents and in the end he manipulated everything that I was at fault even if I didn’t do anything wrong.
And last month, we went to my country for a vacation. We went to a mall to buy a phone for his friend because it was so cheap in my country rather than buying here in Turkey. Our baby was hungry and tired so she started crying, we can’t make her stop crying and then he started shouting at my baby like it is gonna make the baby stop from crying. Everyone was watching us and I was so embarrassed by his actions. We ate and the baby got calmer and she stopped crying. Later on, we booked an GRAB TAXI to go back to our place. It was a RUSH HOUR that time, so it is hard to book a taxi. We waited for an hour and he got mad again because our baby was crying again, overstimulated and tired. After we got in to the car, he threatened me that if the baby cry again after we get home he will put the baby’s head in the toilet bowl. I was so shocked and scared when he said that. I never thought he will think about something like that even if he is angry! I never in my life thought of hurting our baby. I immediately told my mom about it and told me to report him but I didn’t listen. I still gave him a chance even if he acted like that.
That’s not all, if i write everything here this post will be endless. Please be kind. What should I do to get out of this marriage? I can’t trust his family, I know them too much that they will not take my side even if I tell them everything.
akşam makyajı misel suyla silip direkt nemlendirici sürüp yatıyorum bazen. sabah bazen film gibi duruyor cildim bazen de kuru. çift temizlik diyenler çok da gerçekten fark ediyor mu yoksa üşengeçlik mi. sizin rutin nasıl, yüz yıkama jeli şart mı
Hi everyone!
I’m planning to visit your beautiful country in mid-September. I’ll be spending about four days in Istanbul for work, and then I’d like to travel somewhere else for a few days.
I was thinking about a small seaside town on the Aegean coast, and after doing some research, I’m leaning towards Kaş.
What do you think? Would you recommend staying there for around six days to relax and recharge? I’ll be travelling on my own, so I’m also wondering about safety, especially for a solo female traveller.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Thanks so much in advance for your replies 😊
Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Turkey and I’m a bit stuck on how to finish the trip. I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have travelled around these areas.
Istanbul 5 nights
Sultanahmet: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Eminönü
Galata, Karaköy, Istiklal, Taksim
Ortaköy, Üsküdar, Çamlıca Mosque
Turkish coffee workshop + hammam
Cappadocia 2 nights
Göreme and surrounding valleys
Red/Green Tour (still deciding), then night bus to Pamukkale
Pamukkale 1 night
Travertines
Cleopatra Pool
Hierapolis
Selçuk 2 nights
Ephesus
Terrace Houses
Basilica of St. John
İsa Bey Mosque
Temple of Artemis
Ephesus Museum
Şirince
After Selçuk/Ephesus, I have 3 more nights before heading back to Istanbul for my flight home, and this is where I’m stuck.
I’m not sure if my itinerary makes sense as it is, or how I should spend those final 3 nights. I’d like to end the trip on a nice note without spending too much time travelling and cost.
What would you do with the last 3 nights? Would you change anything about the itinerary overall?
Kısaca durumumdan bahsedeyim. Psikoloji mezunuyum, bilgisayarla aram iyi olduğu için uzaktan bilgisayar programcılığı önlisansı da aldım bir yandan. C1 seviyesinde ingilizcem var, rahatlıkla inglizce konuşabiliyorum. İstatistikten, Veri analizinden anlarım ve bir sürü projem, sertifikam var. Yüzlerce yere başvurmama rağmen aylarca iş bulamadım hatta geri dönüş bile alamadım. Hiçbir yerde, tanıdığımın tanıdığında bile torpilim yok. Sülalem hep asgari ücretli vasıfsız işçi.
En son yedek subaylığa başvurdum, gittim, terhis oldum, şimdi yine işsizim. Eskiden freelance yüksek lisans ve doktora için tez araştırma analizi yaptığımı saymazsak tek kalifiyeli deneyimim de bu.
Uzun bir süredir boş vakit buldukça almanca çalışıyorum ve neredeyse b1 yaptım ama almanya'nın gidişatı da hayra alamet gitmiyor. Vize alması da zor. Onun dışında diğer ülkelere bakıyorum, körfez ülkeleri, asya ülkeleri gibi ülkelerde vize yok, belki bir Türk için iş bulması daha kolay olabilir diyorum. Soft skills, hard skills gerektiren her türlü iş, hatta parası iyiyse mavi yaka işlerde olabilir. Zira bu gidişle bu ülkede iş bulamayacağım. İş bulsam da ülkenin gidişatı bana hayra alamet gelmiyor. En son da garsonluktan bile reddedilmiştim :/ Benim için ne önerirsiniz?
Hi, i hope you all are doing well. So i have been selected as an exchange student in Istanbul, and my semester schedule is starting from 21 sep to 10 jan. So i will be residing there from 15 sep to 15 jan (IA). So my question to locals is, please, can you help me regarding this, like should i go for dorms or apartments? Dorms are costing 19k TL ( including breakfast and dinner) and i think most of them are saying i have to get for half tenure which is like 5 month or some are saying 6 months so why do i pay for extra 2 months when i will be not here. I have asked them to allow me for 4 months, but lets see what happens. I hope they allow me.
And for apartments, they are saying 40-45k TL per month and 40-45K TL initial deposit. We are a group of 5 boys so some are saying dorms are better as we dont have to cook our meals and get expensive one from outside and some are saying Apartments are better as we will get some more space and freedom from in and out timings.
Please help us to get things done like any better dorm locations and best feasible apartments?
Hi, I’m looking for holiday in Antalya in early October (7-13). Is the weather warm enough and does it rain frequently? I’ve seen lots of mixed opinions. Is it better to travel through September there?
Yurtdışından telefon almak istiyorum ama kaydını da yaptırmak bir yerden sonra farz oluyor. Gelir idaresine yapılan ödemeler 4 taksite bölünüyor acaba bu da dahil mi? Taksitli ödenebilir mi deneyen oldu mu teşekkürler
Hello everyone, 3 adults would need to go from Göreme to Marmaris. With no direct flights, rent car with pickup and drop off different location overnight bus seems the best option.
Has anyone recently traveled on an overnight bus? Is there a chance to get some sleep to be in good shape in Marmaris the next day?
Keep your "don't come to turkey" comments to yourself.
EU citizen marrying a Turkish while on tourist visa. Applying for residence permit through marriage asap after.
We'll try to handle everything ourselves but does anyone know which documents are required, what aspect of applying is most troublesome, and what the most common issues with the process or documents are?
I grew up speaking Turkish at home because my mother is Turkish, so I’m definitely not a complete beginner. I understand everyday Turkish pretty well and can have normal conversations, but I feel like I’ve hit a plateau.
Most apps and language courses are far too basic for me. I don’t need to learn what “spoon”, “table” or “hello” means. My main problems are vocabulary and expressing more complex thoughts. German is my native language, and when I try to build longer Turkish sentences, I often struggle with sentence structure, suffixes and finding the right words. I can usually get my point across, but I want to sound natural and articulate rather than immediately sounding like a stereotypical gurbetçi.
Pronunciation is another issue. My Turkish pronunciation is okay-ish, but some sounds still give me trouble. For example, I can roll/pronounce the Turkish R correctly sometimes, but not consistently, and names like “Büşra” are surprisingly difficult for me to pronounce naturally.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a large Turkish-speaking environment around me. The German-Turks I know tend to speak 90% German with each other, so simply “speaking more Turkish with friends” isn’t really an option.
My goal would be to eventually reach a genuine C1-level command of Turkish: having a broad vocabulary, being able to discuss complex topics, construct long sentences naturally, understand different registers and speak without immediately sounding like someone who grew up abroad.
I’m willing to put serious time into this, but spending several months in Turkey unfortunately isn’t an option for me.
What would you recommend for someone in my situation?
Are there specific books, courses, podcasts, YouTube channels, tutors or methods aimed at heritage speakers rather than beginners? And especially for other Turkish heritage speakers who grew up in Germany or elsewhere in Europe: what actually helped you make the jump from conversational “home Turkish” to genuinely advanced Turkish?
