Has anyone traveled to Turkey?

[RawHumor]

I've got a business trip coming up. I'll be spending 4-5 days in Turkey, sorta close to Istanbul.

I won't be near any of the bordering countries.

It will be my boss and myself. Co-workers there may take us out a night or two, IDK.

I'm not sure if we'll venture out much. I don't know how strict things are there or if there is much of an anti-American sentiment in that area.

I know that a lot of times, perceptions blow up our realities. I also know that sometimes we can be pretty naive to the real truths out there assuming that everything is better and safer than it really is.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

Or tits?

 

[about_average]

I would think your co-workers there would be the best and most up-to-date source of information about what to do and not do, places to go and not go.

 

[ms_ann_thrope]

'Unnatural' Porn Becomes Ticket to Jail in Turkey


The Constitutional Court’s decision to ban pornography featuring "unnatural sexual behavior" has confounded Turkey and provoked average people to speak out about sex.

 

[ms_ann_thrope]

With New Turkish Liquor Ban, Raki Goes Underground

ISTANBUL, Turkey — You still can have a drink in Turkey. But under a new rule that came into effect today, you may have a hard time finding out where to get one.

Shops, bars and restaurants in this predominantly Muslim nation are no longer allowed to advertise alcoholic products with outside neon signs, logos, slogans, marquees or other means. The regulation is part of a law passed by parliament in Ankara last year that included a one year grace period for the implementation of some restrictions.

 

[ms_ann_thrope]

Despite Warm Official Relations, Turks Remain Anti-American


But a paradox remains: despite the smooth US-Turkey relations there is incessant anti-Americanism in Turkey. Indeed, the anti-Americanism that peaked during the Bush Administration continues under Obama.

 

[ms_ann_thrope]

http://www.travelturkey.com/byg.htm

 

[ms_ann_thrope]

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/turkey

Health Information for Travelers to Turkey

 

[Aglaopheme]

I have a friend that was there just recently. He was concerned prior to going, especially as a gay man. He and his partner had a great time. They had zero issues, and can't wait to go back. They travel frequently outside of the U.S. and Turkey is at the top of their list. Enjoy!

 

[vibes]

or if there is much of an anti-American sentiment in that area.

... in that area, you ask?

Istanbul is amazing, you'll enjoy

 

[ElAngelo]

My friend went their last summer. Nice weather and girls

 

[hashtag45]

I'm not sure if we'll venture out much. I don't know how strict things are there or if there is much of an anti-American sentiment in that area.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

Turkey is in Europe, dmbss !
They may look middle-eastern, but they are much more liberal than americans are

 

[1HF]

I don't have anything helpful to add, but thought I'd say hi!

Hope the trip goes well and do TRY to stay out of trouble

 

[JudasIscariot]

Turkey is in Europe, dmbss !
They may look middle-eastern, but they are much more liberal than americans are

Calling somebody a dumb-ass, then claiming people 'may look Middle-Eastern'.

Plant pot.

 

[hashtag45]

Calling somebody a dumb-ass, then claiming people 'may look Middle-Eastern'.

Plant pot.

says the saint with Jesus as an av

 

[Benzboy]

I had a nice Turkey sandwich.

 

[doowdniw]

Turkey is in Europe, dmbss !
They may look middle-eastern, but they are much more liberal than americans are

Actually, less than 10% of Turkey is in Europe. While Istanbul is on the European side of the Bosphorus, the vast majority of Turkey is in Asia. Turks are not middle eastern - they were originally nomadic tribesmen who were kicked out of the Russian Steppes and driven south by the invading Monguls.

Coastal areas tend to be more westernized, while the central and eastern parts are more conservative.

It would be a benefit to learn some of the customs and common courtesies before going, and to learn a few polite phrases in Turkish.

I recently returned from an extended trip to Turkey, and I had no problems what so ever.

 

[doowdniw]

Any time you speak to a Turk, begin the conversation with the following:
"Ozur dilerim, pek az Turkche biliyorum."

I'm sorry, I only speak a little Turkish.

You will be amazed at how far that one self deprecating gesture will get you.
The vast majority of Turks, particularly in the larger cities, speak English much better than I speak Turkish.

 

[Not Normal]

Raw Humor, good to see you, man. I've been told by a few people that Turkey is a wonderful place. I'd love to go cymbal shopping in Istanbul, bring me back a nice ride cymbal, would ya?

 

[Sean]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33593615

 

[Lancecastor]

Make sure to wear all your "I Love the USA" flare.

 

[pointless]

sounds lovely.

 

[hashtag45]

Actually, less than 10% of Turkey is in Europe. While Istanbul is on the European side of the Bosphorus, the vast majority of Turkey is in Asia. Turks are not middle eastern - they were originally nomadic tribesmen who were kicked out of the Russian Steppes and driven south by the invading Monguls.

Coastal areas tend to be more westernized, while the central and eastern parts are more conservative.

It would be a benefit to learn some of the customs and common courtesies before going, and to learn a few polite phrases in Turkish.

I recently returned from an extended trip to Turkey, and I had no problems what so ever.

While mine was intended as a -prob. silly- joke , you're entirely right.

The turkish people that I interacted with were v. westernized, but they were also from coastal areas + moreover, immigrants generally tend to be more liberal & drawn to the western culture. I don't know much about the eastern side of Turkey.

And the point you seem to make is important, I believe - it might also depend on which part of Turkey the OP is travelling to.

 

[1sickbastard]

My guess is you'll have plenty to see and do in Istanbul to keep you busy. I'll assume your co-workers are Turkish citizens or have, at least, lived in-country long enough to get a feel for the area. They'll be your best source for cool stuff to do/see and areas/activities to avoid.
At any rate, travel to other countries is rarely an issue as long as one follows a few simple guidelines:
1) Remember you're the guest and conduct yourself as a good guest ought.
2) Courtesy and respect are always appreciated, take very little effort, but can be worth as much as your life.
3) (As has been previously noted) Learning a few polite phrases, using a little self-deprecating humor and making an effort to understand the culture of your hosts will earn you a lot of leeway.
4) Nobody likes an asshole. People who act like dicks get treated like dicks.
5) Never be afraid to reach out and make friends.
6) Always be aware of your situation. If it starts looking dodgy, get somewhere safe asap.

 

[SuprSalor]

Bring me back a couple of k's of hash..

 

[kbate]

Learn and remember this phrase:

I am Canadian, not American.