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My friend went there last spring and didn't have any problems (and it was 2 single girls). I would think that if you don't come across as an "ugly American", there shouldn't be an issue (pretty much like wherever you can go these days).
I was in Turkey over the summer and the summer before that with my SO and not once did I ever feel unsafe. Relax and enjoy!
I don't know anything about Bursa, but I went to Istanbul about 4 years ago, and there were no problems being a Westerner there.
I always think when websites write things like "keep a low profile" they basically mean, don't go round splashing the cash wearing all your jewelry and holding a Louis Vitton bag. Basically, don't go overboard. Be respectful of their culture and religion and you should be 100% fine.
I agree, be respectful and you should be fine. Plus, you're with your husband--does he speak the language? YOu should be ok. Just dress conservatively over there (when i was supposed to go to india for business, i was told to wear long sleeve business shirt, not the short sleeve kind that i normally wea,r for example).
You'll be around family I assume so I wouldn't worry about it.
JUST in case, take the American Embassy's phone # with you.
You could always say you are Canadian and if anybody asks you about religious stuff, pretend you don't understand!
I've been to Turkey serveral times (about 9 times or so) - and I'm always staying on the beach in bikinis... You are really save - I would'nt go there as often as I do for vacations, if it wasn't so. Just dont drive into the east turkish mountains.
I too have been to turkey a few times - and you will definitely be safe. The only odd experience I had was a woman who wanted to touch my hair (I am a blond) but other than that, I never felt unsafe once. Obviously use common sense - but you should have no problems.
haha... she wanted to touch your hair?? That is a bit strange. Yes, he does speak Turkish. In fact, that is his native language.
Thanks ladies. You've eased my mind!
I have a couple of friends who went there and didn't have any problems at all....is your hubs familiar with the area? That would help I think......at least make you feel more comfortable.
I went to Turkey about a year and half ago and traveled all over, (big cities, beach towns and rural areas). I never felt unsafe, even when wearing a sun dress.
Absolutely nothing to worry about. We have a huge tourism industry there, thousands of tourists visits each year, many foreigners live there, with no problems. I travelled home with American S/O's twice and they were treated like royalty. We actually love foreign visitors, especially if they attempt to speak a few words of Turkish :) Don't worry about the dress code either. Depends on the region but for example in the Mediterraean coasts many people actually go topless on the beach, much less conservative then here. And it's a secular country so choice of religion is a non-issue.
Yes, he's familiar with the area. Its where his mom lives. Oh, thanks Meliss! See, that is what my hubby keeps telling me too...
I second what Melis said. My fiance, his family and extended family, they are all from Bursa. I've been to Bursa many times, and you have nothing to worry about. You will be poured with hospitality, that I assure you. You might even get bored of that:)) So have fun.
We spent 2 weeks in Turkey in 2008 and it was wonderful. Relax & enjoy :)
I am a petite blond American woman-I traveled all over Turkey by myself for 3 weeks and never had a problem.
i went to turkey May 2009 to Istanbul.
not sure if you're going there, but i feel fairly safe walking by myself on big streets. i'm the overly paranoid type, if i feel ok, you should be fine.
Suggestions:
Have a good time! I'm so jealous, i wish i can go back
One of my best friends is from Turkey. She travels back there all the time with her American boyfriend. They never have any problems.
Just use good sense like you would in any big city, say New York or LA.
I am also marrying a Turk and will have my main wedding in Turkey. (Though it will be much more Americanized than pin-the-gold on the dress, I think. We’ve been to Turkey together many times, and all of his family and friends still reside there.
The country is beautiful and safe and the people are the friendliest you will find. Unfortunately, the media paints a sad picture of the country based on the Western worlds Islamic-fear that has taken over.
Bursa is a large city, not as modern as say Izmir, but not conservative eastern Turkey donkey rides either.
I am with your husband. You have NOTHING to worry about. Turkey, especially Istanbul and Izmir are as Westernized as you can get and are comparable to being in any large Western European city. Would I go around with my boobs hanging out, no, but I would not do that here. Would I wear a bikini if I felt like it or a miniskirt or a sleeveless top? Heck yes and all of the Turkish girls would, too!
The idea of Christians being targeted is silly. Would I go around preaching the Bible… um, no, but again I would not do that here either. Turkey, though muslim is not muslim in the sense of Iran. You will see very few women with headscarves and though you will hear the prayers five times a day (that was a big shock for me the first time that I went even though I was prepared for it) you likely won’t see anyone praying or preaching to you. Most Turks are secular Muslims or only Muslim by association and have little to no religious belief at all. Hell, my Muslim man has never even been in a mosque except for when I drag him to them for tourist activities.
You may get harassed but that’s because you are a woman and not because you are American. You will get charged more for items because you are a foreigner, so I’d let your husband do the speaking to cab drivers and vendors, but other than that there will be nothing that will require you to keep a low profile.
Now, I would encourage you to keep a low profile in the don’t go around shouting “Yay USA! We’re the best!” and wearing American flag stuff. That’s going to get you in trouble in ANY country.
And please, please stop reading the web sites. Places like mymerhaba are for ignorant, uneducated fools who would have had troubles no matter which nationality they married into.
Keep an open mind, enjoy the cultural experience, and be your charming and loving usual self. Turks are friendly and warm and will gladly accept you as one of their own if you are open to them and do not treat them and their home like it is a dangerous middle eastern country.
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My husband is Turkish, and we just got married in August. However, we are going to Turkey for a Turkish wedding celebration. Its basically going to be like a wedding reception with no ceremony. I get to wear a white dress again and the whole nine yards.
However, I started doing my homework on traveling over there. I've never actually been to Turkey before. I am continuously reading information on US websites talking about how westerners (especially Christians, which I am) should be "cautious" and "keep a low profile" because of the recent terrorist problems.
Well, of course now I'm concerned about my safety, as well as the husband's. I sent him an email about it and he says that we "have nothing to worry about." Is this really so? The celebration is in Bursa, and is going to include about 300 people. My husband has not been to Turkey for about four years, and has never been there with a Westerner.