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 have learned that a lot of his policies are not very liked from young people mainly, even president Trump said that he rigged elections at his face !!! As a Greek I feel very sorry for this you are at least in a better position economically speaking, we also had bad management in our country and everybody knows that. I just don't know how it will work is he going to be "elected" again ?? How he can justify that ?? He imprisoned the mayor of Instanbul and he got away with that and much more let me know you thoughts
I wanna add also that I guess if the economy is doing fine and for Turkey it is fine then you really don't have a reason to go against it, at least for my perspective a lot of older people vote for him anyways if they are living fine they really don't care if he rigged elections or any of those things that he did and will do under the condition that the economy is doing well
Im from north africa and have been looking for a university to study in turkey-istanbul i was wondering is (nichan tachi) a good place for studying Software engineering?
And what about the life in turkey and the rent and other stuff? Is there anyone could help me with these questions?
Everytime I refresh I see a new "What do Turks thinks about X" all time. Funny thing is this may be asked for OP's ethnicity dozens of time, they can read it by a small search but no, they feel like ask it all over again. Since everybody trying the be nice in the comments I think they are boosting their ego or get an attention via this sub. We like you and your people fella okay. Get over it please
Questions are all over the place. In the morning I saw someone literally complaining about NATO gift that president gave to the head of states as if we are in charge of anything LOL
Admins need to be more strict, a couple years ago legit questions were asked in this sub but right now it's a total mess. People act like ChatGPT to the community which is frustrating.
Merhaba! I would appreciate any guidance or information any of you can give :)
I have visited my bf in Turkey in February this year and we are getting very serious. We want to eventually settle down in the US should everything work out, but I would never ask him to move here without at least having visited where I live. We know how long these processes can take so we want to get started.
My bf keeps trying to reach a person at The American Consolate of Istanbul but nobody is answering the phones. Have any of you had a travel visa to the US? If so, how did you get the process started and when should we get a plane ticket and how far out? How much does the visa cost?
If you have any other related information outside of my questions, that would be very helpful too! Teşekkürler 🩷
Edit: He isn't using me for a green card, don't let stereotypes control your every perspective. We havent even considered marriage until he at least visits me. Our relationship is also, none of your buisness and has nothing to do with the question I am asking. So kindly keep your opinions about my relationship to yourselves!
Could some recommend a good e-sim? I'm travelling from the UK to Turkey next week, but I need to call UK landlines or UK mobiles. What's the best, cheapest rates you can get? Also data
9 yıldır İstanbul'da yaşıyorum ve dün ilk kez bir aile dostumuzun çiftliğine Çatalca'ya gittim. Benim gittiğim yeri mi öyledir bilmem ama bana büyük bir trakya kasabası gibi hissettirdi. Birkaç ahşap otobüs durağı gördüm, şehirleşmiş kısımları güzel şehirleşmişti ve küçük nüfuslu yerler çok tatlılardı gerçekten küçük bi anadolu kasabasında hissettim.
Oralı olmak nasıl bir şey merak ediyorum. Günlük hayat nasıl, iş imkanları ve hobiler açısından ne kadar canlı? İnsan profili genel olarak nasıl vb..
So, I am from Pakistan and thinking of applying in Turkey for the masters. My Bachelor's is in Biochemistry with 3.56 cgpa. I need help selecting universities in Istanbul or Turkey overall. I don't have IELTS as its expired. The courses should be taught in English. I don't have any idea about universities there. I need to choose universities which can accept me and have courses taught in English, don't require IELTS. Dms are open for suggestions.
Hi guys, I wanted to travel to Turkey this year end or so and I was looking to get Visa but the gateway international website says the have Stopped the service from Jan '26. Is there any other way to get one?. I tried searching online and forums but couldn't find any answers.
EDIT: IM FROM INDIA....sorry didn't mention which country I'm from.
I am an electronics and communications fresh graduate engineer from Egypt. I wanted to pursue a master's degree in my specialisation in Turkey. The problem is that my GPA is 2.4. What universities can accept that gpa? I also want a strong university with high quality education focusing especially on practicality, hands on experience and gives me more job opportunities. I know I shouldn't have the audacity to ask about high quality education with my GPA XD but the thing is at the start I wasn't really studying well or interested. Now, for some reason I really like studying and I want to expand my knowledge in electronics and telecommunications field. Any suggestions?
Traveling to Turkey with my partner for 5 nights and this is the rough itinerary i have made for us. What do you think / is there anything I should include / remove ? Want to make it a chilled trip, not doing too much but also not doing too less. Don’t want to be visiting places just to take a quick pic then move on
We’ll be stand at Grand Galata hotel and spa (not booked yet) if you could think of a better hotel with a pool open to recommendations (below £550 for 5 nights pls)
Day 1 Sultanahmet / Old City
Blue Mosque + Sultan’s Tombs
Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
Gülhane Park
Grand Bazaar
Day 2– Taksim → Galata → Karaköy
Breakfast: Havuz Deli
Then:
* Taksim Square
* İstiklal Street
* Ali Baba Büfe
* Meat Moot
* Only Belgian Fries
* Wet Burger
* Galata Tower
* Kamondo Stairs
* Karaköy
Food stops:
* Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Cold Chocolate Baklava)
* French Club
* Sliceguy
* Balık Ekmek at Galata Bridge (if you still have room)
Day 3 Bosphorus Day + Cruise
Morning:
Ortaköy Square
Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
Walk along the waterfront:
Arnavutköy
Bebek
Lunch:
Nusret (optional)
🚢 Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise
Take a 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise from the Kabataş or Eminönü area.
We’re two 23-year-old Brazilian guys planning a trip through Turkey and would love some honest feedback on our itinerary.
Our current plan is:
Antalya — 3 nights
Marmaris — 4 nights
Bodrum — 3 nights
Alaçatı — 3 nights
Istanbul — 5 nights
We’re both single and looking for a good mix of beaches, nightlife, parties, drinks, great food, sightseeing and meeting new people.
Do you think Marmaris, Bodrum and Alaçatı are too similar to do on the same trip? Would you remove one of them, spend more or fewer nights somewhere, or replace one with another destination?
We’d also really appreciate recommendations for:
The best areas to stay
Bars, clubs and beach clubs for people our age
Places where it’s easy to meet locals and other travelers
Good restaurants and Turkish food we shouldn’t miss
Boat trips, beaches and day trips
Places that are fun but not complete tourist traps
The best way to travel between these cities
Feel free to be brutally honest about the itinerary. We’re still flexible and can change the number of nights or remove a destination.
Sorry I have never been to Turkey, but want to go next summer. I watch a lot of Turkish dramas and almost all of them have over the top possessive male leads. He doesn't want her even smiling at the waiter, wearing certain things, or doing things independently (like having her finances).
Is this actually how dating is like in Turkey? I know the TV is a dramatized version of the society in general, but where I am from, men who are this possessive are not idealized or looked at favorably, so there must be a sliver of truth to this.
Selamlar herkese, 2-3 arkadaş Kırgızistan bozkırlarına gezi düzenlemek istiyoruz ama nasıl yaparız hiçbir fikrimiz yok. Amacımız kültürel bir geziden ziyade daha çok at üstünde bozkırlarını gezip iliklerimize kadar o yaşamı hissetmek.
Tur almak mantıklı mı tam bilemedik açıkçası. Çünkü turların büyük çoğunluğu biraz daha sıkışık bir şekilde bir sürü şehri ve gezilecek yeri gösterme derdinde. Belki bizim aradığımız nitelikte de vardır ama biz karşılaşmamışızdır.
Gpt ile biraz istişare ettik. Lokal turları öneriyor ama nasıl bulabiliriz konusunda hiçbir fikrimiz yok.
Daha önce yapanınız veya nasıl yapabiliriz konusunda bir fikri olan varsa fikirlerini okumayı çok isterim.
Tam 1 ay önce odaklanma problemim için psikiyatriye gitmeye başladım ve doktorum tam 30 gün sonra (yani bugün) kontrole gelmemi söyledi. İlacım (buprapan) bugün bitti.
Ancak bugün hastaneye gittiğimde kapıdaki sekreter yüzünden içeri giremedim. Durumu anlatmama, doktorun "bugün gel" dediğini antidepresan kullandığımı aniden bırakmanın sıkıntı çıkarabileceğini söylememe rağmen "Randevu alıp gelmeniz gerekiyor" diyerek beni içeri almadı. Doktorum ilacı bırakmamam gerektiğinide söylemişti.
Aile hekimine gittim, o da bu ilacı kendisinin yazamayacağını söyledi. Bugün hastaneye gitmeden önce Yaklaşık 15 gündür MHRS'den randevu kovalıyorum ama hiçbir şekilde randevu düşmedi.
I hope this is the right place to ask about universities in Turkiye..
I'm currently doing my master's in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) at a private university in Istanbul. Academically, it's been okay, but I'm seriously thinking about transferring before I start my thesis...
One of the biggest reasons is the administrative side. As an international student, it's been really difficult dealing with the international office. Responses take a very long time, it's almost impossible to get someone on the phone, and even simple issues seem to turn into a long process.
The other reason is more academic... I've completed eight courses so far, and while the professors are good teachers, I haven't found anyon whose research genuinely aligns with my interests. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD outside Turkiye, so building research experience and hopefully working as a research assistant is really important to me. I'd like to be somewhere with faculty I can actually collaborate with..
Right now, I'm considering Istanbul University and Koç University, although I'm still researching both and I'm open to other suggestions if you think there are better options for business and management research.
A few questions:
Has anyone here transferred universities during their master's in Turkey? Was it worth it?
If you've studied at Istanbul University or Koç University (especially in Business/Management), what was your experience?
What are the biggest pros and cons of transferring that people don't usually think about?
As an international student with a residence permit, are there any immigration or residency issues I should be aware of before making this decision?
Even if you're not an expert, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Sometimes the small things people mention end up being the most helpful because they point me toward things I hadn't considered.
Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate any advice...
2 sene once yurtdisinda ehliyet alirken Turk ehliyetimi geri vermistim.
Simdi haftaya Istanbul'a geliyorum ve arac kiralamam lazim. Pazartesi gunune randevu alabilirsem, hemen basvursam, cuma gunune kadar ulasma sansi var mi?
Son gunlerde ehliyet basvurusu yapip teslim alan oldu mu? Kayipyenileme basvurusu yapacagim ben, yeni ehliyet degil.
Bir de, kiralama firmalarindan birini arayip sordum, verilen gecici belgeyle kiralayamayacagimi soylediler. Bunu deneyen oldu mu daha once?
