WARDEN INFORMATION

Embassy Ankara Warden Message 5

March 17, 2006

On Sunday, March 19, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., a Nevruz (Kurdish New Year) celebration will take place in the Kazlicesme, Zeytinburnu neighborhood adjacent to the Bakirkoy section of Istanbul and the Ataturk International Airport. The Kazlicesme, Zeytinburnu neighborhood is situated on the Sahil Yolu (Shore Road), which connects to several main streets that lead to the airport. An estimated 100,000 celebrants are expected.

We wish to remind American citizens that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the area if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any gathering.

To avoid the gathering, we recommend against using the Sahil Yolu/Shore Road in the Kazlicesme, Zeytinburnu and Bakirkoy areas, especially during the peak period for the gathering (9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.). We also advise having an alternate route pre-determined should you get caught in the Kazlicesme/Zeytinburnu/Bakirkoy/Atakoy areas when streets are closed and/or heavily congested.

As always, Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Consular information Sheet for Turkey. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: 90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site: <http://adana.usconsulate.gov/>.

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (232) 464-8755.