Warden Messages 2009
Embassy Ankara Warden Message #1
April 29, 2009
This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens in Turkey to the possibility that there may be demonstrations coinciding with this year’s observances of May 1, which is celebrated as Labor and Solidarity Day, and commonly known as May Day. On May 1 in both 2007 and 2008, unauthorized demonstrations resulted in violence and transportation disruptions, particularly in Istanbul.
As in past years, Turkish authorities have attempted to keep public places such as Taksim Square free from demonstrators. The authorities have approved demonstrations in Istanbul at Kadikoy and Caglayan. Unlike in recent years, the Turkish Government has declared May Day a public holiday.
Typically, unauthorized May Day demonstrations take place as protestors attempt to move toward Taksim Square and are blocked by the police. Last year, the result was clashes with police in Istanbul’s Sisli District (Nisantasi and Harbiye).
It is possible that the authorities will curtail Istanbul’s public transportation services on May 1; this, together with the expected unauthorized protests, may cause considerable commuting delays. In the past, people living in the Asian half of the city have found it particularly difficult to make it to the European side. If possible, avoid Taksim Square and the surrounding Beyoglu neighborhood. Insofar as possible, modify your commuting plans to accommodate possible disruptions.
The Department of State advises American citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations, and to avoid large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans.
Citizens traveling and residing in Turkey are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at <http://travel.state.gov/>, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. 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).
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The website 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. at the website is 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. The website is http://adana.usconsulate.gov.
The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.