WARDEN INFORMATION

Embassy Ankara Warden Message #4

April 30, 2008

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 in many countries is celebrated as labor or workers’ day.  In 2007, illegal demonstrations on May 1 in Turkey resulted in violence and transportation disruptions, particularly in Istanbul.

Last year, illegal demonstrations near Taksim Square and Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district and other districts were violent.  Istanbul’s public transportation services were curtailed by the authorities, with ferry service across the Bosphorus suspended for several hours and bridge traffic cut down to a single lane bound for Europe on both intercontinental bridges.  This led to considerable commuting delays.  People living in the Asian half of the city found it very difficult to make it to employment in the European side.  If possible, avoid Taksim Square, which is an intended destination for demonstrators.  Insofar as possible, modify your commuting plans to accommodate possible disruptions.

The Department of State advises U.S. 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, U.S. 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 Internet web site 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 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.