WARDEN INFORMATION

Embassy Ankara Warden Message 19

August 29, 2006

The Turkish Government will host parades and other commemorative events for the Zafer Bayrami (Victory Day) on Wednesday, August 30. The Turkish government also has given permission to leftist groups to demonstrate to commemorate World Peace Day on September 1st and 2nd in Ankara and on September 3rd in Istanbul. The Istanbul demonstration, which we expect will be large, will be held in the Sisli-Çağlayan section of Istanbul adjacent to the E-5/D-100 highway.

During this period there will be other events in other cities throughout Turkey, although events in Istanbul are anticipated to be the largest. It is likely that there will be additional, illegal demonstrations held in Ankara, Istanbul and other areas of the country.

In light of recent events in Turkey and because public demonstrations in the country have turned violent in the past, we strongly urge American citizens to avoid the areas of demonstrations, parades and commemorative events if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any public event. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. As is always the case while overseas, 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 Caution, Public Announcements, 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 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 website 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 at http://adana.usconsulate.gov

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232)464-8755.