5 Important Things I Learned As A Solo Female Traveler In Turkey
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I had a crush on Turkey from the second I arrived bleary-eyed on the in a single day practice from Bulgaria. A number of hours later, I’d completed my first Turkish breakfast, and rapidly realized I used to be in love.
After 5 years and 40 nations of full-time worldwide journey, Turkey ranks in my high 10 locations for solo feminine vacationers.
Right here’s why:
1. It’s Safer Than You Assume.
A traveler is 8 instances safer from violent crime in Turkey than within the U.S., even in large cities like Istanbul and Izmir.
Primarily based on my private expertise touring throughout Turkey, I’d say you’re extra at risk from kofte kebab meals coma or kitten cuteness publicity than any avenue crime right here.
Earlier than coming to Turkey, I’d been cautioned time and time once more with imprecise fear-mongering: “ what they are saying about Turkish males.” Let me inform you: nothing might have been farther from the reality.
These frequent ‘warnings’ are discriminatory, inaccurate, and may forestall you from experiencing among the finest hospitality on this planet.
I’ve felt safer strolling down the road alone in Turkey day or night time than in Italy, Spain, or Greece. There have been precisely two delicate avenue harassment incidents in my 5 months touring in Turkey over the previous 12 months – each by foreigners, with Turkish males who didn’t even know me stepping in to assist.
In fact, vacationers ought to take affordable security precautions in all places they go. The few issues I wouldn’t advise whereas touring in Turkey proper now are:
- Visiting Istanbul’s Taksim space alone after 10 pm on weekends
- Leaving your valuables susceptible to straightforward pickpocketing
- Taking drinks from strangers in bars or golf equipment
- Public shows of affection in LGBTQIA+ relationships outdoors of main chain accommodations
- Visiting sure components of southeastern Turkey close to the Syrian border area (because of the presence of terrorist teams and earthquake devastation)
2. Girls Are Welcome And Protected In Turkish Mosques.
When you do end up strolling alone at night time and feeling not sure or unsafe for no matter motive, the abundance of mosques in Turkey give you an incredible secure haven.
Many giant mosques stay open by the night time. So long as you’re dressed modestly, take away your footwear, and have a shawl helpful, you may respectfully duck into considered one of these well-lit homes of worship to make sure of your security at nearly any hour.
To be clear: I don’t advocate treating a holy masjid as an alternative choice to a police station. Vacationers in apparent hazard ought to name emergency providers. However for these all-too-familiar grey zone conditions that merely give solo feminine vacationers a nasty intestine feeling, it’s good to know that you’ve got secure locations to show to with out ringing any alarm bells.
3. You Don’t Want To Select Between Tea And Espresso.
It’s no shock that Turkey is a rustic of tea lovers. The common Turk drinks 1,300 cups of tea annually. Turkey is even house to a tea museum within the form of a 7-story tea glass within the ‘tea capital’ of Rize. It ought to then come as no shock that vacationers will discover themselves supplied a heat welcome tea in all places they go.
The gorgeous factor about Turkey is that this nation embraces each tea and low. No must take sides. Merely get pleasure from each!
From iconic Turkish espresso in an Izmir antique shop to artisan roast flat whites in Moda’s plentiful third wave espresso retailers, there’s some java right here for each kind of traveler.
4. Multicultural Turkish Cities Supply A Protected Method To Discover Syrian Tradition.
Whereas Syria isn’t a advisable vacation spot for solo feminine vacationers for the time being, multicultural cities in Turkey actually are. They provide a secure and engaging alternative to strive Syrian meals, have conversations with Syrian refugees and immigrants, and be taught extra concerning the Syrian diaspora.
Beneficial actions embody:
There are about 4 million Syrians dwelling in Turkey, creating an incredible multicultural alternative for vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that many Turks will nonetheless make adverse feedback to guests about Syrians of their nation.
“Turkish society’s acceptance of Syrians has largely been remodeled into ‘toleration’ slightly than an understanding of building a apply of dwelling collectively,” defined a study from UNHCR.
When touring in Istanbul, it’s possible you’ll hear locals inform you that Fatih, a predominantly Arab and Syrian neighborhood, is ‘not likely Turkey’ or isn’t ‘what it was.’ Some Turks will voice considerations about Syrians placing strain on social providers or job markets or bringing what they understand as an incompatibly conservative tradition to their metropolis.
Strive to not let this rigidity forestall you from having fun with two superb cultures in a single journey.
5. Turkey Is So A lot Extra Than Istanbul.
Many vacationers don’t notice simply how large Turkey is. With practically 800 sq. kilometers of historical cities, surreal moonscapes, and extra seashores than you would depend, this nation has a lot extra to supply than its fashionable capital Istanbul.
Nice locations for solo feminine vacationers embody:
- Bursa
- Fethiye
- Izmir
- Bodrum
- Kars
- Antalya
- Cappadocia
- Pamukkale
- Amasra
- Gaziantep
- Ankara
- Mardin
Let the protection and hospitality of Turkey encourage your subsequent nice solo journey!
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