Turkey specialist plays down demonstrations
Anatolian Sky Holidays is reassuring holidaymakers that Istanbul remains safe despite days of demonstrations.
Akin Koc, the Turkish managing director ofthe specialist tour operator, said he is anxious to put into perspective the proximity of the protests to key tourist sites in the city.
"The focus of the protests is in and around Taksim Square, which is located on the commercial side of Istanbul around 30 minutes drive from the old city and the major tourist attractions such as the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar," he said.
"To put it in perspective, this is the same distance between London’s Canary Wharf and Trafalgar Square, and as such we do not expect there to be any impact on tourists visiting Istanbul, although, of course, we agree with the foreign office advice that tourists should stay away from the site of the demonstrations."
Commenting on the country’s political and economic stability, he added: "Turkey is unique in that it straddles both East and West, and has balanced successfully the values of Islam and secular democracy now for almost 100 years.
"Of course from time to time we should expect some struggles between the two powers in society, but it would be misleading to interpret the recent events as the start of a major new political storm.
"The country has done extremely well in recent years, with a level of growth that is the envy of many European neighbours and developments such as a peace deal with the PKK separatist organisation creating a positive mood and environment for further developing tourism.
"I am confident that tensions will continue to ease over the coming days with little or no impact on foreign visitors enjoying the many historic and cultural attractions of the city."
The Foreign Office changed its travel advice for Turkey over the weekend, urging visitors to keep away from the demonstrations.
Police have used tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds of protestors.
Hundreds of protesters have been treated in hospitals in Istanbul as the unrest continues.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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