Travelling to Turkey on holiday or for business ?

Turkey has had its fair share of demonstratiions and violent protests just recently. RPS Partnership advises sensible travel planning should you decide to go there. The protests are by no means everywhere and with common sense planning they can be avoided.

The latest protests were sparked by police action taken to evict anti-government protesters from Taksim Square and Taksim Gezi Park on 15 June.

Despite the official banning on entry to the square and park, as well as ongoing efforts by security forces to barricade the area, several protest camps remain threre. This area should be avoided.

In the capital, Ankara, outbreaks of unrest at anti-government demonstrations in the central Kizilay Square have also been reported, as well as the use of teargas and water cannons.  It is also sensible to avoid these areas as well.

These developments follow a statement by Ankara's governor's office that as of 16 June, all unauthorised protests in downtown Ankara are prohibited. If walking downtown, caution is advised as protests can often take place with little notice and the security forces are likely to react with speedy violence.

Further anti- and pro-government demonstrations are anticipated in the coming days in Istanbul and Ankara. RPS Partnership advises that there is a high threat of violence at these events in Turkey over the next few weeks.

RPS Partnership advises clients and those holidaying in Turkey, including in Istanbul and Ankara, to avoid all protests and concentrations of security forces. Disruptions are also possible due to the ongoing strike actions and clients should adjust their travel plans accordingly.

For more travel planning and advice, contact RPS Partnership at [email protected]

Source: Red24

Photo: www.euronews.com