Military Coup in progress in Turkey...
 

Looks like history is repeating itself:

Military Coup underway in Turkey

Seems that the two bridges over the river in Istanbul are closed, and social media is being blocked.

Michael

Our friend in Istanbul Mehmet Zeki Avar posted about it on Facebook 9 hours ago but nothing since so I guess he has been blocked. The coup leaders are making the usual spurious claims about why they are doing it but I hope the situation is over soon.

Don't want to turn this political but I wouldn't call the army's claims completely spurious. The Turkish Army have a mandate, directly from Attaturk, to uphold the constitution. Few could argue that Erdogan has not challenged and amended the constitution over recent years.

That said, the challenge has to come at the ballot box, not in a coup.

Best wishes to all in Turkey, especially travellers. We plan to ride Batumi to Canakkale in three weeks time. We'll see if it settles down or if we head North through Russia instead.

+1 to that.

Turkey was so modern and welcoming I can't believe nutters with guns think this is still acceptable.

Andy

Yes - Hope everyone stays safe.

I’m sat a couple of hours from the Turkish border just waiting to see how things pan out.

I only wanted to go as far as the Bosphorus so, if things don’t improve tomorrow, I’ll just turn North instead…

Rachel

Game over now though was a stressfull long night yesterday....
Definately safe, all roads open..no worries...
A nice sunny weekend here and locals having barbecue at seashores
of İstanbul..I will soon drive to a wedding party at bosphorus between 2 bridges..İstanbul is so beautiful and peaceful with many colors to discover..
Çok selams all..

Thank you for the update Mehmet.

I do hope all goes well in the future for you and your fellow citizens.

Michael

Hello,

in Turkey 6000 people went in prison,so i don't think it is the best place to go.Maybe in some years if they have an other government,but by now it is no go zone for me.

Regards

Mike

Actually, I think that the opposite is true for those of us who are not Turkish and have no ties to the country.

For the next few months, the tourist industry will be depressed, which means lower prices, better availability at hotels and restaurants, and generally a much more robust welcome for visitors.

I spent many years working in the middle of other people's wars (I was an aircraft pilot for the ICRC), and one thing I learned quite early on is that visitors who have no involvement in local politics or conflicts are always warmly welcomed when they visit a country that is going through 'difficult times'.

It is essential, though, that visitors refrain from commenting or inquiring about local politics - to do so is rude, inappropriate, and just not the right thing for a polite visitor to do.

Michael

I've seen several reports in the news media of mass arrests for thousands of military, police, and judges that were uninvolved in the coup attempt. There are even some reports that Erdogan may have staged the coup to gain more power and oust opposition.


I would have to agree with Mike K. that until the situation is much, much more clear, Turkey may not be the wisest place to visit.

Those who are interested with where the mideast is riding to, here is a newspaper article dd. april.7.2016...That is why I said gameover..Rulers are a bit more powerful now with new job opportunuties and higher rank gifts for their supporters.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan uses Turkey military coup buzz to expand powers, curb dissent - Washington Times

With hopes of having a better and peaceful part of the world around us in the new world design..

I wasn't involved in the coup so should be safe. Two of us heading to Turkey two weeks from today.

Good luck, Wildman - hope it is a smooth journey!

Sorry,but this point of view is to simple.

Regards

Mike

Well, you sit tight and lock your door.