Link..

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/12/turkey.izmir.ap/index.html

Not again.... what do they hope to acheive by this?
I know there is something political going on in Turkey just lately (i seen on the news) so maybe its just because of that.

What is going on in Turkey is this.

A new political top dog is about to be elected, and the chosen chap happens to have an Islamic agenda in a country that insists that 'church' and state should be kept separate. The army for example is completely state-run and influenced.

The intellectuals of the country fear that he will introduce pro-Islam legislation through the 'back door' and are the ones who started the demonstrations on Aprl 29.

However he will be elected by popular vote and there are fears that the ordinary people (who are peaceable Muslims, just getting on with their everyday lives) will be in the majority.

And just whilst we're on the subject of politics, even if Turkey isn't yet ready to join the EC, think about the country's eastern borders ... Syria, Iraq and Iran.

If we don't let them join our club, guess who will welcome them to theirs with open arms .................

hi where is izmir in relation to turgutreis ? as we were thinking of going there for the first time this year, our first visit t o turkey, but am now having doubts.

not to turn this into a political discussion , if the said top dog does not behave himself the army will step in and sort it as they have done three or four times before.

bluepeterno1

Just wondering is Izmir any where near marmaris?

Sorry to ask silly questions Iam just not sure!

Thanks

Nat - Marmaris is a long way away from Izmir. Don't let this bomb going off panic you at all.

Mazz

Marmaris ,is about 175 miles from Izmir.

Bluepeterno1

caits06, You are talking approximately 85 miles from Izmir but having said that, Turgutreis is a little off the beaten track.

As per the events of 2006, Bird Flu and the bombs in Marmaris. Don't be put off going to Turkey, just be vigilant while you are there and enjoy your holiday to the full. Many people who cancelled last year, regretted their actions, as those who did make the effort and went(and I was one of them) came back with glowing reports about their holiday. Remember, the good people of Turkey need our Tourism and it is up to us to support them. By the way, going didn't Turkey do well in the Eurovision Song Contest, coming in at a respectable 4th place !!

Les

173 miles from izmir to marmaris , check link below for tourist information on izmir ,dont worry be happy.

http://travel.away.com/Turkey/travel-vacation-11-6581-Izmir.html

Bluepeterno1

You will be perfectly safe in Turkey and will all enjoy your holidays. So many European tour operators put their clients in 'All Inclusive' complexes and these are often some way out of the nearest town or village. Even if you are in a town, it's highly unlikely that you will come across any problems. I've just returned from a DIY to Aegean Turkey (Canakkale, Assos, Bergama, Ayvalik, Selcuk, Kusadasi and Izmir) and the welcome was warm and genuine.

The link below will give you some idea as to why the bomb was placed in Izmir.
Bluepeterno1
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=73103

Izmir is the 3rd largest city of Turkey, at the middle of Aegean coast.

Almost all coastal vacation towns frequented by tourists are far south of it.

There has been many bombs in many places, in overall a handful of casualties per decade in any given town. This is insignificant compared to the traffic casualties in any town of Turkey or UK. So not going on a vacation because of some bomb makes less sense than not riding a car because of traffic accidents. Also, you British weren't fleeing the country when IRA was active.

@Alsacienne

No, there is no fear that those people can get the popular vote, they won the previous elections only due to some weirdity in the election laws. Everybody, including the PM know that they don't have the popular support. For example, yesterday there was a protest (against the islamic party) in Izmir by 1.5 million people. Don't worry, Turkey's secularism is more well founded and supported than many European countries, so it won't crumble with an EU rejection. But in case of rejection from EU, the only expectable outcome in Turkey will be nationalism.

The London Tube bombings and the Madrid bombings didn't cause a mass exodus from both cities.By cancelling your holiday you are doing exactly what these people want. At the end of the day it is your choice.