Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep

Rochester, Minnesota
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Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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We are thinking about a short visit to Gaziantep in lat May '13. We have not heard about any turmoil in the area related to the terrible and unfortunate conflict in Syria, but please let us know if our take on this, based on our reading of US news media, is accurate. As 2 middle-aged women tourists, any other cultural or safety concerns to which we need to pay attetion?

We were in Istanbul a few years back. This time, we want to go a bit further east, to see Cappadocia and a little bit of southeast Turkey. As we plan this trip, I know we will have more questions, so thank you in advance for any insights you will offer us on this topic and future questions!

Istanbul, Turkey
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1. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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No,Gaziantep is unaffected by the problems in Syria.There are some refugee camps further along in to Kilis and down into Hatay but nothing around Gaziantep.

As you head east wards then social mores tend to be more conservative and so you should dress accordingly.This doesn't mean covering your head or wearing a burka :) just being more modestly dressed,no low cut tops or very short shorts etc.particularly if you go out of city centres into surrounding rural area's.

This is a beautiful and very interesting region of the country and will provide you with a great contrast to Istanbul.Gaziantep and the southeast also has a very rich and varied cuisine tradition so your taste buds are in for a treat too.Enjoy!

Rochester, Minnesota
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2. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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Thank you for your reassuring reply, both that Gaziantep is safe, and that it's worthwhile. Turkey is such a vast country with such a fascinating layer of history! We will have only about one week this time, so we hope that our plan to see Cappadocia and Gaziantep is reasonable. Do you know of any efficient /direct way to go from Cappadocia to Gaziantep? By plane, it looks like we will have to connect in Istanbul.

Again, thank you for your helpful reply.

Istanbul, Turkey
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3. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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Hmm,the only way really is by bus.Nevşehirliler Seyahat have buses from Nevşehir on this route for the 7 hour journey.Rather long but at least it is a scenic drive.

Alternatively you could go from Kayseri with another bus company,Devran Turizm.The journey from there is 5½ hours so a little better :)

Maybe think of splitting your time at 4 days Cappadocia and 3 days for Gaziantep and the surrounding area.That would give you time to visit the lovely little Halfeti on the banks of the Euphrates river.

Depending on flight times and prices it may also be worth looking at doing your trip in reverse,i.e. flying from Istanbul to Gaziantep first and then bus up to Cappadocia and then back to Istanbul.You need to do some research to see which works best for you.

Tarsus, Turkey
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4. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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I live in Gaziantep and i can say that there is no effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep.

I think it will take 7 hours by bus from Cappadocia to Gaziantep.

South east Turkey is great to visit. When you come, you should also visit Mount Nemrut, Gobekli Tepe in Sanliurfa, and Mardin city. One week will be enough.

Whitby
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5. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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I am in Gaziantop for a few days, Please could you tell me how to get to Rumkale?

Chesterfield...
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6. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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1. Go to the Otogar and ask to go to Birecik. Any bus to Urfa will get you there.

2. You'll get dropped off at the side of the road in Birecik, on the east bank of the Euphrates (you're in Mesopotamea now!). Walk down to the river and walk north (upstream) for about 600 - 800 m until you are adjacent to the castle. You'll find some minibuses waiting next to the river; ask for the one to Halfeti. If you go on google maps there a shopping bag symbol labled "sebzi hali" adjacent to where the minibuses wait (there are minibuses at a few locations along the river so be sure that you've walked far enough).

3. The minibus will drop you in Yeni (new) Halfeti. There may be a minibus waiting to go on to Eski (old) Halfeti from there.

4. Once in Eski Halfeti, there are lots of boats that take you out onto the lake and round Rummkale (the boat I was on didnt land though).

I've seen plenty of people say that they had no trouble getting toHalfeti, but I had a hell of a time getting there and back. Part of that was not knowing where to go in Birecik, but my methods of transport to and from Eski Halfeti were an old bloke who offered me a lift and a French tour bus! Its certainly doable as a day trip, but I'd suggest you leave early and be prepared for a bit of an adventure if things don't go smoothly. I'd also imagine that things might be a bit more difficult at this time of year than in summer.

Having said that, Birecik alone is worth a visit, and Halfeti is lovely. At worst, you might be able to pay the minibus extra to take you to Eski Halfeti and there are resteraunts down by the water who would be able to help you get back in a pinch.

Once again, lots of people seem to have few troubles getting there, but its better to be ready to improvise if you have to. If you're in Gaziantep already, you'll know how lovely people are in that area, but you should always be careful if you're a woman alone.

Tarsus, Turkey
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7. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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If you are going to visit Rumkale after 15th of March, there is a boat tour that has a service bus from the city center of Gaziantep every sunday at 10:30 near Gaziantep Castle. The bus takes you to the boat and boat visits Rumkale.

The owner of this boat is Gaziantep Municipality. The name of the boat is Kumla.

This is the web site: http://www.gaziantepdebirgemi.com/

Whitby
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8. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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Thank you both for your useful replies. I did not realise that Rumkale was so difficult to get to as it is ranked no 2 as things to do in Gaziantep. We returning to North Cyprus tomorrow, but will revisit Gaziantep later and try to take advantage of the Kumla boar trip.

Seattle, Washington
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9. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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I too am doing the same tour this May(6-10th), Goreme-Gaziantep-Nemrut -Sanliurfa and back to IStanbul, going to visit Halfeti as a day tour from Sanliurfa.

Edited: 8 years ago
st. louis
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10. Re: Any effects of Syria conflict in Gaziantep
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I am planning to visit the area and rent a car and drive as far as Hasankeyf. I am interested in the safety, too, as the road comes within about 10 miles to Syria. I would like to hear from someone who has done this lately. I am going in late March/ April. I will post after about how it goes, if that would help others with their plans. Also with a car and in the spring, is it advisable to approach Rum Kale from the west side? (not Halfeti). I have traveled to Turkey a few times and for getting around within the country, Pegasus Airline is pretty cheap and efficient.

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