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What You Need To Know If Visiting Turkey After The Earthquakes

Gaziantep, Turkey - badly affected by earthquakes
Gaziantep [Image Wikimedia Commons]

After Turkey was hit by 7.8 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes and aftershocks, parts of the country are devastated. More than 25,000 people have died as a result, while tens of thousands are injured and many buildings have collapsed. While the earthquakes didn’t affect the whole country, rescue teams are currently heading across to help citizens in the affected areas. Meanwhile, Turkey is currently in a state of emergency while trying to recover from the natural disaster.

Is it safe to visit Turkey?

Currently, the Turkish government has announced its highest state level of emergency. As reported by CNN, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) and the US government have shared brief recommendations about traveling.

Gaziantep Castle
Gaziantep Castle [Image by afa63630 from Pixabay]

According to the FCDO, citizens should avoid traveling to Turkey right now and to “avoid the immediate vicinity.” Meanwhile, the US government has told travelers to avoid areas affected by the earthquakes. Meanwhile, Americans have been warned about limited flights and long wait times at the airports (up to 24 hours or more) and to consider road or rail alternatives.

It should be known that cities like Istanbul and Ankara are hundreds of miles from the epicenter, Gaziantep, and have not been affected directly. However, international rescue and medical teams are arriving through these major cities. Meanwhile, there is also a concern regarding aftershocks. In fact, the US Embassy has warned that “large aftershocks continue and are likely through the coming days.”

Moreover, travelers should double-check their upcoming flights, as many have been canceled. While most international airlines are still offering flights to Turkey, the national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, has canceled many flights due to recent events, as well as bad weather conditions in Istanbul.

Which areas are affected?

Gobekli Tepe, Turkey
Gobekli Tepe [Image Wikimedia Commons]

The city of Gaziantep was affected by the first earthquake, while the second was only 80 miles to the north in the Kahramanmaras Province. A total of 10 provinces have been seriously affected, as follows:

Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa.

Meanwhile, tremors have had a damaging impact on Syria and were also felt in Greece, Israel, Cyprus, Lebanon and Palestine. Travelers should avoid the Syrian-Turkish border and should reconsider travel to certain locations in Turkey.

Ancient cities devastated in Turkey

Meanwhile, France 24 has reported that a number of ancient cities have been devastated after the earthquakes as follows:

Antakya/Antioch: The capital of Hatay Province, this ancient city was founded in 300 BC. Regrettably many impressive structures, including temples and theaters, are now in ruins.

Sanliurfa: This Turkish city is home to the Gobekli Tepe – a UN World Heritage Site – and has also been devastated. While the historic area had already been hit by war, now the situation has worsened.

The Syrian city of Aleppo is very close to the Turkish border and is one of the oldest cities in the world and has also been affected by the earthquakes.

Those travelers who still wish to visit Turkey should keep up to date with the latest situation and check for updates before traveling. As mentioned above, aftershocks are still a major concern and the state of emergency for the affected provinces will be in place for three months.

For now, travelers can help Turkey by donating through the International Federation of Red Cross. Other organizations include Red Crescent Societies, and the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organization.

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