Turkey 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Ankara

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Turkey at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Do not travel to areas along the Turkey-Syria border, and to the southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakır, Van, Siirt, Muş, Mardin, Batman, Bingöl, Tunceli, Hakkâri, and Bitlis due to terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Turkey-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is minimal threat from crime in Ankara. Crime levels decreased significantly in 2018. Turkish citizens are the chief perpetrators and victims of the vast majority of crime in Ankara. Although violent crimes (e.g. sexual assault, rape, murder) do occur, they are infrequent or unreported, and have not had an impact on the expatriate community. Crime statistics provided by the Turkish National Police (TNP) for Ankara province in 2018 reflect the following number of reported crimes: burglary (4,083), robbery (236), vehicle break-in (1,953), vehicle theft (794), and homicide (124).

U.S. citizens in the Ankara Consular District reported less than ten instances of crime to the Embassy’s ACS unit during the reporting period. Some of these may have been dual nationals and/or residents of Turkey. The crimes reported were assault, theft, and domestic violence.

When dining out in Turkey, patronize well-established restaurants and always ask to see a menu to avoid inadvertently ordering food or drink at falsely inflated prices. For more information, review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Cybersecurity Issues

There have been several reports in 2018 of financial internet scams victimizing U.S. citizens who transfer sums of money to a supposed friend in Turkey. These scams include fraudulent visas services or fake online romance schemes. In romance scams, online con artists may communicate and groom victims online over several months, building a romantic interest. After purporting to have an accident, arrest, travel emergency, intention to visit, or other situation, the scammer then request funds from the target. The State Department’s International Scams webpage has information detailing some of the more common scams.

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Other Areas of Concern

Anyone seeking to travel into the eastern and southeastern parts of Turkey or near Turkey’s borders with Syria and Iraq should use extra caution. The U.S. Government requires its employees to obtain prior approval before travel to these areas, and advises to avoid all travel to areas near the Syria and Iraq borders due to the threat of terrorism and the unrest in Syria.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Drive defensively. Local drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and turning left from the far right lane. These and other similar driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents. Use extreme caution while driving at night. Driving after dark, especially in rural areas, presents additional dangers such as livestock on the road or narrow unmarked or unpaved roads. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Public Transportation Conditions

Major cities in Turkey have extensive and modern public transportation options, including taxis, subways, ferries, trains, buses, and mini-buses. Licensed cabs have meters. Between cities, Turkey has bus routes, trains, and air services.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Airport security includes three levels of screening, and limitations on the entrances to terminals. The first checkpoint is at the airport’s perimeter, where either the Turkish National Police (TNP) or the Jandarma randomly screen vehicles. The second screening areas are at the entrances to the departure and arrival halls. The third screening area is at the entrance to the departures lounge. Additional screening occurs on a random basis. Istanbul’s airport includes U.S.-mandated requirements for U.S.-bound flights.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Ankara. Terrorists have previously attacked U.S. interests in Turkey, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey, and explicitly target Western tourists and expatriates. Terrorists may attack with little/no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

2 Terrorist groups, including ISIS and the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party), have conducted large-scale attacks in the country, including suicide bombings, ambushes, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and other homemade weapons. The PKK has attacked Turkish military and police personnel in the southeastern provinces, occasionally harming bystanders.

The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) has targeted both Turkish and U.S. government facilities in the past. The DHKP/C has stated its intention to commit further acts against Turkey, NATO, and the U.S.

Al-Qa’ida, including its Syrian affiliates al-Nusrah Front (ANF) and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), maintains a presence in Turkey, but has not staged attacks recently. Groups and individuals inspired by al-Qa’ida might attempt to attack independently, placing U.S. and Turkish interests at risk.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Since the 2016 coup attempt, anti-U.S. rhetoric, already a feature of many Turkish media outlets, is now more pronounced. Anti-U.S. sentiment has sometimes manifested itself in violent actions targeting official U.S. interests.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Ankara. The failed coup attempt in 2016 challenged Turkey’s political stability. Polls regularly find that 40% of the electorate supports the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) founded by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The strong public reaction to the coup attempt across the political spectrum demonstrated that most Turks want a civilian government. Since the attempt, the government has dismissed or detained over 50,000 members of the military and police services. When reviewed within the overall context of the size of Turkey’s security forces, these purges have not degraded readiness or effectiveness, especially in the realm of counterterrorism.

Civil Unrest

Since major 2013 protests in Istanbul, Turkey has enacted legislation to inflict harsh punishment for illegal/violent protests. Covering one’s face during a protest can result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

The Turkish government generally remains tolerant of its religious and ethnic minorities, and provides increased levels of security support around non-Sunni Islamic places of worship in reaction to terror threats. Turkish society can be less accepting of minorities. For example, in 2017, widespread ultra-nationalist sentiment manifest itself through violent attacks against Syrian refugee, Kurdish, and Alevi neighborhoods. Reaction to Israel-related policies and actions has included spontaneous demonstrations at synagogues. For more information, review OSAC’s Report Putting Your Faith in Travel: Security Implications.

3 Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Turkey is in a seismically active region, with regular shocks measuring over 4.0 on the Richter scale. In 2017, a 6.6-magnitude earthquake injured 360 in the resort of Bodrum and triggered a small tsunami. In 2011, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake killed more than 600 people in the southeast. Many buildings do not meet Western seismic standards. Remain cognizant of hardened cover in the case of a seismic event.

Critical Infrastructure

Basic life-support utilities function uninterrupted; most modern offices and hotels employ back-up generator systems.

The Government of Turkey maintains the ability to reduce/eliminate internet and 3G data connectivity. Known as “throttling,” the government reduced data bandwidth as a means to control demonstration activity organized on social media platforms in 2017. It banned several social media platforms, claiming such moves are part of its counterterrorism strategy. Travelers with international roaming plans typically do not report interruptions/denial of service, but they should know that the Government of Turkey is able to impair/disrupt wireless telecommunications.

The Department of State encourages travelers to stay in hotels with visible security deterrence measures (e.g. metal detectors, other screening equipment) at all vehicle and pedestrian access points. Nearly all Western-branded hotels in Istanbul maintain on-site security personnel with robust ties to local law enforcement elements. Turkish law requires foreign travelers to register their passport information with hotels upon check-in. For more information on fire safety in hotels, review OSAC’s Report, Fire Safety Abroad.

Economic Concerns

U.S. private-sector entities should obtain legal representation as an additional precautionary and protective measure. Most U.S. private-sector interests with legal counsel on retainer have such law firms represented in Turkey, but under Turkish-branded law firms, since Turkish law prohibits foreign law firms to operate independently in Turkey.

The Turkish economy experienced a sharp currency devaluation through August 2018, recovering slightly by the end of the year. Growth of the developing Turkish economy may slow in 2019. Inflation and youth unemployment rates are high.

Turkey is a major source and transshipment point for counterfeit goods. Do not buy counterfeit/pirated goods. Bootleg copies are illegal to bring into the U.S. and purchasing them is against local law. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are readily available without any prescription; be aware of packaging that appears to have been tampered with, misspellings, and attempts to “stamp” pills with name-brand logos.

4 Personal Identity Concerns

Homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance towards homosexuality are widespread throughout Turkey. Anti-discrimination laws do not protect LGBTI individuals, who have been the targets of violence in recent years. Law enforcement officials sometimes use references in the law relating to “offenses against public morality,” “protection of the family,” and “unnatural sexual behavior,” as a basis for abuse. The law states that “no association may be founded for purposes against law and morality;” authorities have used this clause in attempts to shut down or limit the activities of associations working on LGBTI matters.

The government considers the Fethullah Gülen, aka “FETO” or Hizmet, movement a terror organization. Individuals affiliated with the movement and related schools and organizations may encounter difficulties with law enforcement.

Drug-related Crimes

Turkey is a transit country for a substantial amount of illegal drugs from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Turkish Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) transport these illegal drugs from Central Asia and Afghanistan to numerous countries. Turkish DTOs have a growing presence in South America, and are trafficking substantial quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe, Turkey, and Central Asia.

The PKK is engaged in trafficking and marketing of drugs. The PKK has an established infrastructure and network to produce, transport, and traffic opiates and cannabis throughout Europe. Material evidence and intelligence sources have shown the PKK is also engaged in laundering money from human/drug trafficking. The Turkish government believes there should be a unified front in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism, as the illegal proceeds generated from the illicit drug trade directly support terrorist organizations.

Kidnapping Threat

ISIS has specifically threatened to target U.S. citizens and Westerners for abduction. Be aware of surroundings, and avoid large crowds, tourist areas, and places where Westerners congregate. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Local Law Concerns

Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code makes it illegal to insult the Turkish state; Turkish ethnicity; Turkish government institutions; the founder of modern-day Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk; or the Turkish President. Penalties include fines and imprisonment for up to two years. Foreigners are not exempt.

Police Response

The Turkish National Police is a professional police force, generally responsive to crimes committed against foreigners. Although only some police officers speak English, operators will generally try to locate an English speaker in an emergency.

5 How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

U.S. citizens experiencing police detention or harassment should contact American Citizen Services at +90-312-455-5555 or via email at [email protected].

Crime Victim Assistance

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 Individuals involved in a traffic accident should call the traffic police at 154.

For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

Employing almost 228,000 sworn police officers, the Turkish National Police (TNP) is one of the largest public sector organizations in the country. TNP is the leading law enforcement organization and provides professional police and security services to the public.

The Gendarmerie (Jandarma) is a para-military police force, providing law enforcement services outside major cities in rural parts of Turkey. Reach the Gendarmerie by dialing 156.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency number for medical services is 112.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

London Medevac Centre ** Coordinate care thru London HU **; RMO London: Dr. Monte Makous, MD O: +44-20-7891-3915; C: +44-315-664-6275; E: [email protected]

REGA Air Ambulance Service CH-8058, Zurich, Switzerland 24/7 O: +41-333-333-333; Ops O: +41-58-654-3980; Admin O: +41-44-654-3311; E: [email protected]

Response: N+4+2 Airframe – Challenger CL-604 Red Star Aviation 34912 Kurtkoy, Istanbul Ops O: +90-216-588-0216 O: +90-216-588-0216 F: Fax: +90-216-560-0770 E: [email protected]

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Response: N+X+1 Configs: Jetstream Super 32, Learjet 45; on-board medical crew

Alternate EMERGENCY MEDEVAC International SOS O: +44-208-762-8133 x1 F: +44-20-8762-8125; E: [email protected] Response: N+4+4.5

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Only drink water from bottles, not from the public water supply. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Turkey.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no active Country Council in Ankara. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy Ankara, 110 Ataturk Boulevard, 06100, Kavaklidere Working Hours: 0830-1730 (closed on U.S. and Turkish holidays)

Embassy Contact Numbers

Telephone: (90) (312) 455-5555 Emergency after-hours telephone: (90) (312) 455-5555 Marine Security Guard Post One: (90) (312) 457-7221 Website: https://tr.usembassy.gov/

Nearby Posts: Consulate Adana, Consular Agency Izmir, Consulate General Istanbul

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy. Registration allows the Embassy or Consulate to locate U.S. citizens more easily in the case of an emergency.

Additional Resources

Turkey Country Information Sheet

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