WARDEN MESSAGE NUMBER 3

March 19, 2008

CONSULATE GENERAL OF
THE UNITED STATES
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: (090) 212-335-9000
Fax: (090) 212-335-9102
E-mail: ca_istanbul@state.gov
http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov

This Warden Message is being sent to alert U.S. citizens to the upcoming Nevruz holiday (Kurdish New Year) occurring on March 21, observed March 20 extending to March 23. Previous protests, some of them violent, have occurred throughout Turkey on this date and could occur again. Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

The coming of spring’s warmer weather has traditionally been marked by increased PKK violence.  The same could be the case this year.  At the same time, the Kurdish terrorist group Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) recently issued a general warning, similar to ones issued in past years, that it will attack "Turkish tourist sites."  There are no indications of specifics or timeframes. While these attacks have not traditionally targeted Americans directly, western tourists have been killed

While these attacks have not traditionally targeted Americans directly, western tourists have been killed

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence, to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

In addition, facilities where Americans and other foreigners are known to live, congregate, shop or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, places of worship, schools, and outdoor recreation events and resorts are potential targets both for demonstrations and for attacks by terrorist groups.  U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Turkey are encouraged to register with the Embassy or nearest consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkey.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, at the Consulate General in Istanbul, at the Consulate in Adana, or with the Consular Agent in Izmir to obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey.  Embassy communications with the resident American citizen community, or "Warden Messages," can be found on the Embassy's website at http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkey.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, at the Consulate General in Istanbul, at the Consulate in Adana, or with the Consular Agent in Izmir to obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey.  Embassy communications with the resident American citizen community, or "Warden Messages," can be found on the Embassy's website at .

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Consular information Sheet for Turkey.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada , or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Consular information Sheet for Turkey.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada , or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site: http://adana.usconsulate.gov

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755