WARDEN MESSAGE NUMBER 8

June 22, 2007

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

DEAR WARDEN:

This important message was sent out a few minutes ago to all of the volunteer wardens who assist the Consulate in passing important messages to American citizens in the Istanbul region. To help speed up the process we are also sending this directly to everyone registered with the Consular Section who has provided us an e-mail address. As a result, some of you will receive this message more than once.

Scott Oudkirk
Consular Section Chief

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A large anti-terrorism demonstration with the potential to draw a crowd in the high thousands is planned for Saturday, June 23, in the Şişli district on Istanbul’s European side. The protest is expected to begin in the vicinity of the Memorial Hospital and Perpa buildings in Şişli, and will continue along Cumhuriet Caddesi, concluding at the Ataturk Museum in Şişli. The protest is expected to begin at 10:30 AM and will continue until 1:00 PM or later. Authorities suggest that temporary or full road closures may occur from Kaşımpaşa to the E-5 during these hours, and anticipate major stoppages along Cumhuriet Caddesi, between Taksim Square and Şişli. Another anti-terrorism rally in the same Çağlayan area of Şişli is expected to occur on Sunday, June 24, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please plan your weekend accordingly.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become 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. As is always the case while overseas, Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

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 Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., 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).

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara <http://ankara.usembassy.gov/> is 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 <http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/> is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak 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 website <http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/>.

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

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

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