Country Profile for TURKEY

Alert for Turkey

 

Twin car bomb attack leaves 43 dead on Syrian border - 11 May 2013:

Two car bombs have exploded in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli, leaving at least 43 people dead and more than 100 others wounded.  Bulent Arinc, the deputy prime minister of Turkey, blamed the Syrian government for the attack.

PKK rebels start Turkey withdrawal - 8 May 2013:

Separatist fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have started to withdraw from south-eastern Turkey to bases in northern Iraq.  The PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire in March, while the group's imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan remains in peace talks with the Turkish government.

Riot police clash with May Day protesters - 1 May 2013:

Turkish riot police have fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters during a May Day Demonstration in Istanbul's Taksim Square.  The clashes erupted after police blocked all roads leading to the square, which led to protesters storming the police barricades.

PKK fighters announce Turkey withdrawal - 25 April 2013:

The militant wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced that its fighters will withdraw from Turkey from 08 May.  The militants, who have been fighting the Turkish government for three decades, have said that the withrawal to Iraq will be phased over several months.

Riot police clash with trial protesters - 8 April 2013:

Turkish riot police have clashed with protesters outside a court near the Turkish capital, Istanbul.  Thousands of people had gathered in support of the 'Ergenekon' group, a collection of 275 people accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey - 21 March 2013:

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have announced a long-awaited ceasefire agreement has been reached with the Turkish government.  Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in the south-eastern city of Diyarbakir to hear the truce declaration.  

Twin explosions at government offices in Ankara - 20 March 2013:

One person has been wounded after two devices exploded outside of the offices of the ruling AK party in the Turkish capital Ankara.  A rocket struck the seventh floor of the AK building, while two hand grenades exploded outside of the justice ministry building.  No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

PKK release Turkish hostages - 13 March 2013:

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have released eight Turkish hostages as part of a peace process agreement with the government.  Last month the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is reported to have started secret peace talks with Turkey in October, called for a prisoner exchange.

Car bomb kills seven at Syrian border - 11 February 2013:

At least seven people have been killed and more than 30 others wounded after a car bomb exploded at a border crossing near the Turkish town of Reyhanli.  The town mayor told local media that the car had Syrian license plates.

Two killed in US embassy blast - 01 February 2013:

At least two people have been killed in a suspected suicide blast outside the US embassy in Ankara.  Local media are speculating that the PKK Kurdish separatist group or al-Qaeda might be behind the attack; however, no group has publicly taken responsibility.

PKK announce March ceasefire - 08 January 2013:

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced that it intends to halt all military operations in March as part of peace talks between the Turkish government and PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.  The government is expected to reciprocate by granting wider rights to the minority Kurdish population.

PKK clash with Turkish army in Hakkari - 08 January 2013:

At least 14 PKK fighters and one soldier have been killed during clashes in the south-eastern province of Hakkari.  The local governor's office said in a statement that the rebels were preparing an attack on an army post close to the Iraqi border when they were "rendered ineffective".

Five soldiers killed in Hakkari province - 19 November 2012:

At least five Turkish soldiers have been killed in clashes with members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the south-eastern province of Hakkari.  Four militants were also killed in the fighting, which occurred while soldiers were conducting operations in the Semdinli district.

Syrian jets bomb town on Turkish border - 13 November 2012:

At least 16 people are reported to have been killed after Syrian jets bombed the town of Ras al-Ain, located on the Turkish border, for a second day.  Syrian forces are attempting to retake control of the strategically important town after it fell to rebel groups.  Turkey has reported the strikes to the UN Security Council and NATO.  

Blanks fired outside prime minister's office - 05 November 2012:

A man has been arrested after he fired three blank rounds inside a building housing the Turkish prime minister.  Local officials have said the the incident was not politically motivated and that the suspect was well known to them.

Kurdish protesters in day of resistance - 30 October 2012:

Thousands of Kurdish protesters have clashed with police in what has been deemed as a day of resistance across the country.  The heaviest clashes took place at Diyarbakir prison in the south-east of the country, with hunger strikers demanding the right to use the Kurdish language in courts and schools.

Fighting in south-east leaves nine dead - 20 October 2012:

Six Turkish security officials and three Kurdish militants have been killed in separate fighting in the south-east of Turkey.  Three special forces police officers and three PKK fighters were killed during a gun battle along a highway in Hakkari province, while three village guards were killed in a separate clash in Bitlis province. 

Turkey-Syria clashes continue - 09 October 2012:

Turkey has launched further mortar attacks across the border in response to earlier Syrian mortar fire. According to a Turkish official the "Turkish military retaliates immediately after every single Syrian shell".

Turkey strike Syrian targets in response to mortar attack - 04 October 2012:

Turkey's military has carried out a strike against targets inside northern Syria in response to a cross-border mortar attack which killed five Turkish civilians.  It is the first time that Turkey has carried out any operations against Syrian forces since the civil unrest began there last year.

Bombing kills seven soldiers in Tunceli - 25 September 2012:

At least seven Turkish soldiers have been killed in a bomb attack in the eastern city of Tunceli.  A vehicle packed with explosives was detonated as the military truck carrying the troops passed by.

Army convoy hit by rebel rocket attack - 18 September 2012:

Seven Turkish soldiers have been killed and a further 56 wounded after suspected PKK rebels launched a rocket attack against an army convoy in eastern Turkey.  The ambush took place on a highway which connected the provinces of Bingol and Mus.

Militant bomb kills eight police in Bingol - 17 September 2012:

At least eight Turkish police officers have been killed by a roadside bomb in the eastern province of Bingol.  Security forces have blamed the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) for the attacks.  The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that 500 Kurdish rebels have been killed over the last month.

Suicide bomb kills police officer in Istanbul - 11 September 2012:

A suicide bomb attack outside a police station has killed a police officer and wounded several people in Istanbul.  The leftist group, the Revolutionary People's Liberation Front, has claimed responsibility for the attack in the western suburb of Sultangazi.

Turkish troops killed in Sirnak - 03 September 2012:

At least 10 Turkish troops have been killed during clashes with Kurdish rebels in the south-eastern province of Sirnak.  Around 20 militants were also killed in the fighting, which started late on Sunday evening.

Nine killed in Gaziantep bombing - 21 August 2012:

At least nine people have been killed and almost 70 wounded after a remote-controlled car bomb exploded in south-eastern Turkey.  The blast was reported near a police station in the city of Gaziantep.  The PKK have denied any involvement in the attack.

Soldiers killed in PKK attack - 09 August 2012:

Two Turkish soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded when suspected PKK militants ambushed their military convoy in the Aegean province of Izmir.  A remote-controlled IED exploded as the vehicle passed before the militants opened fire on the soldiers. 

Kurdish rebels attack south-east border post - 05 August 2012:

At least 19 people have been killed after suspected PKK rebels attacked a border post in south-east Turkey.  Local media reported that the rebels opened fire on soldiers at the outpost in Hakkari late on Saturday evening.

PKK militants killed in Hakkari province - 01 August 2012:

At least twenty-two militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed during clashes with the Turkish military.  Operations in the region began on 25 July after around 100 PKK fighters crossed into Turkey from neighbouring Iraq.

Turkey closes Syrian border gates - 25 July 2012:

Turkey has closed the last three border gates with Syria, meaning that vehicles will no longer be able to cross between the two countries.  The move comes a day after the Turkish armed forces has sent around 200 minibuses full of soldiers to the border.

Syrian general defects to Turkey - 25 June 2012:

A Syrian general has defected to Turkey, along with two colonels, two majors and around 30 lower ranking soldiers.  The group, consisting of some 200 people in total, crossed into Hatay province on Sunday night.

Turkish plane shot down by Syrian army - 23 June 2012:

A Turkish fighter jet has been shot down by the Syrian army, causing serious diplomatic tension between the two countries.  Syria has said that it engaged the aircraft after in entered its airspace around the Mediterranean Sea.

Turkish soldiers killed by PKK rebels - 19 June 2012:

At least seven Turkish soldiers have been killed and 15 others wounded following an ambush by suspected Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels.  The incident took place in the eastern district of Yuksekova, located close to the border with Iran.

PKK claims responsibility for suicide bomb - 26 May 2012:

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has claimed responsibility for a suicide car bomb which killed a police officer and wounded 18 others in Pinarbasi.  Local media have reported that the attackers entered Turkey from northern Syria.

Football fans riot in Istanbul - 13 May 2012:

Violent clashes have been reported in Istanbul after fans of the city's two main football clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbache, began rioting at the derby match in Sukru Saracoglu Staduim.  Police used pepper spray to disperse angry Fenerbache fans while a Galatasary fan was reportedly stabbed during the violence.

Police clash with Kurdish protesters - 18 March 2012:

Turkish police have fired tear gas and water cannons at Kurdish protesters across the country, leaving at least one person dead.  The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have called for further demonstrations ahead of the Kurdish New Year next week.

Bomb explodes in central Istanbul - 01 March 2012:

A bomb has exploded in central Istanbul, wounding at least 10 people.  The blast occurred close to the offices of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and appears to have been remotely detonated.

Warplanes target Kurdish militants in northern Iraq - 13 February 2012:

Turkish warplanes have carried out air strikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq.  Camps in the Zab and Hakurk areas of Kurdistan were targeted in the raids.

Turkish air strike kills 35 in Kurdish village - 29 December 2011:

Turkish military officials have said that 35 Kurdish civilians were killed by air strikes close to the border with Iraq.  The government claimed that it had been targeting PKK militants.

Turkish bus attacked by Syrian gunmen - 21 November 2011:

A bus carrying Turkish pilgrims has come under fire in neighbouring Syria, leaving at least two people wounded.  The pilgrims were returning from Mecca when they were attacked.

Iranian pilgrims attacked in south-east Turkey - 16 November 2011:

An Iranian bus carrying pilgrims from Iran to Syria has been attacked near the city of Van in south-east Turkey, leaving at least 10 people with injuries.  The attack occurred at a roadblock setup by a group of unknown gunmen.  

Passenger ferry hijacked off western port of Izmit - 11 November 2011:

A passenger ferry has been hijacked off the western port city of Izmit by a lone gunmen.  The hijacker, who claims to have a bomb onboard, is reported to be a member of the PKK.

Suicide bomber kills two in south-east - 29 October 2011:

At least two people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in south-eastern Turkey.  The explosion took place in the town of Bingol, close to the offices of the governing AK party.

Earthquake kills more than 200 in eastern Turkey - 23 October 2011:

More than 200 people have been killed and around 1,000 others injured after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey.  The quake occurred near the town of Ercis at 1341 local time, and was followed by a series of strong aftershocks.

Turkish soldiers killed in PKK attack - 19 October 2011:

At least 26 soldiers are reported to have been killed in multiple attacks by PKK militants in south-eastern Turkey.  The attacks were carried out in Cukurca and Yuksekova in the Hakkari province, close to the Iraqi border.  The government have deployed troops and air support to the area, with the Turkish president, Abdullah Gul, saying "they will see that the vengeance for these attacks will be immense."

Bomb blast hits Turkish capital - 20 September 2011:

A suspected bomb blast has rocked the centre of the Turkish capital, Ankara, wounding more than a dozen people. Turkey's deputy prime minister said "there is information that a bomb was planted" on a vehicle.  Thick smoke could be seen rising from the central commercial area of Kizilay. 

PKK kidnap construction workers in Siirt province - 12 September 2011:

Militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have kidnapped eight construction workers from Sirvan in Siirt province.  Members of Turkey's armed forces have been dispatched in an attempt to locate the group.

Kurdish separatists attack police in eastern province - 05 September 2011:

A group of suspected PKK separatists have attacked a group of police officers playing football in the eastern province of Tunceli.  One officer and his wife were killed while eight others were injured.  Two soldiers and two village guards were killed in a separate PKK attack in the region.  

Turkish military claims to have killed 100 Kurd rebels in Iraq raids - 23 August 2011:

The Turkish military claims to have killed around 100 Kurdish rebels since it launched a series of artillery and air strikes in northern Iraq last week.

Iraqi civilians killed in Turkish air strikes - 21 August 2011:

At least seven Iraqis have been killed by a series of Turkish air strikes in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.  The Turkish military is carrying out operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq after militants killed around 40 soldiers since July.

Two women from NI stabbed to death in Turkey - 19 August 2011:

Two women from Northern Ireland have been stabbed to death in the Turkish city of Izmir.  A 17-year old Turkish national has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Turkish soldiers killed in suspected PKK attack - 17 August 2011:

Eight Turkish soldiers have been killed in a suspected PKK attack in the south-eastern Hakkari province.  Turkish officials have said that the troops died when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb or land mine in the district of Cukurca, close to the Iraqi border.

PKK kidnap three construction workers in Bingol - 10 August 2011:

Members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have kidnapped three construction workers from the eastern province of Bingol.  Two brothers, owners of a petrol station, were shot dead in the village of Yonlu by suspected PKK militants.

Four police injured in Diyarbakir bomb attack - 25 July 2011:

Four police officers have been injured in a bomb attack on a police post in the south-eastern city of Diyarbakir.  In a separate attack suspected PKK militants attacked a military convoy in the city, injuring at least seven people. 

Two soldiers shot dead in south-east; bomb explodes in capital - 06 July 2011:

Two Turkish soldiers have been shot dead in the south-eastern province of Hakkari by unknown gunmen.  No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Kurdish rebels affiliated to the PKK are expected to have been behind it.  Meanwhile a percussion bomb has exploded in the capital, Ankara, although no injures were sustained.

Explosion in southeastern province injures 11 - 14 June 2011:

An explosion in the south-eastern province of Sirnak has injured at least 11 people.  The blast came shortly after the announcement of parliamentary election results in the province.

Several injured in Istanbul bomb blast - 26 May 2011:

At least seven people have been injured in a bomb blast in Istanbul's Etiler district.  According to Istanbul's police chief the explosion was caused by a bomb planted on to a bicycle.  No groups have yet taken responsibility for the attack.

Turkish soldiers kill Kurdish rebels in south-east - 14 May 2011:

At least 12 Kurdish rebels have been killed by Turkish soldiers in the south-eastern Sirnak province, close to the border with Iraq.  The Turkish military claim that the rebels were members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Turkish police officer killed by gunmen - 04 May 2011:

A Turkish police officer has been killed and two more injured after they were attacked by suspected separatist gunmen.  The attack took place in northern Turkey, close to where Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan had held an election rally only a few hours earlier.  No group has taken responsibility for the attack, however Erdogan has blamed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Turkish police arrest 40 terrorism suspects - 13 April 2011:

Turkish police have arrested 40 suspected members of al-Qaeda and the Turkish branch of Hezbollah in a series of raids in Istanbul.  The police raided more than 30 locations in the city and among the detainees was Halis Bayancuk who is reported to be the head of al-Qaeda;s Turkish wing.

Turkish police clash with protesters - 03 February 2011:

Turkish police have clashed with workers and students in the Turkish capital, Ankara.  The demonstrators were attempting to march on parliament when police fired water cannons and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Suicide bomb kills 15 in Istanbul - 31 November 2010:

A suspected suicide bomber has killed 15 people in the centre of Istanbul.  Nine of those killed in the attack were Turkish police officers.  The Kurdish separatist group, the Kurdistan Workers\' Party (PKK), are believed to be responsible for the attacks.

Turkey Data Sheet

 

Population: 75.6 million

Major Religion/s: : Islam

International dialling code: +90

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: Police 155, Medical 112, Fire 110

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Diverse climate: Moderate in the north-west, Mediterranean climate in the south, cold in the east.

Other Major Cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya

Borders: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria

Mobile Networks:

Orange:  Turkcell, AVEA, Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone: Vodafone Turkey

02:  Turkcell, AVEA

T-Mobile: Turkcell, AVEA, Vodafone Turkey

 

For more information visit:

 

Orange:

http://business.orange.co.uk/home/soletrader/plans/roaming-and-international-plans/international-cost-checker

 

Vodafone:

 http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=templateCClamp&pageID=OS_1110

 

O2:

 http://www.o2international.co.uk/

 

T-Mobile:

 http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/going-abroad/

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