Dangerous Places In Turkey: 9 Places To Stay Away From

Turkey’s most dangerous areas include Sirnak and Hakkari provinces near Syria and Iraq, Sur District in Diyarbakır with political tensions, and Syrian border zones with military activity. Avoid Taksim Square during protests, Eastern Turkey’s remote regions with limited emergency services, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (pickpocketing hotspot), Gaziantep markets with rising street crime, and refugee camp peripheries. Understanding these high-risk areas will help you plan a safer Turkish adventure.

Good To Know

• Sirnak and Hakkari provinces near Syria and Iraq borders pose extreme risks due to terrorist activities, bombings, and military operations.
• Stay at least 10km from the Syria border, particularly avoiding conflict zones like Tal Rifaat, Manbij, and Kobani.
• Sur District in Diyarbakır remains dangerous following 2015-2017 conflicts, with restricted access and heavy security presence.
• Taksim Square in Istanbul becomes hazardous during protests, with police crackdowns, tear gas, and sudden cordoning of areas.
• Remote eastern regions should be avoided due to limited emergency services, with response times exceeding 10-12 hours in crises.

Sirnak Province – A High-Risk Border Region

Located along Turkey’s volatile southeastern border, Sirnak Province ranks as one of the country’s most dangerous regions due to persistent security threats. You’ll find this area particularly hazardous given its proximity to Syria, with the 10km border zone presenting significant risks including bombings and ambushes.

The region carries a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from multiple countries including the US, UK, and Australia. If you’re planning a Turkish vacation, you should completely avoid this province.

The unpredictable security situation can deteriorate rapidly, with ongoing risks of terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Unlike other parts of Turkey where stray dogs are commonly seen roaming the streets, this region’s instability affects both human and animal populations alike.

While the Turkish government has increased security measures, the instability continues to impact local development and tourism. Only essential travel is recommended, and even then, extreme caution is necessary. Official travel advisories consistently warn travelers to avoid Sirnak and stay at least 10km from Syria when visiting Turkey.

Hakkari Province – Security Issues in the Southeast

With its perilous location along Turkey’s border with Iraq, Hakkari Province represents another high-risk area you should avoid when traveling in Turkey. The mountainous terrain harbors active terrorist groups known for armed attacks, kidnappings, and using IEDs.

Mountainous Hakkari Province along the Iraq border remains a danger zone with active terrorist threats and ongoing security operations.

The U.S. Department of State explicitly advises against travel here due to unpredictable security conditions. Turkish military maintains a strong presence, conducting frequent operations against extremist organizations that cross the Iraq border.

Despite the resilience of local communities, the region suffers from limited infrastructure and economic challenges stemming from ongoing security concerns. While many travelers consider Scandinavian countries as safer alternatives when planning European vacations, Hakkari’s ongoing conflicts present a stark contrast. Recent political protests and arrests have further heightened tensions throughout the area.

Government travel advisories strongly recommend steering clear of all areas within 10 km of Syria, as regional conflicts continue to pose significant safety threats to visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, cross Hakkari off your itinerary—the risks simply aren’t worth taking.

Sur District in Diyarbakır – Political Unrest Zone

Sur District in Diyarbakır functions as another flashpoint to avoid in Turkey’s southeastern region. This historic walled city became a battlefield in 2015-2017 when conflict between government forces and PKK militants destroyed six neighborhoods and displaced thousands of residents.

Though the PKK declared a ceasefire in March 2025, tensions remain palpable. You’ll encounter heavy security presence, checkpoints, and restricted photography zones throughout the district.

The area’s cultural fabric suffered irreversible damage, with once-familiar streetscapes now unrecognizable. The district’s destruction included the demolition of historic mosques and sites that were part of Diyarbakır’s rich multicultural heritage.

Local governance remains under central control, with appointed administrators replacing elected officials. While reconstruction proceeds slowly, spontaneous protests still erupt near symbolic sites and on significant dates.

If traveling in southeastern Turkey, consider Sur’s volatile history and ongoing security concerns before planning your visit. Many travelers find safer destinations like Zagreb more appealing with its rich cultural offerings and stable environment.

Syrian Border Areas – Military and Terrorist Concerns

Turkey’s Syrian border areas present acute security risks due to ongoing military operations and terrorist activities. The Turkish military maintains multiple bases along the 30-kilometer “safe zone” they’re establishing against Kurdish forces they classify as terrorist organizations.

Areas like Tal Rifaat, Manbij, and Kobani have seen significant military clashes continuing into 2025. Turkey’s operations with the Syrian National Army have intensified in these strategic border regions.

You’ll encounter heightened military presence, including surveillance equipment, air defense systems, and expanded military installations like the Menagh airport. The security situation remains volatile as Turkey works to expel PKK and SDF groups from its borders. Traveling to these regions can result in expensive medical costs should emergencies arise. Recent developments show pro-Turkey Syrian groups have scaled down their military presence in some areas following agreements between Syrian authorities and Kurdish officials.

For your safety, avoid these border regions entirely, as they’re active conflict zones with unpredictable security conditions.

Taksim Square During Demonstrations – Istanbul’s Protest Hotspot

Taksim Square serves as Istanbul’s most notorious protest flashpoint, where political tensions frequently erupt into volatile confrontations between demonstrators and authorities. Since the deadly 1977 Labour Day massacre that claimed 36 lives, the square has maintained its status as a dangerous location during periods of civil unrest.

The 2013 Gezi Park protests highlighted these dangers when police deployed tear gas and water cannons against thousands of demonstrators. The iconic image of Ceyda Sungur, known as the “woman in red”, resisting police became a global symbol of the government crackdown. Today, you’ll encounter heavy surveillance, barriers, and an overwhelming police presence, especially during symbolic dates like May Day.

If you’re in Istanbul during demonstrations, stay far from Taksim Square. Authorities frequently close nearby metro stations and cordon off the area. Many travelers find themselves deciding between Mediterranean destinations when planning their vacations, but Turkey’s protest sites present unique safety concerns. Even as a bystander, you risk arrest, injury, or exposure to crowd control measures.

Eastern Turkey’s Remote Regions – Limited Emergency Services

Exploring eastern Turkey’s remote regions presents serious risks due to severely limited emergency services. The mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions create significant barriers for emergency response, with air ambulances often the only viable option during crises.

Venturing into eastern Turkey means accepting potentially fatal delays in medical emergencies—a harsh reality of its beautiful but unforgiving landscape.

If you’re injured or experience a medical emergency, you’ll face potentially life-threatening delays. Response times frequently exceed 10-12 hours, especially during winter when snow and landslides isolate entire communities.

The 2023 earthquakes exposed these vulnerabilities dramatically, requiring the largest WHO deployment in 75 years. These disasters caused extensive damage to at least 15 hospitals and numerous healthcare facilities throughout the region.

Local healthcare facilities lack surge capacity for mass casualties and specialist care. Blood supplies remain concentrated in urban centers, far from these isolated areas.

Even with international support, the region’s infrastructure challenges make timely emergency response nearly impossible during disasters. Travelers seeking Mediterranean destinations might consider Greece as an alternative with more robust emergency infrastructure.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul – Pickpocketing Haven

While Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar dazzles visitors with its colorful stalls and historic architecture, it simultaneously ranks as one of Turkey’s most notorious pickpocketing hotspots. The bazaar’s dense crowds create perfect conditions for thieves who employ various tactics to separate you from your valuables.

Be wary of strangers who bump into you, create distractions, or approach aggressively—these are common theft techniques. Similar risks exist at Sultanahmet Square, the Spice Bazaar, and on crowded trams. Like in Barcelona and Rome, skilled thieves often work in organized groups targeting travelers at major attractions.

Despite these concerns, Istanbul remains safer than many Western cities.

To protect yourself, stay vigilant, secure your belongings in money belts, avoid peak crowds, and recognize common scams. Don’t be distracted by confrontations, as these are often staged to facilitate theft while your attention is diverted. If you’re looking for safer alternatives, consider Stockholm’s attractions which offer similar cultural richness with significantly lower theft risks.

Gaziantep City Markets – Street Crime Concerns

Gaziantep’s bustling city markets offer a sensory feast of local culture and commerce, but they also harbor moderate street crime concerns that deserve your attention. Crime has increased noticeably over the past five years, with 82.14% of locals noting this worrying trend.

While exploring these vibrant marketplaces, stay vigilant against these specific threats:

1. Pickpocketing and theft – particularly common in crowded sections where distraction techniques flourish
2. Verbal harassment – with insult concerns rating highly at 61.54%
3. Nighttime vulnerability – reduced crowds and visibility create additional risks after dark
4. Mugging possibilities – though moderate at 42.31%, still warrant caution

You’ll encounter security personnel throughout most markets, but don’t rely solely on their presence. Vehicle-related crimes are also prevalent in market parking areas, with theft from cars representing a major concern among locals. Unlike the bear watching destinations in Europe, these markets require you to be alert to human threats rather than wildlife. Keep valuables secured, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and consider guided tours when possible.

Refugee Camp Peripheries – Unstable Security Conditions

Turkey’s refugee camp peripheries present unique security challenges for travelers, despite housing only a fraction of the country’s refugee population. Most refugees actually live integrated within local communities, not in camps.

Areas surrounding these camps often experience tensions stemming from resource competition and cultural differences. Unlike the popular Cypriot resorts of Paphos and Limassol, these regions lack tourism infrastructure and safety measures. You’ll find that local infrastructure can be strained, creating friction between refugees and host communities. Monthly reports track Syrian refugee distribution across various provinces and camps, with detailed breakdowns updated regularly. Language barriers and economic pressures further complicate these dynamics.

While Turkish law enforcement maintains a presence, security measures vary widely between locations. If you’re visiting these areas, be aware that social tensions can escalate quickly. International organizations provide support, but the peripheries remain unpredictable zones where cultural misunderstandings can occur.

Consider joining community engagement projects if you’re planning extended stays near these regions.

The Sum Up

While Turkey’s beauty is irresistible, staying safe should be your top priority. Avoid these nine danger zones and you’ll steer clear of trouble. Keep your wits about you in crowded markets, stay updated on regional conflicts, and respect political sensitivities. With proper preparation and awareness, you can enjoy Turkey’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes without walking into a hornet’s nest. Always check travel advisories before your trip.