Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Protest and Police Action on Paris Avenue in Kavaklidere, Ankara, November 18

U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that it is aware that police have responded to a gathering of approximately 250 protestors in the vicinity of the German Embassy, located on Paris Avenue in Kavaklidere, Ankara. The U.S. Embassy is next door to the German Embassy in Ankara.  Traffic in the vicinity may be affected.

The governorate of Ankara has banned all demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings in the Province of Ankara, inclusive of the city of Ankara, until November 30, 2016, citing security concerns.  Thus, as in many countries, simply being at or near an illegal public gathering could lead to arrest or detention.

Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of large gatherings, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

For further detailed information regarding Turkey and travel:

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Turkey’s Country Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara, at +90-312-455-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +90-312-455-5555 or +90-212-335-9000 (U.S. Consulate General Istanbul).
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, at +90-212-335-9000.
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate in Adana, located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana at +90-322-455-4100.
  • Contact the Consular Agency in Izmir at Izmir@state.gov.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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