The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Turkey is aware that several groups have announced public protests in upcoming days in major cities throughout Turkey, including in the vicinity of U.S. diplomatic facilities. Protests may occur spontaneously and have the potential to become violent. Due to protest activity, the U.S. Embassy Ankara, U.S. Consulate General Istanbul, and U.S. Consulate Adana will have only limited operations on Friday, December 8. U. S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should call +90-212-335-9000.
We are aware of the following possible protest times and locations below. Please note that this list is not comprehensive:
Thursday, December 07, 2017
- In the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, at 7:00 p.m.
- In the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 8, 2017
- In the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana starting at 12:00pm.
- In the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul starting at 9:00 p.m.
- In the following locations of major cities stating at 12:00: General protests may also occur at university campuses throughout the country.
- Istanbul’s Fatih district, Ankara’s Ulus district, 5 Ocak Square in Adana, Dicle University campus in Diyarbakir, Meydan Park in Trabzon, Sehrekustu Square in Bursa, near Narmanli Mosque in Erzurum, Izmit Sabri Yalim Park in Kocaeli, Ulu Mosque Square in Kahramanmaras, near Orhan Mosque in Sakarya, near the clock tower in Bingol and Yavuz Selim Square in Amasya.
- General protests may also occur at university campuses throughout the country.
We urge U.S. citizens to avoid all protests. 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.
The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Turkey asks U.S. citizens to contact family members who may be concerned about your welfare or whereabouts. Review personal security plans, ensure communication connectivity, and remain aware of your surroundings. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
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 Poligon Mahallesi, Sarıyer Caddesi, No:75, 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).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
