TURKEY - a report from a birdwatching trip to Central ... - Netfugl.dk

Political situation
Parts of Turkey is sensitive, especially according to its borders
towards Iran and Iraq, the straggles between Turkish military and
the Kurdish separatists of PKK, and the many fugitives entering
Turkey from Iraq. Travelling in the SE areas between south of Van
and Cizre may take time with frequent road-checks. If you want to
visit these areas you will need an extra amount of time and
patience.
Formerly visitors have troubles in entering Bulanik, but we had
no problems here in 2007. Also, the lava fields between
Dogubayazit and Caldiran was in 2005 not possible to enter, but in
2006-2007 we had no problems; expect to be shown away by a gun-man
if entering the village of Serpmetas! When entering Aktas and
Cildir Gl´s in the NE corner bordering Armenia, always contact
the local military.
Having said this, Turkish military have always been polite
towards us. Even following the “Muhammed drawing´s crisis” in
2006. At one case, near Trabzon - we were asked our origin
country, and answered “Scandinavia” – “Oh, Sweden” – “yes” – “aaah
Malmo” – “Yes”. The result was unpolite “showing knife across
throat”, as the soccer team Malm FF recently have beaten out
Trapzonspor from one of the main European leagues. Soccer is more
of a common language than politics in most areas!
Turkish people are among the most friendly you could think of.
When entering private areas such as orchards, expect to be given
presents or offered tea and other refreshments in stead of being
chased away. A lot about politeness and kindness could be learned
from these characters, which invariably have added to the great
success on all three trips.
Climate
May is a perfect month of visiting Turkey. The mountain birds
still occur in moderate altitudes and takes much less efforts than
later in the summer, migration is still on its way and the
temperatures not too high. At Birezik, we have experienced +38-40
degrees in the middle of the day on two out of three occasions
however.
The northeast frequently have snow-covered roads onto mid May,
and in the far East, thunderstorms are both regular and heavy.
Health
Almost any visitor to Turkey have experienced minor stomach
problems. In some cases participians have been enough affected to
appear inactive for hours, in one case even a day. However, we had
eaten freely what was served on roadside restaurants, even salads.
If hit by “the revenge of the sultan”, empty yourself, but after
about a day, take Immodium. Two pills combined with one Cipro
(something, depending on the factory company) is most effective.
Extensive travelling in Asia have proven that the best treatment
is washing hands regularly, especially after shaking hands with
the locals. While soap is not always present in toilets, most
roadside restaurants offers “eau d¨cologne” after dining, which is
an effective treatment. We even brought along our own bottle in
2007. Bringing cleansing tissues with you is effective as well.