Although Israel has issued a high-level travel warning to Istanbul, local tour guide Burak Ortak says that the number of Israelis traveling in Turkey has not significantly changed.
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"Israelis love and know how to travel. I meet people from Israel who travel seven times a year, while tourists from other countries only do so once a year," said Ortak, who although works with travelers from all over the world is "much more comfortable with Israelis."
The travel warning was issued just as tourism to Turkey was recovering after the coronavirus pandemic and Jerusalem and Ankara began to renew ties.
According to Ortak, events affecting tourism are a constant in the region.
"We are in the Middle East and the mess is never over. The Iranians don't want us to be close, because it seems that if Turks and Israelis are close, it is not good for other countries in the Middle East."
Ortak was referring to recent attempts by Iranian agents to abduct Israelis in Turkey.
Nevertheless, he cautioned not to disregard the threats.
"Certainly there is some truth to this threat, but one should not go too crazy either. The Iranians are happy about what's happening because they have caused Israelis to think twice before coming to Turkey. They don't want us to be close, because they could have just as easily gone to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where there are also many Israelis."
As for Israelis already vacationing in Turkey, Ortak said they are, of course, more nervous than travelers from other countries who do not know about the situation as local media has not reported on the treats and the travel warning extensively.
Nevertheless, police officers stationed in the streets bring a sense of security.
"I think one should always be careful," Ortak said. "To speak less on busses and the subway, and this is true not just for Israelis but also the Turks that I take on world trips. We are also not loved."
Meanwhile, the markets of Istanbul are bustling with tourists, including those from Israel. Ahmet, who sells nuts at the Spice Bazaar, said he has actually seen more Israelis in recent times and was unaware that any travel warning had been issued.
"I love Israelis. I didn't know that Istanbul was a dangerous place for them, although Iranians also come here to shop. One thing is certain: most Turks love Israelis."
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