Hi--I've been offered what I think is a good English teaching job in Istanbul. Biggest concern I guess is safety (I'm a 56 y.o. female). I was also offered a job in Mexico City and that scares me even more. Do you feel safe there and do you think I would be able to find a place on my own to live? I read what you said about housing and it was very helpful. I would enjoy an apartment alone if possible. Your website was great to find. Thank you! Margaret
Margaret, this is an excellent question and one that is asked often, especially among women.
Here's what the Overseas Security Advisory Council's March 2009 report on Istanbul says:
"Istanbul's overall crime rate remains lower than that of other cities of a comparable size. While the majority of crime is non-violent in nature, both the level of crime and aggressiveness of criminals remains a concern. Criminal incidents tend to be concentrated in areas frequented by tourists such as
Traffic and the threat of accidents provide a daily challenge for anyone living or visiting Istanbul. Drivers are aggressive and frequently ignore basic traffic regulations by driving through red lights and stop signs, or turning left from the far right lane. Pedestrians do not have the right of way and extreme caution should be exercised when crossing streets.
Indigenous and international terrorist groups operate in Turkey, including in the Istanbul area. The detonation of "sound bombs" by indigenous terrorist groups is a common occurrence throughout Turkey. The majority of indigenous terror groups, with the exception of DHKP/C, do not target Americans. The November 2003 Istanbulbombings (two synagogues, British Consulate, and HSBC building) demonstrated the threat from transnational terrorism exists.
In July 2008, the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul was attacked. Three police officers were killed and two were wounded. One of the three terrorist killed had previously visited Afghanistan but no direct link has yet been made to any terrorist group. Whether the threat is from al-Qa’ida affiliated groups or individuals who may have been foreign fighters, the attacks highlight that Western interests are potential targets in Turkey.
Despite these concerns one can safely visit or reside in Istanbul by using common sense and good judgment." (emphasis mine)
As for what the OSAC says about Mexico City, you can read that here. (Hint: Crime in Mexico City, as you rightly suspected, is higher and more violent than in Istanbul.)
From a personal perspective, I find Istanbul to be quite safe. In the two years I have lived here, I have had no problems. Like most people who live in any big city, I take the normal precautions while walking anywhere in the city, such as being aware of my surroundings at all times; never leaving my purse unattended; carrying my purse close to my body and high under my arm, making it more unlikely that someone can pull it off my shoulder and run away with it; and always telling someone I know (like Jeff or a close friend) when I am walking anywhere late at night. I also make absolutely sure to deadbolt the door to my apartment every night.
Of course, I have heard horror stories, as you do. I have heard of about half a dozen foreigners whose apartments have been broken into while they were sleeping. Sometimes the perpetrator came in through an open window near the ground floor; in one instance, the burglar came right in through the apartment door. Quite how he managed to do that, I don't know. (Most doors here are made of steel.) In every instance I have ever heard of, no one was hurt but belongings were stolen, mostly electronics like computers, cameras and phones.
Of course, when you are in touristy areas such as Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim in general, pickpockets are rife and they prey on non-Turks. They make no distinction between travellers and foreigners who live here, so keep an eye on your pockets and your purse.
As for the more serious type of crime, let me say this: Turks are a very gentle people, especially towards women. Most of the time when you hear of people running into trouble, it's because they were involved with the wrong crowd of people. Here, it's usually the people who make trouble who end up finding it.
When I lived in Philadelphia for four years, there were several times when I was afraid. There were times I'd be walking in North Philly at night -- not late, mind you, but it was dark -- or in a sketchy section of South Philly and I would actually be afraid of getting shot, or abducted, or raped in a dark alley somewhere. I have NEVER worried about that in Istanbul.
Crime does happen, yes, but by taking the normal precautions, you can live safely and comfortably.
And, yes, you can live alone. Depending on where you are working, you may want to check out the neighborhoods of Cihangir, Nisantasi, Bebek, Harbiye, or Kadikoy.
What do you think? How do you stay safe in a big city?
Have a question for Ask the Expat? Send an email to barbara@turkishmuse.comor leave a comment below.
