Travelling to Izmir, Turkey, as a Sikh
As a Sikh who wears a turban as a part of my religion, should I have safety concerns or take precautions in order to travel to Turkey? Are there other things I need to think about while being there, as an Indian Sikh?
Best Answer
You don't need to worry about anything in Turkey. I have visited Turkey thrice and have seen many Sikhs with Turban. Turkey is well modernized to my belief and is open to tourists from all cultural backgrounds and religions.
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Is there any gurdwara in Turkey?
SIKHS IN istanbul Mike Altamore sorry, there is no gurudwara sahib in whole Turkey.Is Izmir Turkey safe for tourists?
Izmir is a safe destination with many historical, cultural things to explore, beaches to enjoy. The crime rate is low in Izmir and limited to pickpocketing and theft. Izmir people are known for their cultural openness and relaxed style of living.Is Izmir Turkey worth visiting?
Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey, a modern city full of history and memories. If you find yourself in Turkey, Izmir should definitely be on your list. You can easily spend two days enjoying this vivid city and of course, you can combine your visit there with other destinations, like Cappadocia or Greece!How many days do you need in Izmir?
Two days may not be enough to visit everything the province of Izmir has to offer, but 48 hours in Izmir city is enough to experience the highlights.More answers regarding travelling to Izmir, Turkey, as a Sikh
Answer 2
Local here.
99.8% of the population identified as Muslim, according to wikipedia, so your turban won't be a problem anywhere in Turkey, especially in Izmir. It is one of the most modern city in Turkey and people are really respectful in there no matter what religion you have and what you wear.
You should not concern about this.
Answer 3
In your case, I don't think there will be any problem. The Turkish neither know much about the Sikhs nor they care about them, to be honest. So even if you went to the most religious and intolerant parts of the Turkey -I come from one of those parts- I would doubt that you would encounter any reaction.
However, going to any place in Turkey with a clothing that made a serious statement for Christianity or against Islam would not be the wisest choice. Especially these days secularism and tolerance to other cultures are not the most cherished principles. Though even in that case, I would not think anything more serious than nasty looks and verbal attack is likely in general.
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Images: Hakan Tahmaz, Som, Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz, Alihan Gülyağcı