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[eihpos]

I am, going to Istanbul in a couple of weeks and have read that it is as safe as any large city, provided you have a bit of common sense. I am not particularly worried, but my family seem to think It is a very dangerous place, especially for a female. I'm not sure where they got this idea! I have lived in a few places abroad, but they never stop worrying! I want to reassure them. Can anyone with experience living there help? Is Istanbul generally safe, or are they right to be concerned?

Thanks a lot!

[oipivo]

Istanbul is generally very safe. Since you are a woman traveling alone however just be aware of how forward Turkish men can be. I've spoken with a few woman that had some problems (being grabbed, yelled at, etc.) that happened in tourist areas. At the same time, my wife lived in Istanbul for two years and got away with one slap on her ass from some punk ass kid.

Just be smart and always be alert to your surroundings. You'll be fine.