A Message from the
Embassy of the United States of America
Ankara, Turkey
April 30, 2014
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
May Day (Labor Day) Demonstrations on Thursday, May 1, 2014
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of planned May Day events and the potential for violence on May 1. Specifics on these gatherings are detailed below.
May Day (Labor Day) Demonstrations on Thursday, May 1, 2014
Istanbul:
Following the lifting of the decades-long ban on May Day protests in 2010 and the designation of May 1 as a national holiday, May Day events were peaceful for several years. In 2013, however, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters who attempted to march to Taksim Square.
For this year’s May Day celebration, the Istanbul Governor’s Office has approved the Yenikapı (Europe side) and Maltepe (Asia side) areas as the official protest/demonstration locations. The U.S. Consulate General strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens avoid these areas, as well as Taksim Square, where the potential for unofficial protests/demonstrations exists.
Ankara:
In Ankara between 10:00 and 16:00 on May 1, a large number of people are expected to gather in the streets of Ulus, Kizilay, Sihhiye, Besevler and surrounding neighborhoods. Turkish National Police (TNP) expect more than 20,000 people at each of two different demonstrations – Abdi Ipekci Park (Sihhiye Square) and Tandogan Square (Besevler). The police have said that portions of Ataturk Boulevard and Hipodrom Caddesi as well as other side roads will be closed to traffic.
Adana:
In Adana beginning at 13:00 on May 1, groups will gather at Ataturk Park and the Mimar Sinan open-air theatre. Both groups will make statements then will march towards Station Square. The group gathering in Mimar Sinan will follow Mustafa Kemal Pasa Street across Kasim Gulek bridge toward Station Square. The group gathering in Ataturk Park will follow Ataturk Street.
U.S. citizens should watch local media for details and for detailed information on related demonstrations in other Turkish cities.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations/large gatherings if possible, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any of these events.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens and nationals without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling in STEP enables you to receive updated information about areas abroad and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you or your designated contact in case of emergency.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or a regular toll line at +1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90) (312) 455-5555, fax (90) (312) 468-6131. For after hours emergencies in Ankara, please call (+90) 312-455-5555
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokağı, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. For after hours emergencies in Istanbul, please call 90-212-335 93 68.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvarı, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüreğir, Adana. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916. For emergencies in Adana, please call the duty officer at (322) 346-6262 for 24-hour assistance.
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached at tel: (90) (232) 464-8755, fax (90) (232) 464-8916.
Adventures in Ankara 
Reblogged this on agent L abroad and commented:
US Embassy Warning: Stay safe out there kids. Jail and deportation is about as fun as it sounds!