May 3rd 2024.
Last month, members of the Yazidi community in Şırnak province came together to celebrate the Yazidi New Year. However, the joyous occasion was overshadowed by the recent warning issued by the Foreign Office for Britons to avoid certain areas of Turkey due to an increased risk of terrorism.
The government has advised against all travel within 6km of Turkey's border with Syria, and has now also issued an urgent warning against all non-essential travel to Şırnak city and nearby Hakkâri province in the southeast region. These areas have been identified as hotspots for terrorist attacks, along with Ankara and Istanbul.
During a speech in Şırnak earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promised to protect the country from the threat of terrorism through a security corridor along the borders. He addressed a crowd of 25,000 people as he celebrated his victory in last year's elections.
Şırnak, believed to be the location of Noah's tomb, is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous archaeological and religious sites such as a castle and a red madrasah. It also boasts natural wonders like mountains, rivers, and canyons, making it a popular destination for tourists. However, its close proximity to the Syrian border also makes it a potentially dangerous place to visit.
The main threat in the region has historically come from the PKK, a militant group fighting for Kurdish independence. They have been responsible for bombings and massacres in Turkey since the 1980s and have also engaged in clashes with Turkish forces in Syria since 2016 and 2019.
There have been instances of car bombings, fighting, and curfews in Şırnak province, the most recent being in 2016 when the Turkish army launched a counter-terrorism operation. The FCDO has warned that fighting in Syria is ongoing near the Turkish border, and there remains a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.
Although PKK activity in Şırnak and Hakkâri has decreased, there is still a threat from terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, who are active in Syria. According to the FCDO, ISIS has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border and has the capability of carrying out attacks in neighboring countries. Places frequently visited by foreigners, such as airports, places of worship, and large public gatherings, are potential targets for these groups.
For those who must travel to Şırnak city or Hakkâri province, the FCDO advises taking extreme caution. Road closures in the southern Hatay Province are likely when traveling to the Syrian border, and a fee and permit are required to enter the special military zone of Mount Ararat in the eastern Ağrı Province, believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. If traveling with a tour group, it is important to confirm with them if an individual permit is necessary.
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