I think my view of Turkey is probably a bit different than a lot of people because of the fact I lived there for a long time and so when we return it isn't like we are completely tourists, also the fact that my husband is Turkish definitely makes a difference to the way people talk to us. We don't get all the hassle that people on here complain about because they just don't hassle Turkish people in the same way, people will stop and aks us into their restaurants but they don't push it if we aren't interested, likewise in shops they just let us look without trying to get us to buy.

Neither do we get the guys who chat away like long lost friends in the same way as they do to others. A lot of the time they actually are friends or otherwise they have something in common with my husband anyway and talk about work to him, with me they are very respectful and never too overfriendly. We get to know the real people rather than the image they show to tourists.

When I used to go to Turkey before I was married things it was about 10 years ago and yes, things have changed since then.

So to me Turkey is still the place I know and love and I guess I am just not seeing what others are. I'm sure the smaller resorts aren't so bad though because my parents go to Turkey a lot and they never have any problems but they always choose smaller, more traditional and less touristy places to go.

Maybe in a few years Turkey will give itself a kick up the bum and go back to the way things were before, if people chose to go elsewhere they will need to.

I am with Kedi, we've been going to Turkey on and off for the past thirteen years and never tire of the country nor its people. So much so that we've invested in a property in Altinkum with a view to retiring there. No matter what time of year we go out there, we are treated like we've never been away. With us, we know that the warmth in the greeting is genuine and not just to get money out of us.

We have been to Hisaronu, Icmeler, Gumbet, Kusadasi, Kalkan, Ovacik and Altinkum. The only resort that didn't do it for us was Gumbet but we only went there because my OH is into historical things and we went there for the Mausoleum which is a Wonder of the World, though we did enjoy the derelict windmills and Bodrum Castle. Lynwestie, now that you don't take your family with you, perhaps it is time to move away from the AI environment and perhaps to get a more hands on experience and doing B & B or SC.

Les

I'm with everyone that has made a post as they have all got a viable point to make and as for someone hating a place then again that is their choice but to hate a country for something that 2 hotels did seems a bit harsh but then I don't know what is in that persons mind or their mentality so should not comment.

I love Turkey full stop but I am not stupid.I class myself as "worldly wise" and would know a trick or an idiot trying to rip me off whether it be in Turkey or anywhere else in the world so it hasn't and wont happen to me there or anywhere.

Stewart the reason that some people on here and my own ICR forum will not hear a bad word said about Icmeler could have something to do with the fact that this is a Turkey forum and ICR is mostly an Icmeler forum so it does figure they would be on there because they like the place but of course you do get people using forums of certain countries because they do like to stir it a bit (not that I for one second would suggest that is happening here).

I live in Turkey most of the year and see everything that goes on without rose tinted spectacles as I do wherever I visit.

Lots of people don't like Egypt I have read for the hassle but it never bothered me and its nice to stop and chat and even have a crack with the doormen as they have to earn a living but that comes out of living in a country and understanding them type of things.

I would draw the line to someone locking a door behind me if I walked into a shop though.

Anyway you either like or dislike a place and if we were all the same it would be a very dull world.

People will make their own minds up whether they want to visit a country so if some dislikes are aired on forums then that is ok as it does then show different views.

I'm off to Istanbul for the new year and will totally enjoy it as I am with the people that I love and in the country that I love but will also keep my guard up as it is a big city like any other city in the world.

John

i totally agree with you john and hope you have a great time in istanbul such a great place with so much to do
happy new year to you