Foreigners say they feel safe in Turkey

MUGLA, Turkey

Foreigners living on Turkey’s southwest coast have said they feel safe in the country, despite recent terror attacks in Ankara and Istanbul and clashes in the southeast.

Around 16,000 Westerners live in Mugla province, most of them British nationals, according to the province’s tourist authority.

With its sandy beaches, warm climate and resorts like Bodrum and Marmaris, the province is a popular location for retirees looking for a relaxed lifestyle in the sun.

Janet Gordon, from Scotland, came to live in Bodrum seven years ago. “We are very happy living in Bodrum,” she said. “It’s a paradise, the people are lovely. So please people, come to Bodrum because it’s beautiful.”

Mariyh Ropers also lives in Bodrum. “I feel much, much safer here than I do in England,” she said. “Everybody helps us. The weather, look at the weather what can we say. You know the weather is so much better than England. No problem at all.”

Gillian Turley, also from England, arrived in Turkey two years ago. “I’ve met some lovely English friends, Turkish friends. Everybody is so nice. I think the security in Turkey is second to none. There’s never a problem here.”

High-profile attacks in Ankara and Istanbul by terrorist organizations PKK and Daesh have raised concerns about Turkey as a holiday destination for Westerners.

According to figures from the Tourism Ministry, 1.24 million tourists visited in February - a 10 percent drop on the same period last year.