“I’d probably wait”: Deputy urges caution for those planning to travel to Turkey
Tengrinews.kz – Amid ongoing unrest in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin advised citizens to exercise caution and consider postponing trips to the country.
Speaking to reporters in the Mazhilis, Rakhmetullin confirmed that no Kazakh nationals have been injured during the protests. He credited proactive efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions in Turkey.
“There have been no casualties among our citizens, thanks to the active work of our embassy in Ankara and consulates in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya. We immediately warned our citizens - students, tourists - not to visit areas with large crowds or where protests were taking place,” he said.
Rakhmetullin did not specify how many Kazakh citizens are currently in Turkey, noting that not all are registered with consulates.
When asked whether the Foreign Ministry recommends avoiding travel to Turkey, he said precaution is advisable.
“Of course, precaution is necessary. But I wouldn't go so far as to say people must not go. Speaking personally, not on behalf of the ministry - I’d probably wait before deciding to travel. It's not the best time. I read that people were dragging their suitcases for two kilometers through fire because they couldn’t leave - the streets were blocked by protests,” he said.
Rakhmetullin added that no Kazakh citizens had requested assistance to leave Turkey.
The protests erupted nationwide following the arrest of Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and recently nominated presidential candidate from Turkey’s oldest political party, the Republican People’s Party.
Authorities have extended a ban on demonstrations through March 27, but unrest continues across the country. Over 1,100 people have reportedly been detained, including journalists. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the protests as a “movement of violence” and blamed the opposition for inciting the demonstrations.