New Year and local elections raise risk of unrest

The FCO have advised that Newroz/Nevruz (New Year celebrations) on 20-21 March and local elections on 29 March have the potential to be marked by unrest. They advise that travellers / forgeiners should be vigilant around these dates and avoid demonstrations and gatherings, especially the tourist areas of Taksim/Istiklal in Istanbul. There may also be outbreaks of violent disorder in some predominantly Kurdish cities of the south east, which are not generally frequented by tourists.