[ad_1]
In Europe, strict quarantine measures emptied the streets of cities like Rome, Paris or London, which used to be crowded with tourists. But not in Istanbul.
Residents of Turkey’s busiest and most populous city were ordered to stay home last weekend when authorities imposed a strict curfew in an attempt to contain the growing threat from the second wave of COVID-19. It is forbidden to leave the house in the whole country from Friday at 9:00 p.m. overnight to Monday 5 pm in the morning. Violators of the curfew are subject to fines.
However, such a strict instruction does not apply to tourists: they are free to explore the city, walk the streets, use ferries across the Bosphorus all weekend.
Many museums, including Topkapi Y Dolmabahce the palace, even during the weekend, remained open to receive tourists. In the old town, some restaurants also secretly opened their doors to tourists, who were allowed to eat outside. Hotels offered dinners both outdoors and indoors. On Saturday afternoon, guests of the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel basked in the afternoon sun on the terrace, enjoying fresh seafood and glasses of wine.
“I almost expect to be punished for traveling these days, with so much shame and ever-changing restrictions.” But here we have a unique opportunity to enter one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world, “said Erin Lockhart, a 32-year-old British musician.
She decided to come to Istanbul last week to meet her American boyfriend. The Turkish city was chosen because it is one of the few places where both can fly without having to isolate themselves. They, like other tourists who are on the streets, did not even know that all the streets would go towards them during the weekend.
Turkey opened its borders to tourists from other countries in June, without requiring COVID-19 testing or self-isolation. At airports, people’s symptoms are monitored, temperatures are measured, and those experiencing symptoms are taken to a medical facility for a test.
AFP / Scanpix photo / Living in Istanbul after the tightening of quarantine
The tourism sector in Turkey is estimated to shrink by 70 percent this year: the country will receive about 15 million. tourists, the sector will earn 11 billion. AMERICAN DOLLAR. Last year, 45 million. tourists allowed the sector to earn 35 billion. Dollars
The quarantine is somehow applied in almost all of Europe. The European Union Travel Commission said it was not following whether there were exemptions for tourists in other cities. However, The New York Times, in reviewing the restrictions imposed on the Commonwealth, found that no other country would allow tourists to move freely while, in the meantime, ordering its own citizens to stay at home.
Many tourists in Istanbul this weekend came from Russia and the Middle East, but there were also a shortage of Europeans and Americans. Many of them were pushed to Turkey by the emergence of quarantine apathy.
Many tourists were pushed to Turkey by the emergence of quarantine apathy.
“Life is too short to stay at home for another year,” said Ana Nicolás, 53, from Spain, who came from Madrid. In Spain, there is a strict quarantine and a curfew. “We felt like caged animals for too long, we wanted to escape and see a new place with a different energy and culture.”
AFP / Scanpix photo / Living in Istanbul after the tightening of quarantine
Still, the usual energy and atmosphere of Istanbul changed enormously with the weekend curfew, when shops and restaurants were closed and there were no locals on the streets. The seething life of Istanbul came to a sudden stop: traffic stopped, constant signaling of stopped cars, ferries full of passengers, the sounds of construction, the smell of street food coming from every corner disappeared. The city was so surreal quiet, only the voices of seagulls and roosters could be heard.
“It’s a truly unique experience – having a city just for you,” said Marc Heroux, a 48-year-old French financial analyst. He spent the whole day visiting a museum with a friend from Germany. – It’s amazing to see all the shows without the crowds. You feel like a VIP and you feel very safe. “
Plainclothes police officers patrolled the streets on Saturday and Sunday, and police had set up inter-district checkpoints to verify people’s identity documents. Only basic necessities and … tourists could get around. All others were fined ITL 3,150 (around $ 400).
Reuters / Scanpix photo / Living in Istanbul after a stricter quarantine
Turkey’s decision to impose strict quarantine measures across the country was a response to the sharp increase in new virus cases and the record number of deaths from COVID-19. Deaths doubled in less than three weeks. Many foreign tourists probably do not distinguish between invitations to prayer and funeral prayers in the city. In recent weeks, more than ever in the city.
However, several foreigners have expressed concern about the dangers posed by the pandemic.
Deaths from COVID-19 in Turkey doubled in less than three weeks.
“I feel safe because I have antibodies,” said Kalachinova, 36, from Moscow. Her husband Denis said he feels safer in Turkey than in Russia, where few people wear masks and businesses work as usual.
“At first it was a bit boring here, because the bars and restaurants are closed, but now we have found places near the hotel that let us in, although from the outside they seem to be closed,” Kalachinov said.
AFP / Scanpix photo / Living in Istanbul after the tightening of quarantine
Local businesses are trying to take advantage of the curfew exemption for tourists. An employee wearing a sultan’s outfit at a restaurant lured them with fresh cakes and promises to sit inside at a safe distance. A traditional Turkish ice cream vendor showed his skills, and a souvenir shop opened its doors to a group of wealthy West African people looking for Turkish coffee and leather bags.
“This year is completely ‘canceled’, especially for Istanbul,” said Cuneyt Uygur. – We will see if these efforts to remain open to tourists will pay off or help attract more people. It will depend on how satisfied they are when they return home. “
According to him, most of the tourists visiting the city are now young and want adventure. The guide was worried that they might wake up quickly in Istanbul because there was so much closed entertainment here. Stores were allowed to open on Monday and take-out service was allowed in cafes and restaurants.
AFP / Scanpix photo / Living in Istanbul after the tightening of quarantine
“It’s an unusual holiday, but it’s great to just walk around town with so few people to sit in the sun with beer and snacks,” said Mandy Miller, who came from London and flew to Istanbul for a week without telling her family. What friends.
“Everyone makes this noise because of the virus, but most of those who have had it feel fine,” said the girl, as she fed the homeless dog the remains of her chicken skewer. – We must be brave and live as normally as possible. Everywhere it should be as free and peaceful as here. London is so depressing. “
I am glad that tourists visit my country, but the hospitals are full and people are dying. This is not the right time to seek adventure, ”said the Turk.
While some Turks supported a double curfew system, arguing that it helps the economy, others were unhappy. They were outraged that tourists enjoyed the city and locals suffered the brutal consequences of the second wave of the virus.
“I am glad that tourists are visiting my country, but hospitals are full and people are dying. This is not the time to seek adventure, ”said Turin Polat, 26, who lost his waitress due to the new quarantine measures.
“Receiving tourists even without trying them only makes the situation more difficult,” he continued. – They tell us to stay home, but we tell them: go and explore. We are basically giving them the green light to spread the virus. “
[ad_2]
