southeast Turkey

I would also be interested about any info on the region! When are you leaving Noah? Yannis

Try to contact LS’er Johan Spanner; he worked there a couple of months ago, he might be more informed on the current situation than me.

I was in Southern Turkey and Norther Iraq (KRG) in the middle of October, no problems with the check points. Many journalists were around (most from local media and it is easy to find a companion there)

I was there couple of weeks ago. there is no difficulty in the area of Diyarbakir or Van or there is no serious check points. but you might face problems in Sirnak, Hakkari, Siirt and Bitlis. I am not totally sure about Bitlis but the check points are more strict in those areas. This area is called as security zone, but by getting permission from local governors which we call “vali” as i did for the last time, you will be able reach to many places with the paper they will give to you. it will be only a copy of your will to take photographs, and that the “valilik” has information about you being there. but still military may act independent from your permission and give no permission to pass the check points or to take photographs. as i say this is only limited with şırnak and hakkari. get more info about the security zone before you go. and try to keep the local governors informed. they wont create much problem i suppose.

for any other specific question you would like to ask dont hesitate to contact me.