Back on the road in a challenging country
Intrepid adventurer Simon Reeve, 44, is back on the road, this time exploring Turkey. He talks to Sarah Marshall about finding it difficult to get a handle on this beautiful country
Ahead of a new programme on BBC Two this weekend, Simon Reeve gives an insight into visiting Turkey in the current political climate.
HOW HAVE YOUR VIEWS OF TURKEY CHANGED SINCE MAKING THE PROGRAMMES?
I suppose the key way they’ve changed is my humble understanding of the direction Turkey’s heading in. People have been saying for a long time the country and people need to make a choice. Are they a European country looking towards Western democracy, or are they a MiddleEastern country that is going to adopt a more Islamic-style government and rule? I think Turkey’s decided to take its own path. They’re not going to choose one or the other, but choose elements of both and go off on [their] own slightly different direction.
WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF MARDAN PALACE, ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOTELS EVER
BUILT? Actually, I have a soft spot for the Mardan Palace. The staff were lovely and weren’t stuffy in the way you might imagine. The hotel was deliciously over the top and like a bling fantasy. To my mind, if you’re into bling, then goodness me, get a cheap break there.
WHAT’S THE GENERAL MOOD AMONG PEOPLE REGARDING THE DECLINE IN TOURISM?
There’s a lot of concern. Travel isn’t just a niche industry, it’s a huge economy. It employs millions of people in Turkey alone and feeds their families and without that, industry jobs will be lost, people will be hungry, families will struggle. I do think it’s sad that people make their judgements based on headlines because, fundamentally, the world is such a safe and welcoming place. You can have an adventure and a holiday in Turkey without seeing the problems that do exist in the country, but I’d say do both.
WOULD YOU VISIT TURKEY WITH YOUR FAMILY?
I would. It depends whether the Turks would have me back because I’m sure there are parts of the programme they won’t like. After the failed coup, the government’s been arresting or sacking literally tens of thousands of soldiers, but also doctors, journalists; a ludicrous number of people are being caught up in the coup. On the one hand, many would say this is a legitimate cleansing of a government that’s been infected by a secret organisation, which was thought to be behind the coup. On the other hand, it’s the government crushing legitimate opposition. We try and reflect both sides, but no doubt people there won’t be happy with some of the things we say.
DID YOU FEEL UNDER THREAT AS A MEMBER OF THE PRESS?
Not under threat, but certainly unwelcome and certainly we felt people were judging us and were hostile on a few occasions. Turks are incredibly warm and welcoming people. Some have been brainwashed a bit by government propaganda.
Turkey With Simon Reeve begins on BBC Two on Sunday.
Travel isn’t just a niche industry, it’s a huge economy