This have many wondering if they should pull the plug on upcoming trips . `` Istanbul , a city that has always been known as Turkey 's cultural heart , is turning into a war zone , '' says Royce Yakuppur , a local who has been to Gezi Park several times in recent days . American and British governments urge tourists to avoid large gatherings . They report being neither threatened nor endangered . Istanbul is among fastest growing tourism markets in world , receiving 11.6 million international visitors in 2016 .
This have many wondering if they should pull the plug on upcoming trips . American and British governments urge tourists to avoid large gatherings . They report being neither threatened nor endangered . Istanbul is among fastest growing tourism markets in world , receiving 11.6 million international visitors in 2016 .