Report from Urfa and the situation at the Syrian border

Sarikanara, yes, will do! Later, when I can. Internet is very flakey where I am.

Hello,

I'm leaving Urfa at this moment, having spent two wonderful days in the city. The city is very calme, no incidents of any kind. Yesterday some kids got troublesome with the police after the Galatasaray soccer match, but it wasn't a big deal.

I went to Suruç today at noon, was able to reach the hill overlooking Kobane. The fight is almost over, some small explosion from time to time. Suruç is too far away to feel affected, Urfa is completely oblivious about the whole thing.

I stayed in the Aslan Guesthouse, he's a little grumpy because there were too many last minutes cancellations due the Kobane battle.

I'm glad I didn't cancel my trip to Urfa, it's a wonderful city, I wish I had an extra day to spare to stay longer.

Glad to hear you enjoyed lovely Urfa!This is another good report for others unsure whether to go or not.
Trouble after a big football derby is nothing new,it happens all the time.The ones who were upset were most likely Fenerbahçe fans...we lost last night and consequently I had enough troubles of my own at home with a VERY grumpy husband :))
Enjoy the rest of your time here in Turkey!

I am writing now from Urfa after visiting both Diyarbakir and Mardin, can confirm that the situation here is absolutely quiet now. In Diyarbakir one can spot the riot police vehicles parked throughout the old city but otherwise no signs of the recent turbulence, Mardin and Urfa are even more relaxed. It is also safe to travel around with the rented car - we've been stopped only when entering Mardin, no sign of checkpoints or other similar military activity at the route Diyarbakir - Mardin and Mardin - Sanliurfa