The road from Van via Hakkari to Cizre (and the Iraqi border) is 400km through a hot military zone. There is not much in the news about this area, but don't underestimate it. 30 military checkpoints with VERY nervous soldiers.

The perceived level of "danger" here is much higher than in Northern Iraq, Iran or the rest of Anatolia.

P.S.: Road is half gravel, half tarmac and a very small "rough section" in between (shallow river crossing; deep potholes). But doable in 2x4 car.

wanna go by bike thro turkey, iran, pak to India. what 'safe' route would you suggest thro the first 2 countries?

Both Turkey and Iran are among the friendlier and safer countries of this planet IMHO, with very good roads and rewarding traveling.

The only roads you may want to avoid are Van via Hakkari to Cizre and Van via Yüksekova to Urmia (Iran), because of the ongoing Turkish-Kurdish problems.

I haven't been east of Teheran, so I cannot judge the eastern Iranian border territories.

Again, my suggestion would be to integrate part of the Lower Caucasus into a Turkey - Iran overland trip. Either Georgia - Armenia - Iran or Naxcivan - Iran.

More than Northern Iraq? Not really. Have been in both of the countries. It is not a fair comparison.

I woul be much more concerned about the wheater. The area is very high and gets lots of snow dirzzle etc.. From late spring (may) to early fall shoul be prefered.

One late rider who went from Istanbul to India, has informed the main roads were mostly 2 lane divided asphalted in easterne Turkiye. Of course there are lots of gravel, dirt paths which can be taken.
Regards

I am not comparing the countries.

I was comparing a) Northern Iraq Kurdistan region with b) The Hakkari Road in Turkish "Kurdistan".

a) is a stable, peaceful autonomous region with little (visible) military presence

b) is a full-blown war zone

You must have been in Hakkari before the 80s, I assume.

Well I have been to northern Iraq recently. It may appear calmer than Bagdat region. But still the tension is there with many many people with kalashnikovs on the street. To get in the airport you go through security checks whiach tells you about the situation. Unfortunately attacks are carried on the civilian which you do not see on the other side of the border.

A full blown war zone as you mention in your e-mail is not the best way to describe south east Turkiye. As I have mentioned it would be like black and white to do comparison.

Okay enough with it, I hope it was spring and I had week to spare. Would have been fantastic to go for a ride.

Regards
Regards

Regards

Nomadb, as travelers rely on your information on the HUBB, it would be good not to make a statement about an area you have not been to personally (Hakkari). I can assure you, it looks different from what you see on TV in Istanbul.

Well Travelbug, same thing applies to your comments about northern Iraq beeing safe and stable, been there done that, my observation is quite contrary.

Actually no more coments from my side since travellers can make their own opinions anyway.

Regards

This Youtube-video represents pretty well what I saw this year on the Hakkari Road. The only thing missing is the fighter jets. And the 30 military checkpoints with tanks (as opposed to police checkpoints!) with VERY nervous soldiers. Judge for yourself.

YouTube - Hakkari Çukurca Işıklı Karakolu 1987/1


Now here is the real situation in Iraqi Kurdistan (as I witnessed it this year, too):

from: Iraqi Kurdistan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"As a major economic power in Iraq, Kurdistan has the lowest poverty rates and highest standard of living in Iraq.[3] It is the most stable and secure region of Iraq where not a single coalition soldier or foreigner has been killed, wounded or kidnapped since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[4] Maintaining its own foreign relations, Kurdistan hosts a number of consulates and representation offices of countries most notably those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Israel and Russia.[5][6]
"
and from: Kurdistan Region Presidency, Security

"The Kurdistan Region boasts a remarkable security record. Since the war that toppled Saddam Hussein from power in 2003, not a single US soldier has been killed in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled territory. Thanks primarily to its successes in this arena, life in the Kurdistan Region has largely returned to normal and economic development is booming. The current Chief of Intelligence and Security for the Kurdistan Region is Masrour Barzani, who has been serving in this post since 1999."

Or: Kurdistan - The Other Iraq

Or: Backpacking Iraqi Kurdistan: Getting into Iraqi Kurdistan


Talking to experienced travelers: both "countries" are doable, but - as I said - in the Turkish part you need good nerves.

Travelbug,

There is no ''Turkish Kurdistan'' and also Iraq kurdistan. Turkish kurds live in Turkey and Iraqi kurds live in Iraq. A lot of people from different etnic roots are living in America. So can we say American Ireland, American China or American Japan ? You can say Turkish kurds but not Turkish kurdistan. And you have to know that there is no problem between Turks and kurts. There is a terrorist organization named ''pkk'' who attack on civilian people and military. That's the problem. Most of our kurt citizens don't approve and don't support this terrorist organization. Because of this problem the east of Turkey there are many military check points for ensure safety...