The German consulate general in the center of the Turkish metropolis Istanbul will remain closed on Wednesday due to an increased risk of attack. This emerges from a message from the Foreign Office to German citizens in Turkey. After the most recent incidents in European capitals, such as a public burning of the Koran, "according to the security authorities", the risk of terrorist attacks in Istanbul has increased, especially in the inner city area. The risk is particularly high in the inner-city district of Beyoglu and around the central square of Taksim.

The Federal Foreign Office recommended its citizens to be particularly vigilant and to avoid crowds and the areas mentioned as far as possible. "If you live there, limit your stay outside of the apartments to what is absolutely necessary," it said.

Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark as well as the USA had already warned their citizens last week of an increased risk of attacks in Turkey. The USA tightened its warning on Monday and specified Istanbul. Turkey, in turn, had warned its citizens of attacks in Europe and the United States.

Background are several Islamophobic actions in Europe. In Sweden, a right-wing extremist had burned a copy of the Koran - the holy book of Islam - in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.