Many Turkish provinces have laws enacted and enforced at the local level. Some of them are quite interesting and even surprising. We'll explain which rules might surprise tourists, and which laws should be known and observed to avoid harsh penalties.
The most interesting laws of Turkey
— In 1997, the mayor of Sincan (Ankara region) banned the sale of turkey carcasses on New Year's Eve. This law was likely intended to protect Muslims from the influence of European traditions.
– In the city of Elazig in eastern Turkey, visiting cemeteries at night is prohibited.
– The mayor of Ephesus banned women in the city from wearing high-heeled shoes.
— The mayors of Istanbul and Bodrum have banned swimming in the sea in underwear.
– Also in Istanbul, it is prohibited to use photos of girls in swimsuits on advertising billboards.
— In the city of Kumluca (Antalya region), women are prohibited from working in drinking establishments.
– In Alanya, the street sale of souvenirs depicting the pagan god of fertility with a prominent male reproductive organ is prohibited. However, the figurines are actively sold on the city streets.
— In one of the villages of the Canakkale region, frying is prohibited.
— In Edrimit, bachelors are prohibited from visiting parks.
- If two foreigners decide to get married in the province of Bolu, they need to pay a fee of 100,000 lira (about 5300$).
Violation of each of these laws carries fines of 100 Turkish lira.
Important laws a foreigner should know about
Here are some important laws that a foreigner living in Turkey or traveling to the country should be aware of:
— Desecration of Kemal Ataturk or the Turkish flag is a serious crime that can result in five years in prison.
— Disrespecting the Turkish lira is also illegal and is punishable by imprisonment for a term of six months to three years.
— Not having an ID can cause problems. Everyone in Turkey, whether a citizen or a foreigner, is required to carry an ID, as local police conduct random checks in tourist and busy areas.
— Exporting ancient artifacts from Turkey can result in a hefty fine and imprisonment for a term of five to twelve years.
Turkey is a country with a rich history, culture, and its own laws, sometimes unfamiliar to tourists. A local team of experienced lawyers can help you navigate all the intricacies of Turkish legislation. Request a legal consultation on any issue.
What should a foreigner not do in Turkey?
Turkey is a Muslim country with strict customs and traditions, so tourists are advised not to dress revealingly. This rule applies to both men and women. Also, on municipal beaches, wearing no swimsuit is prohibited by law.
Observe smoking regulations – smoking is prohibited in crowded places: cafes, bus stops, hospitals, and on any public transport except private vehicles. The fine for violating this rule is 900 Turkish lira (approximately $120). Alcohol is also prohibited. Turks themselves don't drink it, but an exception is made for tourists. However, drinking alcohol is permitted in bars or hotel rooms. Drinking alcohol in public places is also punishable by a fine.