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Many provinces in Turkey have laws that are enacted and enforced at the local level. Some of them are quite interesting and even strange. We tell you which rules may surprise tourists, and which laws you should know about and follow in order not to receive a severe punishment.
The most interesting laws of Turkey
- In 1997, the mayor of Sinjan (Ankara region) banned the sale of turkey carcasses on New Year's Eve. Most likely, this law is designed to protect Muslims from the influence of European traditions.
- In the city of Elazig, in the east of Turkey, it is forbidden to visit cemeteries at night.
- The mayor of Ephesus banned women in the city from wearing high-heeled shoes.
- The city halls of Istanbul and Bodrum have banned swimming in the sea in underwear.
- It is also forbidden to use photos of girls in swimsuits on advertising billboards in Istanbul.
- In the city of Kumlujah (Antalya region), women are prohibited from working in drinking establishments.
- In Alanya, it is forbidden to sell souvenirs on the streets depicting the pagan god of fertility with a pronounced male reproductive organ. However, statuettes are currently being actively sold on the streets of the city.
- In one of the villages of the Canakkale region, it is forbidden to joke.
- Unmarried people are not allowed to visit the parks in Edrimith.
- If two foreigners decide to get married in Bolu province, they must pay a fee of 100,000 lire (almost $5,300).
Violations of each of these laws are subject to fines starting at 100 Turkish Lira.
Important laws that a foreigner should know about
Here are some important laws that a foreigner living in or traveling to Turkey should be aware of:
- Insulting Kemal Atatürk or the Turkish flag is a serious crime that can lead to five years in prison.
- Disrespecting the Turkish lira is also illegal and punishable by imprisonment for six months to three years.
- Lack of ID can also cause problems. Every person in Turkey, regardless of whether they are a citizen or a foreigner, must carry an ID, as the local police conduct random checks in tourist and busy areas.
- Taking ancient artifacts out of Turkey can also result in a hefty fine and imprisonment 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 will help you deal with all the intricacies of Turkish legislation. Order legal advice on any issue.
What should a foreigner not do in Turkey?
Turkey is a Muslim country with strict customs and traditions, so a tourist should not dress openly, this rule applies to both men and women. Also, being on municipal public beaches without a bathing suit is prohibited by law.
Follow the smoking rules - smoking is prohibited in crowded places: in cafes, at bus stops, in hospitals, in any form of transport, except for personal cars, etc. The fine for breaking the rule is 900 Turkish lira (about $120). Alcohol is also included in the list of prohibitions. Turks themselves do not drink it, but they make an exception for tourists. However, you can drink alcoholic beverages in bars or in your room. Drinking alcohol in public places is also punishable by a fine.
The most interesting laws of Turkey
- In 1997, the mayor of Sinjan (Ankara region) banned the sale of turkey carcasses on New Year's Eve. Most likely, this law is designed to protect Muslims from the influence of European traditions.
- In the city of Elazig, in the east of Turkey, it is forbidden to visit cemeteries at night.
- The mayor of Ephesus banned women in the city from wearing high-heeled shoes.
- The city halls of Istanbul and Bodrum have banned swimming in the sea in underwear.
- It is also forbidden to use photos of girls in swimsuits on advertising billboards in Istanbul.
- In the city of Kumlujah (Antalya region), women are prohibited from working in drinking establishments.
- In Alanya, it is forbidden to sell souvenirs on the streets depicting the pagan god of fertility with a pronounced male reproductive organ. However, statuettes are currently being actively sold on the streets of the city.
- In one of the villages of the Canakkale region, it is forbidden to joke.
- Unmarried people are not allowed to visit the parks in Edrimith.
- If two foreigners decide to get married in Bolu province, they must pay a fee of 100,000 lire (almost $5,300).
Violations of each of these laws are subject to fines starting at 100 Turkish Lira.
Important laws that a foreigner should know about
Here are some important laws that a foreigner living in or traveling to Turkey should be aware of:
- Insulting Kemal Atatürk or the Turkish flag is a serious crime that can lead to five years in prison.
- Disrespecting the Turkish lira is also illegal and punishable by imprisonment for six months to three years.
- Lack of ID can also cause problems. Every person in Turkey, regardless of whether they are a citizen or a foreigner, must carry an ID, as the local police conduct random checks in tourist and busy areas.
- Taking ancient artifacts out of Turkey can also result in a hefty fine and imprisonment 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 will help you deal with all the intricacies of Turkish legislation. Order legal advice on any issue.
What should a foreigner not do in Turkey?
Turkey is a Muslim country with strict customs and traditions, so a tourist should not dress openly, this rule applies to both men and women. Also, being on municipal public beaches without a bathing suit is prohibited by law.
Follow the smoking rules - smoking is prohibited in crowded places: in cafes, at bus stops, in hospitals, in any form of transport, except for personal cars, etc. The fine for breaking the rule is 900 Turkish lira (about $120). Alcohol is also included in the list of prohibitions. Turks themselves do not drink it, but they make an exception for tourists. However, you can drink alcoholic beverages in bars or in your room. Drinking alcohol in public places is also punishable by a fine.
Turkish laws: what interesting and strange rules a foreigner should know about
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