Toilet Index: what to expect from toilets abroad
Sources: Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Bakanlığı (Planlı Alanlar İmar Yönetmeliği, via mevzuat.gov.tr), İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi, Gelirler Şube Müdürlüğü, İZSU Genel Müdürlüğü (İzmir Su ve Kanalizasyon İdaresi)
Squat (alaturka) toilets are written into Turkish building rules. New public toilets at places of worship, intercity roadside rest stops, squares and parks must be at least half squat type, and at least a third squat in other buildings.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: New public toilets in areas with a zoning plan (national building regulation); a rule for what is built, not a count of existing toilets
The same regulation asks office blocks, shopping centres, hotels, official buildings, cinemas and theatres to set aside at least one accessible toilet for women and one for men.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Buildings listed in article 48 of the national building regulation (new construction)
Shopping centres must provide toilets separately for elderly and disabled people, women, men and children, with enough squat and seated toilets, plus at least one independent toilet so a parent can help a child.
Where this applies: Shopping centres (Trade Ministry regulation)
Diyanet's mosque design guide says at least half of a mosque's toilets should be squat type, and each mosque should have an accessible toilet and ablution unit for men and one for women.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Mosque design guidance for new mosques (Diyanet, 2021)
The family ministry's inspection form for public toilets describes an accessible stall as built around a seated bowl (klozet) with a seat height of 43 to 48 cm, a space to transfer from a wheelchair, and grab bars.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Accessible stalls in public toilets, paid or free (ministry accessibility inspection form)
Istanbul Airport has accessible toilets in its terminal restroom areas and car park. The door opens outward by motion sensor, signs carry braille, and an audible alert shows whether the room is free.
Where this applies: Istanbul Airport terminal and car park
If you need a seat: If you need a seat, ask for or look for the accessible toilet (engelli tuvaleti). The ministry's inspection form for public toilets describes accessible stalls around a seated bowl, and building rules ask many new buildings to have one for women and one for men. These are rules for buildings, not a count of what you will find, so check the stall before you commit.
Accessible toilets: not covered yet.
Information unavailable
Do not flush wet wipes or paper napkins. İzmir's water utility says blockages mostly come from wipes thrown into drains, because they do not break down and settle in the line.
Where this applies: İzmir (İZSU notice); the notice does not say where used toilet paper goes
Antalya's water utility asks residents not to put wet wipes, baby wipes or cleaning cloths into the sewer, because they stick to the inside of pipes and build up.
Where this applies: Antalya (ASAT notice for the Kepez district); the notice does not mention toilet paper
The family ministry's inspection form for public toilets asks whether there is a bidet spigot (taharet musluğu) at the toilet, and sets its height at 43 to 48 cm.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Accessible stalls in public toilets, paid or free (ministry accessibility inspection form)
Istanbul's metropolitan municipality lists a toilet charge of 10 TL per person, VAT included, in its 2026 fee schedule.
Where this applies: Istanbul, toilets run under the metropolitan municipality's fee schedule (valid 1 January to 31 December 2026)
Istanbul Airport lists free toilets at its metro station, next to a baby care room, a health room and prayer rooms.
Where this applies: Istanbul Airport metro station
Public toilets can be run as paid or free. The family ministry's accessibility form covers both kinds, so do not assume a toilet is free or paid until you see the entrance.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilets (ministry accessibility inspection form)
Antalya Airport's operator says disabled toilets are set up in each terminal hall, with signs pointing to all toilets and an emergency call button in the disabled toilets. Its guideline dates from 2018.
Where this applies: Antalya Airport terminals (operator guideline, revision of 8 May 2018)
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism's visitor page for Ephesus lists a restroom among the site's facilities, next to a cafe and a shop. It does not say where the restroom is or whether it is free.
Where this applies: Ephesus archaeological site, İzmir
Seen something different in Türkiye? Email us what changed, where and when you saw it.
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