Is Prostitution Legal in Istanbul, Turkey?

Prostitution in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey operates under a legal framework that is complex and at times contradictory. While regulated brothels are legal in Turkey street prostitution and most aspects of the sex trade are illegal, leading to an industry replete with loopholes and caveats.

Legal Status of Prostitution in Turkey

Prostitution is legal under Turkish law, but only under highly restrictive conditions The sex worker must be a woman, a Turkish citizen, unmarried, and can only legally work in a state-regulated brothel These legal brothels are known as “general houses” (genelevler) and require operating permits from the government.

Working outside of this legal framework in any way is illegal. That includes street prostitution escort services and prostitution from private residences. Operating an illegal brothel carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

While prostitution is technically legal inside the “general houses,” local governments have largely stopped issuing new permits. Existing brothels in cities like Ankara and Bursa have been closed down by court order over the years.

Prevalence of Illegal Prostitution in Istanbul

Given the restrictions around legal prostitution in Turkey, the vast majority of the sex trade in Istanbul is illegal and unregulated.

There are only around 100 legal brothels left in the entire country. Yet in Istanbul alone, there are estimated to be at least 100,000 sex workers, the vast majority operating illegally.

Some common forms of illegal prostitution in Istanbul include:

• Street prostitution – Sex workers solicit clients in public areas
• Apartment-based prostitution – Sex workers operate out of private residences
• Escort services – Advertised online and based out of hotels or clients’ homes
• Unregistered workers in legal brothels – Legal brothels may illegally employ unregistered workers
• Webcam sex work – Performances streamed over the internet for client payments
• Massage parlors – Provide sexual services under the guise of massage therapy

Foreign workers, male sex workers, and transgender sex workers are also barred from working legally, forcing many into illegal forms of sex work.

Regulation of Illegal Prostitution

Illegal forms of sex work are not formally regulated, but sex workers still face crackdowns by law enforcement. Unregistered workers found during police inspections of legal brothels may be subjected to mandatory STD testing and vulnerable to arrest or deportation.

Street-based sex workers are at high risk of police harassment and sexual abuse. Even when not directly arrested, street workers in Istanbul are often forced to pay bribes in exchange for “protection” from law enforcement.

Health Risks in Illegal Sex Work

The lack of regulation around illegal sex work raises significant health concerns. Without access to the healthcare system, many sex workers cannot get regular STD tests or treatment.

Condoms are mandatory in legal brothels, but street-based sex workers often report that clients refuse protection. And while legal customers must use protection, they face no STD testing requirements.

Calls for Decriminalization

Many activists argue that the current legal framework pushes sex work underground and makes workers more vulnerable to violence, disease, and exploitation. They call for full decriminalization of sex work in Turkey, which would make all forms legal and extend labor rights to sex workers.

Opponents argue that full legalization will only fuel demand for commercial sex and encourage trafficking. But even under the current restrictive system, Turkey remains a major sex trafficking hub. Regulation could better protect vulnerable migrant populations often forced into illegal sex work.

The legal status of prostitution in Istanbul is unlikely to change anytime soon. But thousands of workers will continue plying their trade illegally, facing risks from both clients and law enforcement. For them, the most dangerous aspect of the job is not the act of selling sex itself — it’s the consequences of operating outside the protection of the law.