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Crime rate Turkey

 Crime rate in Turkey: A complex issue with regional differences


Turkey has a high crime rate compared to the international average, significantly exceeding that of the European Union.


Murder Rate:

In 2021, the murder rate in Turkey stood at 2.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Comparison: The global average murder rate is 6.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Long-Term Trend: The murder rate in Turkey has been increasing in recent years.

Other Crimes:

The overall number of crimes in Turkey is also high.


Common Crimes:

  • Theft

  • Robbery

  • Kidnapping

  • Extortion

  • Drug trafficking


Organized Crime: Plays a major role in Turkey and contributes to a high level of violence.


Regional Differences:

The crime rate varies significantly across different regions of Turkey.

  • High Crime Rate: Some states, particularly border regions and cities, have extremely high crime rates.

  • Lower Crime Rate: Other states and rural areas have significantly lower crime rates.


Reasons for the High Crime Rate:

  • Social Factors: Poverty, inequality, and corruption are some of the social factors contributing to the high crime rate in Turkey.

  • Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking plays a major role in Turkish crime and contributes to a high level of violence.

  • Organized Crime: Organized criminal groups like cartels have infiltrated many areas of Turkish society and contribute to violence and crime.

  • Weak Rule of Law: The rule of law in Turkey is weak, making it easier for criminal groups and individuals to act with impunity.


Burden of Crime:

  • Victim Experiences: In 2021, around 2.7 million people in Turkey were victims of a crime.

  • Fear of Crime: Fear of crime is very high among the Turkish population.


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Safety Recommendations:

  • Before your trip, please inform yourself about the current security situation in Turkey.

  • Avoid areas with high crime rates.

  • Be particularly cautious in large cities.

  • Do not carry valuables.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut feeling.


Despite the high crime rate, you can still visit Turkey safely if you take the appropriate precautions.

It is important to note that the situation in Turkey is complex and dynamic. Crime rates can change rapidly and it is important to stay up-to-date on the current security situation.


Additional Information:

  • In recent years, there has been a slight increase in hate crimes in Turkey.

  • Cybercrime is also on the rise in Turkey.


The Turkish government has announced various measures to combat crime, including strengthening law enforcement, tightening gun laws, and improving social conditions in disadvantaged areas.

Despite the challenges, many people in Turkey are working to improve security. With a little caution and common sense, you can make your stay in Turkey safe and enjoyable.


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