Physical Disabilities:
The physical terrain and infrastructure in Turkey, particularly in historic areas, can be challenging for people with mobility impairments. Many tourist spots have only partial wheelchair accessibility. Some mosques may not allow wheelchairs from outside but will provide guests with one while visiting. Many streets in older parts of cities like Istanbul have cobblestones, and sidewalks can be narrow, uneven, and steep, making them difficult for wheelchairs or those with walking aids. Many locals walk in the streets simply because it’s even a pain to walk on the uneven sidewalks.
That said, major public venues and tourist sites are often equipped with ramps, lifts, or other adaptations under Turkey’s Regulation on Accessibility. Public transportation is also slowly becoming more accessible, with buses, trams, and subways in larger cities often equipped with facilities for the disabled.
It is not uncommon to encounter an accessible bus stop that is rendered inaccessible due to parked cars or other obstructions. Many intercity buses are also not yet equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, and while many ferries are accessible, the ports often are not.
Visual and Hearing Impairments:
For people with visual or hearing impairments, resources can be more limited. Braille and audio descriptions in public spaces are not common, although major museums often provide information in Braille upon request. Turkish Sign Language (TİD) is not widely known beyond the Deaf community, and sign language interpretation services are scarce.
Cognitive and Psychiatric Disabilities:
Cognitive and psychiatric disabilities can be more challenging to accommodate as they are less visible and not widely understood in Turkey. Social stigma and misinformation can lead to issues, although public awareness is slowly improving.
Aging and Disability:
Elderly individuals, particularly those with age-related disabilities, may find similar issues. Turkey has a high respect for the elderly, and people often go out of their way to assist, but lack of accessible infrastructure can present difficulties.
Resources and Support:
The Yellow Crescent Association (Sarıay Derneği) is a key organization promoting rights and services for the disabled in Turkey. The Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services has also launched an English website on Disability Services and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality offers an app, “Engelsiz Istanbul” that provides information on accessible places in Istanbul. Lastly, www.mobilityturkey.com offers a wide variety of useful information.
It’s also worth noting that some international airlines offer discounted fares for disabled passengers and their companions on flights to and from Turkey (including Turkish Airlines), so it’s worth inquiring when booking your trip.
For specific accessibility information related to accommodations, transportation, or attractions, it is recommended to contact service providers directly. It may also be beneficial to connect with expat groups or local disability organizations for firsthand insights and advice.
In sum, Turkey is disability-friendly, in the sense that people are likely to help you out, at least way more than they do in the west. Disability-friendly in the sense of navigating the streets is unfortunately debatable.
Questions? Need help planning your trip to accommodate a disabled traveler? We’re currently working on more content for disabled travelers. Contact us here.
