Turkey is a country located in Asia and Europe, known for its rich history and culture, and has special dishes such as doner, which is known all over the world as Turkish kebab. This vast country is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, but it still has challenges for travelers and citizens. In general, Turkey is a safe country for travelers and residents, with millions of visitors annually who are attracted to the country for its stunning attractions and interesting culture.
Among the challenges that visitors and residents in Turkey face is security issues. Some cities in Turkey have higher crime rates due to various factors such as poverty, unemployment, and geopolitical tensions. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Turkey ranks 95th out of 163 countries in terms of safety, which indicates some areas of concern.
Of course, it should be noted that not all cities in Turkey are dangerous and crime rates vary greatly between cities in Turkey. Cities such as Adiyaman, Sirnak, and Bitlis are popular destinations with low crime and indecency rates. While some other cities in Turkey face problems such as theft, petty crime and even violent incidents. In the rest of this article, you will get to know the dangerous cities in Turkey and know what makes them dangerous. In addition, we will tell you some safety tips for each city so you know what you need to do to have a safe trip to Turkey.
Reading Suggestion: Safest Cities in Turkey
7 Dangerous Cities in Turkey
Have you also planned to travel to Turkey, but now you are worried about which cities in Turkey are dangerous and which ones you should avoid? Is Turkey even safe to visit? Don’t be afraid. In this article, we are going to review the 7 most dangerous cities in Turkey together, and rest assured that by following the tips we are going to tell you, many unpleasant incidents that may occur will be prevented. Stay tuned with us.
This article is based on information obtained from Numbeo Crime Index, Global Peace Index, Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), and Platforms like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Lonely Planet.
| City | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | Prevalent Crimes | Safety Tips | Notable Areas to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 23 | Pickpocketing, Scams | Stay vigilant in tourist areas; secure belongings. | Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar |
| Ankara | 20 | Burglary, Theft | Keep valuables close; use reputable transport. | Kızılay, Ulus |
| Adana | 25 | Gang-related crime, Theft | Avoid known trouble spots; stay in well-lit areas. | Seyhan, Yüreğir |
| Diyarbakır | 27.5 | Political unrest, Theft | Avoid protests; be aware of local tensions. | Old City, Sur District |
| Gaziantep | 24 | Theft, Street violence | Be cautious in markets; avoid displaying wealth. | Bakırcılar Bazaar, some outskirts |
| İzmir | 19 | Petty theft | Protect your belongings; stay in safer areas. | Konak, Karşıyaka |
| Mardin | 22 | Political tension, Theft | Stay informed about current events; avoid unrest. | Historic districts during protests |
1.Istanbul | The Bridge between Two Continents
Crime Rate: Approximately 23 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Istanbul is one of the most dangerous cities in Turkey because countless travelers travel to this city every year and therefore it has many pickpockets.
Without a doubt, Istanbul is the busiest city in Turkey, so you should be careful with your personal belongings in places where there are a lot of people. Especially in places like Taksim Square and the Grand Bazaar, be sure to put your belongings in your coat pockets or in safer places so that you don’t have any problems. In addition, the problems that bother the residents in Istanbul are petty theft and scams, which travelers should also be careful of.
2.Ankara | The Capital of Turkey
Crime Rate: Around 20 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The second city that can be problematic for travelers and residents is the capital of Turkey, Ankara. This city has a significant crime rate compared to other cities in Turkey.
Violent crimes do not occur much in Ankara, but you should be concerned about property crimes. Inner city areas such as Kizilay are among the busiest places in Ankara, where you should be more careful. In these areas, and especially at bus and train stations, be sure to put your personal belongings in your bag or inside jacket pocket and be careful of them.
3.Adana | Fifth most populous city in Turkey
Crime Rate: Approximately 25 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Adana is another city with a higher crime rate than other cities in Turkey. Many tourists visit this city every year because of its beautiful attractions. The main danger that threatens residents and travelers in this city is gang-related crimes. However, the areas where these dangers exist are far from tourist routes and there is a greater possibility of street crimes in areas such as Ceyhan and Yüreğir.
4.Diyarbakir | City of Walls
Crime Rate: Estimated at 27.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Diyarbakir is one of the most famous cities in Turkey due to its fascinating historical sites, but if you want to have a safe trip to this city, you should be a little careful, because it is one of the dangerous cities in Turkey. Located in the southeastern region of Turkey, this city has experienced political unrest, which sometimes leads to an increase in crime rates. Visitors who want to have a peaceful trip to Turkey should stay away from demonstrations in this city and be cautious in areas where there are few people.
5.Gaziantep | Antep War`s Hero
Crime Rate: Roughly 24 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The city was named Gaziantep, which means “Hero of the Battle of Antep“, due to its resistance against France in World War I. Gaziantep is one of the cities that offers a different culinary experience and is famous for its cuisine throughout Turkey. This delicious city is plagued by crimes related to theft and street violence, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Turkey. Be very careful and cautious, especially in the crowded markets.
6.Izmir | Commercial, Industrial and Port City
Crime Rate: About 19 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Izmir is one of the cities in Turkey that in some places you can see as one of the big and safe cities in Turkey, but you still have to be very careful because the crime rate is 19 crimes per 1,000 residents. Izmir also has a good nightlife that you should not ignore, but if you do not take care of your personal belongings, you can get into trouble. It is recommended to avoid the Konak and Karsiyaka areas as much as possible because there is a possibility of petty crimes in these areas.
7.Mardin | The Stone City
Crime Rate: Approximately 22 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Mardin is another tourist city in Turkey that has seen reports of unrest in recent years due to the socio-political tensions surrounding it. The city has many attractions that you can safely visit, but we recommend that you check the current political situation in Turkey before visiting so that you can have a safe trip to Mardin.
Also Read: Coldest Cities in Turkey
How to Stay Safe in Turkey’s Dangerous Cities
If your travels take you to one of Turkey’s more dangerous cities, here are some additional tips to ensure your safety:
- Travel in Groups: There’s safety in numbers. Traveling with a group reduces the risk of becoming a target for crime.
- Avoid Political Gatherings: Protests and demonstrations can turn violent. Stay away from large crowds and political events.
- Secure Your Belongings: Use anti-theft bags and keep your valuables in a hotel safe. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: Knowing a few phrases in Turkish can help you navigate tricky situations and communicate with locals.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
- Research Your Destination: Before traveling, research the safety situation in your chosen city. Avoid high-risk areas and stay updated on local news.
- Blend In: Dress modestly and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or gadgets. This reduces the risk of becoming a target for theft.
- Use Reputable Transportation: Stick to licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or BiTaksi. Avoid unmarked vehicles.
- Stay in Safe Areas: Choose accommodations in well-known, secure neighborhoods. Read reviews and check safety ratings before booking.
- Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Save local emergency numbers, such as 155 for police and 112 for medical assistance, on your phone.
FAQ
- What are the most dangerous cities in Turkey?
- Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, İzmir, and Mardin are often cited as some of the more dangerous cities in Turkey due to their higher crime rates and safety concerns.
- How do crime rates in Turkey compare to other countries?
- Turkey’s overall crime rate is moderate compared to many Western countries, but specific cities show higher crime rates, particularly for theft and violent crimes.
- What types of crimes are most common in Turkey’s dangerous cities?
- Common crimes include pickpocketing, theft, gang-related activities, and fraud, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
- Is it safe to travel to Turkey despite the crime rates?
- While some cities may have higher crime rates, many tourists travel to Turkey safely by taking precautions and staying informed about their surroundings.
- What safety tips should I follow when visiting dangerous cities in Turkey?
- Stay aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, avoid traveling alone at night, and use reputable transportation options.
- Are there specific neighborhoods in these cities that are safer for tourists?
- Yes, many cities have safer neighborhoods; for example, staying in tourist-focused areas can provide a sense of security amid potential risks.
- How can I protect myself from petty crimes in Turkey?
- Keep valuables close, avoid flashy jewelry, be cautious in crowded places, and stay in well-lit areas after dark to reduce the risk of petty crimes.
- What should I do if I become a victim of a crime in Turkey?
- Report the incident to local authorities immediately, and contact your embassy for assistance if needed.
Each of the crimes used in this article is explained below for your better understanding:
- Petty Crimes: Refers to crimes that are of little severity and impact, such as petty thefts. Example: Stealing a wallet from a tourist in a crowded market.
- Pickpocketing: A type of theft in which a thief steals valuables from a person unnoticed and without attracting attention. Example: Stealing a mobile phone from a person’s pocket at a subway station.
- Vandalism: Involves intentionally damaging the property of others. Example: Writing offensive words on the walls of a building.
- Fraud: Refers to creating tricks to obtain money or property illegally. Example: Using a fake identity to purchase goods with stolen credit cards.
- Credit Card Fraud: Refers to the unauthorized use of someone else’s credit card information to make illegal purchases. Example: Making online purchases using another person’s credit card number without their permission.
- Stalking: includes harassing and intrusive behavior that is intended to intimidate or annoy another person. Example: The persistent pursuit of a person by someone who previously knew the person and has now distanced themselves from them.
