No, Butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in Turkey under the 2023 amendments to the Firearms and Knives Law, enforced by the General Directorate of Security. Possession, sale, or importation risks confiscation, fines up to ₺50,000, or criminal charges under Article 13/2 of the Turkish Penal Code. Exceptions apply only to licensed collectors with prior approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Turkey
- Prohibition Status: Classified as “dangerous tools” under the 2023 amendments to Law No. 6136, mirroring restrictions on switchblades and flick knives.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession triggers administrative fines (₺10,000–₺50,000) and potential criminal liability under Article 13/2 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), with sentences up to 3 years.
- Licensing Exceptions: Only pre-approved historical or cultural artifacts may be owned by licensed collectors, requiring prior written consent from the Ministry of Interior’s Weapons and Explosives Division.