No, open carry of firearms is illegal in Turkey under the 1959 Weapons and Ammunition Law and subsequent amendments enforced by the General Directorate of Security (Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü). Only concealed carry with a valid permit is permitted, subject to stringent background checks and public safety assessments. Recent 2026 compliance updates further restrict issuance to security personnel and licensed professionals.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Turkey
- Permit Requirement: Open carry is categorically prohibited; permits only authorize concealed carry for individuals meeting strict criteria, including mental health evaluations and criminal record reviews.
- Authorized Entities: Active-duty military, police, and private security firms with government contracts may carry firearms, but exclusively in uniform or designated roles—never openly in public spaces.
- Regional Enforcement: Provincial governors (Valilik) and district security directorates (İl Emniyet Müdürlükleri) enforce compliance, with 2026 directives mandating digital tracking of all firearm movements via the National Firearms Registry.