Yes, throwing stars (shuriken) are legal in Turkey under strict conditions.
Possession and use require a valid firearms license issued by the Turkish General Directorate of Security, with shuriken classified as “edged weapons” under the 2023 Weapons and Ammunition Regulation. Recent 2026 amendments to the Turkish Penal Code (Article 122) mandate that bladed tools exceeding 10 cm in blade length must be registered with local police stations. Unlicensed carrying in public spaces, including historical districts like Sultanahmet, incurs fines up to 5,000 TL and potential confiscation. Martial arts schools may apply for exemptions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ 2024 directive, provided training occurs in licensed facilities.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Turkey
- Licensing Requirement: Mandatory firearms license from the General Directorate of Security for possession and use; shuriken fall under “Category D” edged weapons.
- Blade Length Restrictions: Tools with blades over 10 cm must be registered with local police; non-compliance triggers administrative penalties.
- Public Carriage Ban: Unlicensed transport in urban areas, including Istanbul’s European side, is prohibited under the 2026 Penal Code amendments.