Updated Date : 27.02.2023
In the world, we see all countries have their own toilet cultures. We cannot underestimate our toilet habits whenever we travel to different countries. We may encounter an unexpected and compelling system while we traveling. It is also, one of the most important issues that will affect our trip is toilet civilization.
Toilets in Turkey
There are two types of toilets in Turkey. There are alaturka toilets (squad toilets, elephant’s feet). Another one is alafranga toilets (sit-down toilets). Especially, for tourists from Western countries, it can become a different experience. After you get used to it, you may want to bring this culture to your country. You can see both types of toilets in cities. Yet, in rural areas and villages, you can find alaturka type of Turkish toilets.
Almost in all toilets, you can find a trash bin for toilet paper. In general, it is requested that toilet paper not be thrown into the toilet. Toilet paper clogs the toilet, so we recommend that you throw the toilet paper in the trash.
Alaturka Toilets in Turkey (squad toilets, elephant’s feet)
In Turkey, alaturka Turkish toilets are preferred more hygiene and cultural reasons. You may read some scientific articles stating the Turkish toilet is in an anatomically, correct position. Of course, it can be quite difficult for someone who does not use the Turkish-style toilet. Especially, be careful, if your phone, wallet, or personal belongings fall out of your pocket while sitting.
Alaturka toilets are completely built from the ground and their construction is done at a low cost. Next to the toilet bowl, you can find a faucet or spout pipe to clean yourself.
Once you get used to it, Alaturka toilets are the most hygienic and healthier. It reduces the pressure in the uterus, especially in pregnant women. Also, it is approved that decrease the risk of appendicitis hemorrhoids and colon cancer. That’s the reason people in Turkey, sit whenever they do a bowel movement or urination.
Alafranga toilets (sit-down toilets, European Style)
After Alaturka toilets most used toilet is Alafranga toilets in Turkey. Alafranga toilet is mostly, used in cities. Some houses in Turkey have both alafranga and alaturka toilets. It is a toilet you can sit down on, it is almost the same with Western countries.
The only difference we can say only, alafranga toilets have a bidet nozzle or an ablution pipe o clean yourself with the water. A bidet spray nozzle is located within the toilet bowl, it is the small pipe in the backside of the toilet. Muslim countries use a bidet nozzle or an ablution pipe. It can be more sanitary. After cleaning you can use toilet paper to dry.
In some places especially, at restaurants and cafes, it is not hygienic to use alafranga toilets. The reason is people generally do not open the seat cover while they urinate and this is unsanitary. Almost at all restaurants and cafes, you can find both types of toilets.
Turkish Toilets in Istanbul
Istanbul is a megacity that cares about toilet civilization. In Istanbul, you can find also both alafranga toilets and alaturka toilets.
There are plenty of public toilets in Istanbul. These toilets are operated by the municipality of Istanbul. Most of them work for 1 Turkish Lira also you can pay with your Istanbulkart. Especially in, touristic places you can find boutique toilets for men and women. Inside them, you can find both types of toilets. These toilets are hygienically, superior.
Also, almost all museums have their own toilets. You can find both types of toilets in museums. As an example, you can find toilets at the Topkapi Palace Museum, Archeological museum, and Dolmabahce museum.
If you’re stuck you can visit the mosque’s toilets. Most mosques have free (some of them are not free) toilets and ablution rooms. Generally, in mosques, you will see alaturka toilets.
Another important piece of information is it can be hard to understand what gender the toilets are for. In some toilets, it is written “WC” but in some others written in Turkish characters and it is “Tuvalet”. There are also some instructions about Turkish characters to find which one is for men or women:
Woman – Kadın / Lady – Bayan
Man – Erkek / Gentleman – Bay
