City, Turkey
Is Izmir LGBTQ+ friendly?
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet
Is Izmir LGBTQ+ friendly?
One of Turkey's more liberal cities, with a small LGBTQ+ scene, but Pride is banned and discretion is advised.
LGBTQ+ laws in Turkey
Istanbul has a discreet scene around Beyoğlu, but Pride marches have been banned since 2015 and official rhetoric is hostile. Be discreet elsewhere.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
The scene in Izmir
Where to go
- Alsancak
Events
- Izmir Pride (June, banned)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Turkey
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Antalya | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Cappadocia | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Bodrum | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Fethiye | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Alanya | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Izmir | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kaş | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ölüdeniz | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Marmaris | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Pamukkale | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ankara | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kuşadası | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Side | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Çeşme | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kemer | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kalkan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Dalyan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Bursa | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Belek | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Didim | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Selçuk | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Trabzon | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Gaziantep | 2/5 · Hostile |
Quick answers
Is Izmir safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
One of Turkey's more liberal cities, with a small LGBTQ+ scene, but Pride is banned and discretion is advised.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Turkey?
No.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Izmir?
Alsancak
More about Izmir
Going to Izmir solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Izmir meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information
- Go Türkiye: Digital Nomads
- Izmir Metro
- Turkish State Airports Authority (DHMI)
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.