Military service in Turkey: conscription & rules explained
Military service in Turkey – conscription and customs
Anyone travelling in Turkey will sometimes see honking motorcades with flags and a young man being celebrated by the whole family. Almost always it is a farewell to military service. Conscription is still a firm part of life in Turkey today – and a big event for many families.
Who has to serve?
Male Turkish citizens are liable for military service, in principle from the age of 20 to 41. This also applies to men with dual citizenship who live abroad. Students can defer their service until the end of their education. Women are not subject to conscription but can voluntarily pursue an officer career.
How long does the service last?
Since the reform of the Military Service Act in 2019, regular basic military service for enlisted personnel lasts six months. Reserve officers serve twelve months.
Buying out: Bedelli and Dövizli Askerlik
The amounts, deadlines and requirements change regularly. Binding information is provided by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence or the Turkish consulates. This overview does not replace legal advice.
- Bedelli askerlik: In return for paying a fixed amount in Turkish lira, conscripts only complete a short basic training. The amount is adjusted regularly.
- Dövizle askerlik: Turkish citizens who have lived and worked abroad for several years can buy themselves out for an amount in foreign currency (euros). Here, too, only a short basic training is required.
Asker uğurlama – the farewell
Before a young man joins up, he is celebrated. At the “Asker uğurlama” family, neighbours and friends come together, there is food, music and dancing. In some regions henna is placed in the recruit's palm, as with a bride. On the day of departure a motorcade with Turkish flags, drums and loud shouts accompanies him to the bus station. Many young men are thrown into the air – “Asker yolu” is a day full of pride and tears.
“Peygamber ocağı” – the hearth of the Prophet
Military service is often popularly called “Peygamber ocağı”, the “hearth of the Prophet”. The expression shows the great social significance of the service. In the past, a young man was only considered ready for marriage after military service – in rural regions this idea is still widespread today.
What does this mean for travellers?
As of: October 2026. All information without guarantee – the information provided by the Turkish authorities is authoritative.
- Motorcades with flags and honking are usually farewells. A friendly wave is gladly returned.
- Military installations, barracks and soldiers on duty must not be photographed.
- Men with Turkish citizenship should clarify their military service status before travelling in order to avoid problems when leaving the country.
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