Turkey

OVERVIEW

In Turkey, there are a wealth of health care resources available. But it can also be complex, often confusing, environment for women's health care. While birth control pills are available in many pharmacies ("eczane" is pharmacy in Turkish) in the city center, and abortion is legal, it can be difficult to find reliable and responsive treatment. This is due to the conflicting messages surrounding women's sexual and reproductive freedom in the country.

On the one hand, Turkey is constitutionally secular and certain cities, such as Izmir or parts of Istanbul, are famously progressive. Furthermore, Turkey is full of internationally accredited hospitals, making it a hotspot for medical tourism. On the other hand, it is typically considered taboo to discuss many aspects of sexuality, and unmarried women are often expected to remain virgins. This creates a discrepancy between the legal options and the social realities of the city. For this reason, it is especially important to do one's research in advance when looking for a gynecologist or STD test.

Contraception (Birth Control)

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Turkey, you do not need a prescription to purchase birth control pills or condoms at pharmacies. Condoms are available in all the major supermarket chains, such as A101, BİM, ŞOK and Migros(they can be found everywhere in the country, even in small towns and sometimes even in villages), at the gas stations(many of them work 24/7), in pharmacies(note that there's such thing as "pharmacy on duty"("nöbetçi eczane") - one of the pharmacies in the area works 24/7. The one on duty changes every day, so you should search on Internet typing your area's/town's name + "nöbetçi eczane") and in some cosmetic stores. Lubricants are sold in Migros supermarkets all around the country(checked on 14 March 2024), in pharmacies, at some gas stations and in some cosmetic stores, such as Gratis. While President Erdogan made headlines by advising Muslim families to avoid birth control in May 2016, birth control is still available in Turkey. Furthermore, the rate of contraceptive use has increased in the past few decades. According to a 2015 United Nations report, it is estimated that 74.2% of Turkish women (who are of reproductive age and married or in unions) use some form of contraception. Meanwhile, 6.1% of Turkish women have unmet family planning needs. However, it should be emphasized that a great portion of Turkish women use traditional contraceptive methods. In fact, the most common form of contraception used by women is the withdrawal or "pull-out" method (25.8%). Following this method, the most common methods are IUDs (16.9%), condoms (15.9%), female sterilization (9.5%) and birth control pills (4.6%). Meanwhile, there is extremely low usage of contraceptive injectables (0.6%) and essentially none for contraceptive implants (0.0%). In total, this means that the vast majority of women in Turkey today depend on withdrawal, IUDs or condoms for their contraceptive methods.

Despite increasingly religious government policies, Turkey has also seen an increase in contraceptive use over the past two decades. In a 1998 study, 63.9% of women practiced some form of birth control, with 4.4% on the pill, 19.8% with IUD and 24.4% practicing the pull-out method. This is compared to the 74.2% of Turkish women who used birth control in 2015.

Spermicides in all forms (such as jelly, foams, etc.) are unheard of by pharmacists, and as of 14 March 2024, it seems like none of them are available in the country.

What to Get & Where to Get It

In Istanbul, birth control pills are available in many pharmacies ("eczanes" in Turkish). While pharmacies don't have tons of options, they do carry a few brands, including Yasmin and some generic brands. NuvaRing is also available in Istanbul. Most pharmacies do not carry the Nuvaring but the bigger ones (i.e. In shopping malls) have it, without prescription for max 30tl per 1-month pack. There are no limitations as for how many packages you can buy.

Condoms are available in all the major supermarket chains, such as A101, BİM, ŞOK and Migros(they can be found everywhere in the country, even in small towns and sometimes even in villages), at the gas stations(many of them work 24/7), in pharmacies(note that there's such thing as "farmacy on duty"("nöbetçi eczane") - one of the pharmacies in the area works 24/7. The one on duty changes every day, so you should search on Internet typing your area's/town's name + "nöbetçi eczane") and in some cosmetic stores(such as Gratis). Some supermarket chains, such as Migros, deliver the things you bought online to your door within 30 min between 10 a.m. and 21 or 22 p.m.(availability of such service may wary depending on your place, but both ŞOK and Migros have condoms in stock all around the country and both deliver to your door, confirmed as for 14 March 2024).

Fancy condoms, like colorful ones or the ones that glow in the dark, can be found in numerous sex shops in big cities (search city name +"sex shop"/"seks shop"/"erotik shop"). They can be also found in numerous online sex shops, which ship to any place within the country.

Non-latex condoms are available, too. As of March 2024, the only non-latex condoms that can be found in stores are Durex Real Feel("Durex Gerçek Dokunuş", 10 pieces). They can be found in Watsons cosmetic shops, on many big retailer sites, and in official Turkish Durex online shop.

Lubricants are sold in Migros supermarkets all around the country(checked on 14 March 2024), in pharmacies, at some gas stations and in some cosmetic stores, such as Gratis.

Costs

Birth control pills should cost between 15-30 lira, depending on the brand. As of 2016, Yasmin is 25 TL. If you want the pills that are better than breastfeeding moms, they're 42 TL. Mirena and the Copper IUD can be purchased for about 700 TL.

The price of condoms varies greatly depending on the brand, oftentimes you can find the ones with the price difference x2 or x3 times on the shelf of the same supermarket. Expect to find at least 2 or 3 brands in each supermarket. The cheapest ones(yet the quality is as good as the most expensive ones') are sold in BİM, ŞOK and A101.

Non-latex condoms (Durex Real Feel-"Durex Gerçek Dokunuş", 10 pieces) cost 195-295 TL as of March 2024.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Note: The earlier you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it will work. After you have unprotected sex, take it as soon as possible.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Turkey, you do not need a prescription to purchase emergency contraception, and there is no age restriction. It is generally easy to purchase in pharmacies. However, according to a 2008 study, only 29.1% of Turkish women of reproductive age were aware of emergency contraception and only 2.3% had practiced it.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Most pharmacies (yet not all of them) should have emergency contraception. Even pharmacies in small towns have it, but note that they're are generally stored under the counter and aren't on display on the shelves, so you'll have to ask for them. You can simply write or say "acil kontrasepsiyon"/"acil kontraseptif"(pronounced "adjil kontrasepsiyon"/"adjil kontraseptif"), the name of the brand, like Ella, or just say/write that the condom broke("kondom yırtıldı"/"prezervatif yırtıldı", pronounced "kondom yirtildi"/"prezervatif yirtildi"). Typically you'll have better luck/more options in pharmacies with a fancier design that sell a lot of supplements and/or cosmetic products like Vishy, but don't skip any of them. Local contributor:"Out of 3 pharmacies I asked, 2 had it(town with population of 45.000, 2021)". For progestin only, they typically sell NorLevo .75 mg (take 2 pills within 120 hours). As another option, some people take Lo/Ovral, Lo-Femenal pr Microgynon 21 according to the following instructions: 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later. Another option is Miranova according to the instructions: Take 5 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 5 more pills 12 hours later. Ella(Ulipristal acetate), is also available over the counter.

Note that there's such thing as "pharmacy on duty"("nöbetçi eczane") - at least one of the pharmacies in the area works 24/7. The one on duty changes every day, so you should search on Internet which one is on duty now, typing your area's/town's/neighbourhood's name + "nöbetçi eczane".

Costs

Emergency contraception should cost 20 TL (this is based on one stat from Bursa, so we'll need to collect more info).

Ella, a single 30mg tablet, costs around 150 TL as of 2021 and is available over the counter.

(Note that unlike the medicines that are prescribed and cost the same in all the pharmacies in the country, the price of EC may vary a bit from pharmacy to pharmacy.)

Medications & Vaccines

Pharmacy in Istanbul

Laws & Social Stigmas

You can access most medications in Turkish cities for reproductive health and STDs. But this is not the case for everything. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has recommended that all European teenagers receive the HPV vaccine, but Turkey has no program in place. Regarding HIV, PreP is not available in Turkey, and not all antiretroviral drugs are available either. But the HIV drugs that are available can be found in pharmacies.

HPV vaccine(Gardasil) is available in Turkey and can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies.

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can get medications for yeast infection at Turkish pharmacies. The word of "yeast infection" in Turkish is "mantar enfeksiyonu." You typically need a prescription for a urinary tract infection ("idrar yolu enfeksiyonu" in Turkish) since it's an antibiotic. However, you can often get drugs like Monural without a prescription. The word for "chlamydia" is the same and the word for "gonorrhea" is "belsoğukluğu"/"gonore", HIV and HPV are the same, and "Hepatitis" is " Hepatit."

HPV vaccine(Gardasil) is available in Turkey and can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. Local contributor:"I found Gardasil in the first pharmacy I asked(the one in a small coastal town with the population less than 2000 people). They brought it 1-2 days later upon my request in a cooling bag with artificial ice and stored it in the fridge. I got it injected in local polyclinic("sağlık ocağı") across the road 5 minutes later. They did it for free, I just asked them two days before if they'll agree to inject it when I'll bring it from the pharmacy".

Costs

Local contributor:"A shot of Gardasil cost between 200 and 300 TL in 2017"

Menstruation

Laws & Social Stigmas

While tampons are technically available in Turkey, there seems to be less comfort or familiarity with them. Tampons are less commonly sold in stores and most Turkish women do not use them. This has lead to some travelers mistakingly thinking that there are absolutely no tampons in Istanbul. To clarify: There are tampons, but you need to look in special places.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Pads and panty-liners are easy to find in every supermarket around the country, at gas stations(many of them work 24/7), in cosmetic stores like Gratis, and even in corner shops or shops in the villages. However, tampons are much more difficult to find. They are sold in select pharmacies. It's been reported that in expat areas, like Cihangir or Moda and touristic areas, you may be more likely to find them in grocery stores or stores like Gratis as well. If you do find tampons, they're almost always OB (so no applicator).

There are no known sellers of DivaCup in Turkey so it should be purchased online. The only known seller of Mooncup in Turkey is in Canakkale (Dedetepe Eco Farm) so it's probably easiest to purchase it online as well.

Costs

The price of menstrual pads varies greatly depending on the brand, the cheapest ones are sold in BİM, ŞOK and A101.

One box of 32 tampons should cost you around 11 TL.

Gynecological Exams

Laws & Social Stigmas

While cervical screenings are common in Turkey, a July 2016 Hurriyet article claimed that "cervical screening remains taboo in Turkey."Local contributor: "I don't think that's the case. I've been living in Turkey for more than 10 years, and I've never witnessed anything like this or haven't heard such an opinion from anyone. It's the opposite in fact: the doctor in the public hospital offered and did it for me, and free screening vans can be found around the city(Izmir, 2021), with one standing right in front of Municipality building. Turkish newspapers are known for publishing nonsensical stuff pretty often, and even if they found a person like this, that's probably the same people who find urinating and defecating taboo, and this people do exist everywhere."

What to Get & Where to Get It

There are a many hospitals and clinics in Turkey. For this reason, it's recommended that you carefully consider the full range of options before making your choice. As a starting point, you should first know the three main types of hospitals to choose from. There are three main types:

• First, there are the state hospitals, or "Devlet Hastanesi" in Turkish. These public hospitals can be found all over the country(their name contains "Devlet Hastanesi" - for example, Uskudar Devlet Hastanesi, Beşiktaş Sait Çiftçi Devlet Hastanesi, etc). This map can give some sense of the distribution of the state hospitals in the city (though, be aware, that it probably doesn't show all state hospitals). If you're a Turkish citizen or have Turkish health care coverage, this is your cheapest option, and services will often be free. If you don't have Turkish health care coverage, the prices will be cheaper than a private hospital but they will not necessarily be "cheap." You can expect to pay quite a bit more than someone with Turkish health coverage. Now you have to book a visit beforehand(see a few lines below), you can't just walk in a hospital, but you can just walk into Emergency services(called "Acil" or "Acil servis"(pronounced "Adjil/Adjil servis")) 24/7; same goes for Emergency service in obstetrics and gynecological hospitals ("Kadın Doğum Hastanesi/ Doğumevi" in Turkish), which can typically be found in cities. Note that you don't have to go to an obstetrics/gynecological hospital in case of emergency, any Emergency service "Acil"/"Acil servis" is ok. You may simply call 112 or ask someone to call it for you (they're supposed to speak English, Arabic, German, Russian and Turkish, but I'm not 100% sure they do). In a non-emergency situation, book your visit through MRHS system( https://mhrs.gov.tr/vatandas/#/):you'll need to have a residency permit or citizen ID number, the site is available in 5 languages(English, Arabic, German, Russian and Turkish), you can book any doctor in any city in the country and select time and date; sometimes available appointments can be found even for today, but that's usually not the case with gynecologists. (Tip: select a doctor with a foreign surname - the chance that he/she will speak English is much higher. For German pick one with a German one, and so on. The case with a foreign name may not be the same, as sometimes Turkish people just give foreign names to their children. Name (or a few names) goes first, surname goes the last. You may also select the gender of the doctor if you wish, they have a symbolic picture near the name, because sometimes it's not clear from the name itself. There isn't any expectation that you should pick a female gynecologist, for example, not as far as I know(never heard of anything like this).) Arrive 15 minutes(or more) before the visit to the selected hospital with your resident document or citizen ID. (For your information: if you are less then half an hour late, your appointment is still valid, you should just check in on the hospital's reception within 30 min within the starting time of the visit you booked. If you see that you cannot visit the doctor at the time you booked, just cancel the appointment. If you don't, or if you keep booking and cancelling too often, the system may not allow you to book a new visit for 15 days from the visit you missed or cancelled.) Health care practitioners will have varying levels of skill and sensitivity. The majority of the staff will not speak English, so it's recommended that you either know Turkish yourself or bring along someone who does.

• Second, there are the Medical Centers, also known as "Tip Merkezi" in Turkish. You'll see many of these medical centers in Turkey, which always have "Tıp Merkezi" or "Medical Center" in the name. They function like private hospitals in many ways, in the sense that they're more independently run and can have higher-quality care. Unlike private hospitals, they work harder to keep down the costs and they only accept Turkish Social Security (SGK).
• Finally, there are the private hospitals. Generally speaking, you'll find the most efficient, responsive and highest-quality care at these facilities. However, the costs will be much higher. You can check out this list of private hospitals in Istanbul. For private hospitals with English-speaking staff, you can check out this list from the American Consulate General. Tips on how to find an English speaking hospital: check their website, if it has English, that's already a good sign (although the website could be translated automatically, or just many years ago). Then call and talk to them in English and see if they actually understand you, not just repeat some memorized phrases. Then ask them if they have a doctor who speaks English well, and if you can book a visit to that certain doctor.

Better that you keep track of your annual pap/smear screening, and remind the doctor when it's been a year, since they may not always keep track of it. Same goes for your breast screening(the doctor that refers you to ultrasound/mammography is usually a surgeon("general surgery"/"genel cerrahi"), not the gynecologist). The doctor said that pap/smear screening is done in the morning(at least that was the case here), so book your visit for the morning hours, better before 10.30.

Here are some useful terminology for hospital visits: Vagina = vajina. Labia = labia. Uterus = uterus/rahim. Cervix = serviks/rahim ağzı. Urethra = üretra. Ovary = yumurtalık. Bladder = mesane. Anus = anüs/makat. Menstruation = adet/regul.

Discharge = akıntı. Pain = ağrı("agri"). ... hurts = ...ağrıyor/acıyor("agriyor/adjiyor"). Irregular menstruations = adet düzensizlik. Infection = enfeksiyon. Fungal infection = mantar enfeksiyonu.

Pregnancy = hamilelik. Egg = yumurta. Ovulation = ovülasyon. Birth = doğum. Breastfeeding = emzirme.

Pap/smear test = Pap/smear test. Ultrasound = ultrason. Mammography = mamografi/mamogram. Biopsy of the endometrium (= endometrium in Turkish) is called probe curetaj. Curettage = curetaj. Myoma= myom. Fibroid = fibrom . Cyst= kist. Polyp= polip. Breast = meme. Nipple = meme başı("meme bashi"). Areola=areola.

Tip: If you need to find a certain word in Turkish, search for Wikipedia article for this word in your language, or at least in English. English language Wikipedia is the most (or one of the most) comprehensive, compared to others. Then click a language pictogram on the right top of the page, or on the left from the text (depends on the device) and select Turkish, if it's available. (*Wikipedia is more often and more thorough checked by a number of people, among those are the professionals in that field, so the translation is more trustworthy that Google Translate(this one is notorious for giving incorrect results time after time), any other translate program, and is pretty much on par with medical dictionaries (the disadvantages of the latter ones is that they were checked by very few people before being published and never can be corrected after, if anything actually was wrong, and also some technical error may come in, if it was made into online dictionary.) Turkish Wikipedia has quite a big number of articles. If no success with that, try tureng.com, a free online dictionary, it brings results from medical dictionary as well as colloquial and others.

For recommendations of local clinics, please visit the city pages, like the Istanbul or Ankara pages.

Costs

Pap/smear test and all the other exams(including ultrasound, mammography, MR, etc.) are free with SGK (national insurance).

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing & Support

What to Get & Where to Get It

To say "STD Test" in Turkish, say "STD Test"/"cinsel yolla bulaşan hastalıklar test"(pronounced "djinsel yolla bulashan hastaliklar", or you can say "djinsel enfeksyonlar")/"CYBH test". It seems that many hospitals can give tests for HIV, Hep B, Hep C and syphilis. However, it is much more difficult to also get tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.

You can get tested for all those in private labs, and in private hospitals, too. There're many private labs in big cities (some private labs also agree to send you test kits, but this way you'll have to find someone who'll be able to collect the material correctly, otherwise the result may not be trustworthy). And even if there's no private lab in your place, even the most remote of provincial centers(i.e. centers of 81 provinces) will have private hospitals, usually a few. They also test for STDs, some even have a list of tests on their websites. For tips how to select an English speaking hospital, see "What to Get & Where to Get It" in "Gynecological Exams" section.

For private labs search your city name+"Laboratuvar". Tip: "I strongly recommend that you write down all the names of the tests you want in Turkish. Otherwise they can simply mix something up and do the wrong tests. Although not often, that happens. You just don't want that trouble." Tips on how to find names of deceases along with some other terminology can be found in the end of "What to Get & Where to Get It" in "Gynecological Exams" section. The labs also have panels including a few STD tests, usually around 10. (The panels are called "cinsel yolla bulaşan hastalıklar/CYBH/STD paneli")The labs usually ask for some ID (be it Turkish citizen/resident ID or foreign passport) and your number and/or e-mail, you show the list of the tests you want to get, they tell you the price, you pay(some accept cash only), they collect the material, they give you the receipt and send the results to your e-mail/Whatsapp when the test is ready. Some useful tips: you should have a test list in Turkish. Write down your number and e-mail as well. Price is pronounced "... tele"(...TL), you can pantomimically show them to write down. Price is "fiyat". Result is "sonuç"(pronounced "sonuch"). Point to the written e-mail or number, saying "sonuch", showing where you want your result. They may show you where they will actually send it (some prefer Whatsapp, others send via e-mail). "Gün" is day. "Ne zaman"/"kaç gün"(pronounced "kach gyun") is "when/how many days", use with "sonuch". Show a few fingers, then say "gün"(days) with the question intonation. You may need to do it a few times showing different number of fingers, eventually they will show you the number.

One way to get a free HIV, Hep B, Hep C and syphilis test is to donate blood to Kizilay (https://www.kizilay.org.tr/) because they test the blood and then get back to you. In July 2016, Şişli municipality launched a free and anonymous health service for the LGBT community, focusing on the prevention of STDs. Every 3 months, patients can receive a free STD test and examination. Patients can register with a nickname if they wish.

In Izmir free and anonymous HIV, Hep B, Hep C and syphilis testing is available for everyone, not only for the LGBT but for anyone who feels at risk (see link, book your free testing or simply get info calling 0232 484 22 91)

Testimonial: "For all STD, after morning pills and infections, I believe the Austrian Hospital http://www.sjh.com.tr rocks! I am not sure about the abortion. The prices are affordable (max 90-100 tl for a check up and you have a second one within 10 days, free of charge, called 'control visit'). Moreover, it is half shared cost with SGK (national insurance) if you have it."

Here's a list of some clinics that do STD testing in Turkey: http://www.whatclinic.com/doctors/turkey/sexually-transmitted-diseases-testing

Costs

Tests for Turkish citizens and residents are free at public hospitals. As for foreigners, this may greatly vary, depending on whether you go to a public or private hospital, as well as how many tests you order.

Price in private labs varies from lab to lab, panels including a few tests are often cheaper than just doing all those tests one by one.

Pregnancy

What to Get & Where to Get It

Testimonial: Dr. Hakan is my gyno. He also delivered my son. He works in Maltepe Delta hospital. He is very friendly, speaks English -- not perfect but I had no problem understanding him. Very helpful.

Abortion

Laws & Social Stigmas

Since 1983, abortion has been fully legal in Turkey. In 2012, a law was proposed that would allow doctors to refuse performing abortions. In response, protesters took the streets. The law did not pass, but many doctors (especially in public hospitals) have reportedly acted like the law passed, and they have decided to stop performing abortions. This means that, currently, you can get an abortion in Turkey -- but only at select hospitals/clinics.

In Turkey, you can get an abortion for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. After 10 weeks, the abortion can only be performed if the woman's life is endangered or in cases of fetal impairment. Overall, legal reasons for abortion include: to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, and availability on request. According to Law No. 2827 of 24 May 1983, Population Planning Law, married women need spousal consent, and minors or mentally disabled patients need approval from their parents, guardians or the magistrate's court. If there is endangerment to life or vital organs, no approval is required from spouses or parents/guardians. If there is a risk to the woman's life or risk of fetal malformation, two specialists (one ob/gyn and one specialist in a related field) must write their objective findings in a confirmation letter.

There are cases of some gynecologists who may also secretly/illegally perform abortions after 10 weeks. One anonymous testimonial: "My private doctor would have done it much, much later than 10 weeks. Not sure about the legality, but she said it would happen if necessary. I had amnio during both pregnancies to check for genetic abnormalities at around 20 weeks, and she told me that if there was a problem, then she would do an abortion, if we wanted to."

Private clinics also tend not to ask for a spousal consent, at least some of them. Local contributor:"I just walked into the first private hospital on the main street. They asked if I have SGK, because SGK insurance covers some of the price. I said I have it, but it's connected to my husband's. (In Turkey in fact only one member or the nuclear family pays for health insurance - the husband. The wife and underage children, if there's any, will receive insurance for free). I asked them if they're going to ask about his consent, they say they don't care about it, even though it's connected to his health insurance. Then I asked if they are going to inform him or if he can figure somehow how and where his health insurance was used. They said "of course not" about informing, and there's also no way he can figure out. But if you think you might be in danger if he figures out, I strongly recommend asking in SGK office first. They can be found in all provincial towns, and in every area of big cities. Just walk in, take a queue ticked if needed, and say that you're connected as a family member to someone else's SGK. Can he figure out somehow where and for what was it used?"

According to a UN report, "Despite the liberal nature of abortion laws in Turkey, the number of legal abortions performed in the country has been sharply restricted by the requirement that the procedure be carried out only by or under the supervision of gynaecologists. This factor is especially critical in rural Turkey, where medical specialists of any type are scarce or non-existent" (Abortion Policy - Turkey).

Misoprostol (the abortion pill) is no longer available.

Note that pre- and post-abortion counseling is not common in Turkey.

What to Get & Where to Get It

It is advised to try to book an appointment at a private hospital. In March 2016, the Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology declared that public hospitals have effectively banned abortion. There is also reported discrimination against single woman, and it has been found that some hospitals ask for marriage certificates from patients. In 2013, Ayse Arman wrote about the condescending, judgmental and unprofessional treatment she received upon receiving an abortion at an Istanbul public hospital.

For local recommendations, please visit city pages, like the Istanbul page.

Costs

Turkey has a nationalized health care system so prices are lower for Turkish citizens. For foreigners, expect to pay between 700 TL-1000 TL, depending on the clinic.

Advocacy & Counseling

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Dial 183 on the phone(they speak Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Sign Language 24h/7). ALO 183 offers 24/7, free and confidential support over phone. It provides help for every woman and child who has been abused. The hotline can even provide financial, legal and mental help to those in need and belongs to the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services.
• Dial 157 on the phone(Turkish, English, Arabic, Persian, Russian, German and Pashto) free 24h/7 help for foreigners. You can call can call +90 312 157 11 22 (Turkish, English, Arabic, Persian, Russian, German and Pashto) 24/7. They're generally dealing with things like stolen documents, but not only that, they may be helpful with may issues or at least will likely redirect you to the right service.
• A full list of free United Nations help services, in many languages, including rare ones, like Somali, Kurdish, Pashto, Dari and ohters. https://help.unhcr.org/turkiye/information-and-resources-on-protection-from-violence/seeking-help-and-reporting/ Also has info on where and how to get legal and psychological support, in breef see the 3 poınts below:

• In case of gender-based violence or any other emergency simply approach: In case of a rape or any other health emergency simply approach nearest Emergency service("Acil" or "Acil servis"(pronounced "Adjil/Adjil servis)), they can be found at ant state hospital ("Devlet Hastanesi") and at some prıvate ones, or sımply call 112(they speak a few foreıgn languages).
• In case of gender-based violence or any other emergency simply approach nearest police station("Polis", colloquial for police station is "karakolu")
• In case of gender-based violence or any other emergency simply approach nearest Provincial Gendarmerie Command ("Jandarma")

• For legal help approach nearest Legal aid bureau located within Bar Associations, for legal support (please refer to: https://turkey.servicesadvisor.net/en/search?category=1815,2057,2062

• Morçatı Kadın Sığınağı Vakfı (Purple Roof Women’s Shelter and Foundation) - Provides legal and practical aid to women who are victims of domestic violence Phone: Email: 0090 212 292 52 31-32. Katip Mustafa Celebi Mah. Anadolu Sok. No:23 D:7-8, Beyoglu-Istanbul, Turkey morcati@ttnet.net.tr. (http://www.morcati.org.tr/tr/)
• We Will Stop Femicide: "The platform strives for stopping femicide and ensuring their protection from violence. It fights against all types women’s rights violations, starting wih the violation right to life." Phone: +90 506 880 20 61. Email: kadincinayetlerinidurduracagiz@gmail.com

List of Additional Resources

• Turkish Ministry of Health
• Türkiye Aile Sağlığı ve Planlaması (Vakfı Turkey Family Health and Planning Foundation)
• Istanbul Hollaback - "Hollaback! is an international movement to end harassment. We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and confident in public spaces." (http://istanbul-en.ihollaback.org/)
• Kirmiza Semsiye/Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association - "Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association aims to raise awareness and visibility regarding human rights violations experienced by male, female and transgender sex workers in Turkey." Based in Ankara. Phone: +90312.419.2991. Email: kirmizisemsiye@kirmizisemsiye.org. Website: http://kirmizisemsiye.org/
• Morçatı Kadın Sığınağı Vakfı (Purple Roof Women’s Shelter and Foundation) - Anti-domestic violence organization (http://www.morcati.org.tr/tr/)
• Lamda Istanbul - LGBT organization; reports human rights violations (http://www.lambdaistanbul.org/s/)
• Kadın Eserleri Kütüphanesi ve Bilgi Merkezi Vakfı (Women’s Library and Information Centre Foundation - First and only women's library and education center in Turkey. Fener Mahallesi, 34220 Istanbul, Turkey, Phone: 0090 212 534 9550, Fax: 0090 212 523 7408, E-Mail: kadineserli@gmail.com, Website: http://www.kadineserleri.org
• Pazartesi - Feminist magazine of Turkey. Abdullah Sok. No: 9, Beyoglu-Istanbul, Turkey. Phone: 0090 212 292 0739. E-Mail: pazartesidergi@superonline.com. Website: http://www.pazartesidergisi.com
• Sosyalist Feminist Kolektif/Socialist Feminist Collective - Address: Katip Çelebi Mah. Tel sok. No: 20/3, Beyoğlu-İstanbul, Turkey, Phone 0090 212 243 4993, E-Mail: sosyalistfeministkolektif@gmail.com, Website: http://sosyalistfeministkolektif.org
• Kadının İnsan Hakları Projesi (Women for Women’s Human Rights) - "an independent women’s non-governmental organization (NGO) that aims to promote women’s human rights, equality and non-discrimination in Turkey and on the international level." Address: Inonu Cad. Saadet Apt. No: 37/6, Gumussuyu 80090, Istanbul, Turkey, Phone: 0090 212 251 00 29, Fax: 0090 212 251 00 65, E-mail: wwhrist@superonline.com, Website: http://www.wwhr.org