Turkey is a country full of contrasts: Istanbul has had a queer bar scene for decades, but the state is cracking down on the LGBTQ+ community harder than ever before. Travellers will find warm hosts in Beyoğlu but should know the current situation and behave discreetly outside the venues.
Legal situation: Same-sex acts have been legal since 1858. However, there is neither marriage nor registered partnership and no statutory protection against discrimination. Pride marches have been banned in Istanbul since 2015. A bill to criminalise publicly “promoting” behaviour “contrary to biological sex” was dropped from justice packages twice in 2025/26 but is to be reintroduced (not in force as of October 2026). In September 2026 there were nationwide raids on LGBT associations, bars and clubs with over 100 arrests.