Important Phone Numbers in Turkey: Emergency Basics
You are a tourist, you have just arrived in Istanbul, and naturally you want to feel safe. Knowing a few essential numbers can be useful whether you are staying near Taksim Square, exploring Sultanahmet Square, or moving around other parts of the country.
In Turkey, emergency services can now be reached through a single main number: 112. This system was expanded nationwide through the 112 Emergency Call Centers.
112 Emergency Call Center: One Number for All Emergencies
Citizens can now seek help in emergencies by dialing the unified number 112. The "112 Emergency Call Centers" have been expanded nationwide. With the expansion of these centers, a total of 31,964,196 calls were answered within three months.
The Ministry unified several emergency numbers such as 110 for Fire Emergency, 112 for Medical Emergency, 155 for Police, 156 for Gendarmerie, 122 for Disaster and Emergency (AFAD), 177 for Forest Fire, and 158 for Coast Guard under a single umbrella of 112.
As of 2023, 112 is the main and unified emergency number, but the other numbers below are still open for calls. For official public information, you can also check relevant Turkish government resources on gov.tr.
Still Operational Security Lines
155 is the first emergency number that should come to mind when you encounter theft, other crimes, or disruptive events. By calling this line, you can provide information about your complaint, report traffic accidents and traffic rule violations, and share general information about any crime.
110 is the first emergency number you should call if you have an emergency related to the fire department in Turkey. This important phone number tries to be with you instantly by directing you to the proper channels in cases related to fire, life safety, and similar situations.
156 belongs to another security force, the gendarmerie. You can call this important phone number for similar reasons to those for calling the police. When you call this number from your mobile phone, you will reach the Gendarmerie center of the province you are in. If there is a possibility that someone will commit a crime, a crime has been committed, or you have experienced victimization, be sure to call the gendarmerie and provide general information.
158 is the Coast Guard Notification and Request Line. It is an emergency number for people facing dangerous situations at sea. In addition, you can report suspicious behavior that you think you have encountered on the seas through this line. It is especially notable in Istanbul, a major maritime city where ferry and coastal travel are common.
Health-Related Numbers
112 Emergency Call Center is one of the most important phone numbers to keep in mind. You can connect to many lines from this emergency number. It is important to call 112 in an emergency even if you speak a foreign language. This number can direct you regarding ambulance, police, gendarmerie, fire department, and forest fire notification services.
122 is one of the most important phone numbers in terms of public order and humanitarian assistance. It will be in your best interest to keep this number in mind. This emergency number is used as a Disaster and Emergency (AFAD) Call Center. Teams are on standby for disasters and other emergencies occurring in the country. AFAD teams are among the services you should contact for life safety in cases such as earthquakes, fires, and floods.
The emergency number 182 is the Central Hospital Appointment System line and is another important phone number related to health.
Thanks to this line, you can access online hospital services when you have a health problem. You can make an appointment by choosing your doctor and hospital. If you are planning a city break after medical arrangements, many travelers continue their itinerary with iconic places such as Hagia Sophia or the Grand Bazaar.
Other Important Emergency Numbers
Emergency number 177 is one of the important phone numbers that you should keep in mind in Turkey because it is a Forest Fire Warning line. The country has many mountainous and green areas where people like to spend time, so responding to forest fires and helping extinguish them is an important task.
183 is another support line and is one of the preventive phone numbers regarding social support and women's safety. This line has been developed as a service where people of all ages and genders, as well as people with disabilities, can call and receive guidance and counseling services.
The number 157 is one of the very important phone numbers, especially for foreigners and those who have problems speaking the Turkish language. Foreigners can get consulting services in Turkish, Persian, English, Russian, Arabic, and German. This line is called the Foreigners Contact Center, and it is vital if you are a tourist and have language-related problems.
175 Consumer Complaints emergency number is an important phone number related to your consumer rights for purchases you make when you come to Turkey. You can report problems related to products you consume and submit complaints through this line. They may also refer you to the relevant authorities dealing with consumer disputes.
186 Electrical Fault Line is one of the important phone numbers used by foreigners and tourists, especially in Turkey and crowded places such as Istanbul. Thanks to this emergency number, you can make an electrical fault notification and learn about power outage times.
Useful Tip for Travelers
Before you start sightseeing, save these numbers on your phone and keep a written backup in your wallet or bag. This can be especially useful if your battery runs low or if you need to ask for help quickly in an unfamiliar place. You may also want to review practical travel guidance on GoTürkiye before your trip.
FAQ
What is the main emergency number in Turkey?
The main emergency number in Turkey is 112. It is the unified line for major emergencies and can direct callers to ambulance, police, gendarmerie, fire, and other urgent services when needed.
Are old emergency numbers in Turkey still active?
According to this guide, as of 2023, 112 is the main unified emergency number, but older lines such as 110, 155, 156, 158, and 122 are still open for calls.
Which number should foreigners call in Turkey for language support?
157 is the Foreigners Contact Center. It is particularly useful for tourists and foreigners who need guidance and may have difficulty communicating in Turkish.
How can I make a hospital appointment in Turkey?
You can use 182, the Central Hospital Appointment System line. This service allows you to access hospital services and make an appointment by choosing a doctor and hospital.
Which number is used for disasters such as earthquakes and floods?
122 is the Disaster and Emergency (AFAD) Call Center number mentioned in this article. It is an important contact in cases involving public safety and humanitarian emergencies.
