Fact Check: "Turkey is considered as one of most homophobic countries of world or no"
What We Know
Turkey's stance on LGBTQ rights is complex and varies significantly compared to other countries, particularly within the Muslim-majority world. According to a report from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Turkey ranked 39th out of 49 countries in 2013 regarding the protection of LGBTQ rights, but by 2024, it had fallen to 47th place, just above Azerbaijan and Russia (LGBTQ rights in Turkey). This indicates a decline in the legal protections available to LGBTQ individuals.
Historically, Turkey has not criminalized homosexuality since the Ottoman Empire's penal code was reformed in 1858, which removed explicit laws against same-sex relationships (LGBTQ rights in Turkey). However, while homosexuality is legal, LGBTQ individuals face significant societal discrimination and violence. Reports indicate that harassment and violence against LGBTQ individuals are prevalent, with instances of police brutality and societal ostracism documented (LGBTQ rights in Turkey).
The Homophobic Climate Index (HCI), which measures institutionalized and social homophobia, places Turkey in a challenging position, though it does not rank it among the most extreme cases globally (Most Homophobic Countries 2025). The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index also highlights Turkey's mixed environment, where legal protections are minimal, and societal acceptance is low (Most Homophobic Countries 2025).
Analysis
The claim that Turkey is one of the most homophobic countries in the world is partially true. While Turkey does face significant challenges regarding LGBTQ rights, it is essential to contextualize its position relative to other nations. The country has made some strides, such as allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender since 1988, but lacks comprehensive legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ rights in Turkey).
In comparison to countries where homosexuality is punishable by death or severe legal repercussions, Turkey's situation is less severe. For instance, countries like Iran and Afghanistan impose harsh penalties for homosexuality, which places them at the extreme end of the homophobia spectrum (Most Homophobic Countries 2025).
However, the societal attitudes in Turkey remain largely negative, with many LGBTQ individuals reporting experiences of violence and discrimination. The decline in Turkey's ranking in LGBTQ rights over recent years indicates a troubling trend towards increasing homophobia, which supports the notion that Turkey is indeed a challenging environment for LGBTQ individuals (LGBTQ rights in Turkey, Most Homophobic Countries 2025).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the ILGA being a well-respected organization in LGBTQ rights advocacy. However, the subjective nature of societal attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals makes it difficult to quantify homophobia accurately across different cultures and legal frameworks.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. Turkey is not among the most homophobic countries globally when considering legal frameworks and severe penalties for homosexuality. However, it does exhibit significant societal discrimination and a lack of legal protections for LGBTQ individuals, which contributes to a hostile environment. Thus, while the claim holds some truth, it requires careful contextualization.
