The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul lies to the north of the country and falls in the south-eastern edge of Europe. Home to around 15 million people and entertaining a further 10 million tourists, Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents.
It is a culturally rich metropolis and was the heart of ancient empires from the Roman to the Ottoman. Formerly known as Constantinople, the city is a diverse blend of East and West with rich and colourful buildings, bazaars and people.
Whilst the heart of Istanbul lies firmly in its traditional Turkish roots, it is also welcoming of the modern trappings of the west. It is a fascinating place to spend time and you can find an array of diversions to entertain you, day and night. Prostitution is legal in Turkey and brothels are licensed by the state. Many brothels are closing down and very few new licenses are being issued. Image via Flickr.
The Turkish government is currently a very conservative one with traditional Islamist views and policies. Since , sex workers in Istanbul have been finding it harder to get legal work and there has been a shift towards street and freelance prostitution.
However, sex work on the streets can be inherently dangerous and hookers face prosecution for illegal prostitution. Punishment for any of the following can result in up to four years in prison:. Most brothels in Istanbul are open until More than , prostitutes are thought to operate in the country with Istanbul being a more popular choice for most working girls.
