Across the globe, various nations exhibit unique toilet customs. It is imperative not to disregard our restroom practices when journeying to unfamiliar lands. During our travels, we might come across an unforeseen and captivating arrangement.
Toilets in Türkiye come in two variations. Firstly, there are alaturka, also known as squad toilets or elephant’s feet. The second type is alafranga, commonly referred to as sit-down toilets. This stark contrast can provide Western tourists with a unique experience. Once accustomed to these diverse toilet styles, some may even consider advocating for their adoption in their home countries. Both types of toilets can be found in urban areas, whereas rural regions and villages typically feature the alaturka style.
In nearly all toilets, you will notice the presence of a designated bin for disposing of toilet paper. It is generally advised not to flush toilet paper down the toilet as it can cause blockages. To prevent any plumbing issues, it is recommended to discard used toilet paper in the provided trash bin.
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Toilets with a Traditional Turkish Design in Türkiye
In Türkiye, traditional Turkish-style toilets, known as alaturka toilets, are favored for reasons related to hygiene and culture. There are scientific articles available that suggest Turkish toilets are positioned in a way that is anatomically correct. However, using a Turkish-style toilet may pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with it. It’s important to exercise caution to prevent items such as phones, wallets, or personal belongings from falling out of your pocket while sitting.
Alaturka toilets are constructed entirely from scratch and are built cost-effectively. Adjacent to the toilet bowl, you can find a faucet or spout pipe for personal cleaning.
Once you become accustomed to it, alaturka toilets are considered the most sanitary and beneficial for one’s health. They can help alleviate pressure in the uterus, particularly for pregnant women. Additionally, they have been found to reduce the risk of conditions like appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer. This is why people in Türkiye choose to sit when using the toilet for both bowel movements and urination.
Western-style Toilets, Also Known as Alafranga Toilets
Following alaturka model, the most commonly used toilet in Türkiye is the alafranga toilet. Alafranga toilets are primarily found in urban areas. In certain households in Türkiye, you can find both toilets. These toilets resemble the ones used in Western countries as they allow users to sit down.
The main difference is that alafranga toilets are equipped with a bidet nozzle or an ablution pipe for personal cleansing with water. The bidet spray nozzle is located within the toilet bowl, typically at the back. In Muslim countries, bidet nozzles or ablution pipes are commonly used as they are considered more hygienic. After cleansing, toilet paper can be used for drying.
In certain places, particularly restaurants and cafes, using these toilets may not be the most sanitary option. This is because people often fail to lift the seat cover while urinating, leading to unsanitary conditions. Most restaurants and cafes provide both types of toilets to accommodate different preferences.
Public Restrooms in Türkiye
When traveling in Türkiye, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to utilize public restrooms. These facilities commonly offer both alafranga and alaturka toilets. Some places provide instructions in both Turkish and English, but it’s useful to be familiar with the following vocabulary just in case:
- Toilet – Tuvalet
- Woman – Kadın
- Man – Erkek
- Lady – Bayan
- Gentleman – Bay
Occasionally, instead of written words, symbols are used to indicate whether a restroom is for women or men. Gender-neutral restrooms are not widely available in Türkiye, although there are a few you may come across.
Individuals with hygiene concerns often prefer alaturka toilets as they require minimal physical contact. Moreover, certain toilets are equipped with a system where a thin layer of plastic covers the toilet surface and changes automatically when a button is pressed. This system aims to maximize hygiene in public restrooms.
Can Toilet Paper Be Flushed in Türkiye?
In Türkiye, it is not encouraged to flush toilet paper as it can potentially lead to pipe blockages. If you come across a sign or table in Turkish, it is highly likely that it instructs you not to flush toilet paper or any other materials down the toilet. Instead, you will find small trash cans in almost every restroom in Türkiye. It is recommended to dispose of toilet paper in these bins whenever possible. However, if there is no accessible trash can in the restroom, the only option may be to flush the paper. Nevertheless, if given the choice, it is strongly advised to dispose of toilet paper in a bin rather than flushing it.
Using a Turkish Bidet: Step-by-Step Guide
As mentioned previously, a Turkish bidet is a convenient system designed for post-toilet cleaning. It typically consists of a small pipe situated at the back of the toilet, which connects to a water supply.
- Locate the valve – Look for the valve positioned near the toilet, typically on the side. It allows you to control the bidet’s water flow.
- Open the valve – Turn the valve to the right (or left in some toilets) to initiate the water flow. This will cause water to pour out from the small pipe, enabling you to clean yourself. Exercise caution when opening the valve, as some bidets may release an excessive amount of water if opened too quickly. It’s advisable to open it gradually to ensure a comfortable and controlled flow.
- Pre-wipe and post-wipe – Before using the bidet, it’s recommended to use toilet paper to wipe yourself as a preliminary cleaning step. After using the bidet, you may still need to use toilet paper to pat yourself dry.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the Turkish bidet system for a refreshing and hygienic experience. If you are wondering where you can find a toilet when you come to Türkiye, you can use the public toilets. In addition, these are often found in mosques. It is also available in hotels, cafes and restaurants.