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Turkey — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Turkey is 9,000,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Turkey is 12.52 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Turkey ranked at No. 141

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Turkey ranked at No. 522

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Turkey is 0.04 per 100 people

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Turkey is reported to be 3,000,0001

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In Turkey, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 11,4693

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Turkey, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 2,483,5023

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 538,3993 handguns in civilian possession in Turkey

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Turkey are reported to have 4,386,0004 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Turkey are reported to have 232,4005 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Turkey, annual homicides by any means total

2006: 2,9996
2005: 3,082
2004: 2,7697
2003: 2,727

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Turkey, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2008: 2.908
2007: 3.20
2006: 4.066
2005: 4.22
2004: 3.947
2003: 3.83

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Number of Gun Homicides

ChartIn Turkey, annual firearm homicides total

2006: 5356
2005: 491
2004: 5397
2003: 538

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Turkey, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2006: 0.726
2005: 0.67
2004: 0.777
2003: 0.76

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Number of Suicides (any method)

In Turkey, annual suicides by any means total

1996: 1,4159

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Turkey, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1996: 1.989

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Turkey, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence3

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Turkey is ranked 'medium'10

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Turkey, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 11

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Turkey is reported to be US$96,832,24712 (2009)13 14

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Turkey is categorized as 'minor'15 14

Import Control

In Turkey, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 11

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Turkey is reported to be US$23,888,99612 (2009)

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Turkey is reported to be US$90016

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Turkey, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law11

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Turkey was ranked number 31 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 9.25 points of a possible total of 2517

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Turkey is categorised as restrictive18

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Turkey are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior3

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Turkey, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms and semi-automatic firearms19

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Turkey, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited19

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Turkey, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited19

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Regulation of Handguns

In Turkey, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence19

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Turkey, only licensed gun owners20 21 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Turkey are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security3

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Turkey is 21 years21

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Turkey must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, domestic violence, medical, and addiction21 22 23 records

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Turkey stipulates3 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Turkey gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 5 years24

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Licensing Records

In Turkey, authorities maintains a record19 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Turkey, the law requires25 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Turkey, licensed firearm dealers are required19 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Turkey, licensed gun makers are required25 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Turkey, State agencies are required26 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Turkey do not include24 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Turkey include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Turkey, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law25 25

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Firearm Tracing

In Turkey, state authorities carry out25 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Turkey, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit24

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Turkey, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 3 years and a fine24

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Turkey was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office27

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Turkey voted to begin28 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified29 by Turkey

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Turkey committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects30

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Turkey has submitted one or more national reports31 11 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Turkey, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated32 11

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Turkey submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent11

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been donated11 by Turkey to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Turkey has declared1 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Turkey has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194533

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists34 Turkey as a Participating State
Last Updated on 18 March 2012

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

6.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

8.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Europe and Central Asia, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3816)Full Citation

9.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

10.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

11.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

12.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

13.

Berman, Eric.2011.‘Small Arms Transfers: Exporting States.’ Weapons and Markets.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,25 October. (Q5982)Full Citation

14.

Herron, Patrick, Jasna Lazarevic, Nic Marsh and Matt Schroeder.2011.‘Top Exporters and Importers of Small Arms in 2008.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5983)Full Citation

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Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

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World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

17.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

18.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

19.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5375)Full Citation

20.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5387)Full Citation

21.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5426)Full Citation

22.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5382)Full Citation

23.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5383)Full Citation

24.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5448)Full Citation

25.

Turkey.2008.‘Marking, Record-keeping and Tracing of SALW.’ National Report of Turkey on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations,1 April. (Q4689)Full Citation

26.

Turkey.2008.‘National Procedures for Stockpile Management and Security.’ National Report of Turkey on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations,1 April. (Q4690)Full Citation

27.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

28.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

29.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

30.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

31.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

32.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

33.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

34.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation