Turkey prison capacity reaches 142 percent occupancy

Data from the Turkish Ministry of Justice's General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses reveals a significant overcrowding crisis in the country's correctional facilities. As of August 3, 2026, the total inmate population reached 433,520, exceeding the total capacity of 304,278 by approximately 129,242 people, representing an occupancy rate of roughly 142 percent.

The inmate population consists of 368,293 convicts and 65,227 detainees. Demographic breakdowns show that 4,636 children aged 12-18 are currently held in prisons, while 6,869 individuals are aged 65 or older. The largest age group is between 18 and 40, accounting for approximately 65 percent of the total population.

Reports also highlight a decline in living conditions, noting that the floor space available per convict has decreased from 29.2 square meters in 2023 to 24 square meters in 2025. Of the total population, approximately 85 percent are convicts and 15 percent are detainees. The population is distributed between 122,619 individuals in open prisons and 310,901 in closed prisons.