How to Use a Turkish Toilet: A Practical Guide for Tourists
When traveling through Turkey, especially outside of big cities and luxury hotels, you will likely encounter a Turkish toilet (also called a squat toilet). For many tourists accustomed to Western-style sitting toilets, the experience can feel confusing or intimidating at first. But with some preparation, cultural awareness, and the right technique, you’ll find it both manageable and—many argue—more hygienic, healthier, and even more eco-friendly. This expanded guide not only explains how to use one but also shares deeper cultural context, frequent mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies for adapting with confidence.
Table Of Content
What Is a Turkish Toilet?
A Turkish toilet is a ceramic or porcelain fixture set into the floor, unlike a Western toilet that is raised. You use it by squatting instead of sitting. Most designs feature footrests or ridges to guide proper positioning and balance. Instead of toilet paper as the primary cleaning method, many Turkish toilets offer a water source—either a hose, tap, or bucket—for personal hygiene. This reflects cultural traditions where water is considered more effective and sanitary than paper alone.
Turkish toilets are common in rural areas, traditional neighborhoods, train stations, small eateries, gas stations, and older public facilities. Meanwhile, modern Western toilets dominate in airports, malls, hotels, and tourist hotspots. Being prepared for both types will make your travels smoother and less stressful. The ability to adapt is part of experiencing Turkey authentically.
Step-by-Step: How to Use It
- Prepare 🧻
Carry tissues, toilet paper, or wet wipes, as many facilities don’t supply them. Bring a small hand sanitizer or soap. Seasoned travelers often keep a dedicated pouch with a compact hygiene kit, including a small plastic bag for used tissues, a mini flashlight for poorly lit restrooms, and even a travel bidet bottle. - Adjust Your Clothing 👖
Roll up pant legs or raise long skirts so they don’t touch the wet floor. Remove items from your pockets (phones, keys, passports) to avoid accidents. If wearing a backpack, take it off to prevent tipping backward while squatting. Some travelers carry a carabiner to hang bags on a stall door if hooks aren’t available. - Position Your Feet 👣
Place your feet on the ridges, shoulder-width apart. Keep heels flat for balance. Beginners may use walls or pipes for light support. Good footwear with grip is essential, as wet floors can be slippery. - Squat Down 🧎♂️
Lower yourself slowly, bending at the knees and leaning slightly forward. Engage thigh muscles for balance. This squatting posture, though unfamiliar for many, is considered natural in much of the world and can even support healthier digestion. - Do Your Business 🚻
- 💧 For urination, face the back wall to minimize splashing.
- 💩 For defecation, face forward for better control and balance.
Don’t rush. Relax and focus on balance—over time the posture feels less awkward.
- Cleaning 🚿
Turkish toilets emphasize water-based cleaning. Use a spigot, hose, or bucket to wash front-to-back. If using toilet paper, use sparingly and check whether there’s a disposal bin. In older systems, flushing paper can cause blockages. Many travelers find combining minimal paper with water offers the best of both worlds. - Flush or Clear Waste 💦
Modern squat toilets often include flush mechanisms (buttons, levers, or foot pedals). Simpler ones require pouring water to clear waste. Always leave the toilet clean for the next user—it’s a matter of respect and courtesy. - Stand and Adjust 🧍♀️
Rise carefully to avoid slipping. Adjust clothing, check belongings, and ensure nothing has touched the wet floor. A small pocket mirror can be useful when restrooms lack mirrors. - Wash Your Hands 🧼
Wash thoroughly with soap and water if available. If not, use hand sanitizer. Many Turkish public toilets lack soap, so carrying your own is wise. Bring tissues or a small towel in case paper towels are unavailable.
Etiquette & Tips
- 👜 Always carry supplies: Toilet paper, sanitizer, and wet wipes are invaluable.
- 💧 Pour water first: Adding water before use reduces odor and helps with flushing.
- 🚫 Respect plumbing rules: Do not flush paper unless signs allow.
- ⏳ Be patient: The squat position improves with practice.
- 🧴 Appreciate hygiene: No skin touches shared surfaces.
- 👀 Mind the floor: Stay alert to wet surfaces. Shoes with good grip are key.
- 💵 Carry coins: Many toilets cost 1–5 TL. Small change is handy.
- 🏞️ Prepare for rustic setups: Rural facilities may lack lighting, soap, or locks.
- 🛑 Travel light inside: Leave big bags outside when possible.
- 🥾 Choose good footwear: Waterproof, non-slip shoes will improve comfort.
Additional Cultural Notes
- Gender separation 🚻: Some facilities divide areas for men and women.
- Toilet attendants 🙋: Common in busy restrooms; tipping a small coin shows appreciation.
- Religious context 🙏: In mosques, restrooms are also used for ablution. Be respectful.
- Modern alternatives 🏨: Many urban areas are adding Western toilets, but squat toilets remain widespread.
- Accessibility challenges 👵👶: Children and older adults may need assistance; travelers with mobility issues should plan ahead.
- Eco-friendly aspect 🌍: Squat toilets usually use less water, appealing to eco-conscious travelers.
- Cultural openness 🗣️: Discussing squat toilets is normal in Turkey. Embracing this mindset helps adapt quickly.
Common Tourist Mistakes
- ❌ Bringing too many belongings inside: Risk of items falling or getting wet.
- ❌ Not rolling up clothing: Leads to dirty hems.
- ❌ Overusing toilet paper: Creates plumbing problems.
- ❌ Ignoring disposal signs: Flushing paper when prohibited causes blockages.
- ❌ Rushing: Squatting too quickly can cause imbalance or slips.
- ❌ Avoidance: Skipping water intake to avoid toilets harms health. Adapting is better.
- ❌ Forgetting hand hygiene: Skipping handwashing risks illness.
Traveler Pro Tips
- 🧳 Pack smart: Include sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes, and a scarf that doubles as a privacy shield.
- 🚍 Plan for long trips: On buses or trains, squat toilets are common. Anticipate this.
- 🕰️ Use toilets earlier: Facilities are cleaner in the morning or just after attendants visit.
- 📱 Use offline maps: Search “WC” in apps like Google Maps for nearby facilities.
- 🧍 Practice squatting: Strengthens legs and eases the transition when abroad.
- 🧴 Portable bidet bottles: Lightweight and useful if water sources are unavailable.
- 🌐 Learn phrases: “Tuvalet nerede?” (Where is the toilet?) is essential.
- 🎒 Keep a bathroom kit: A small bag with wipes, sanitizer, and tissues ensures you’re never caught unprepared.
Final Thoughts
Using a Turkish toilet may seem daunting, but it’s an important cultural skill for travelers in Turkey. With preparation, patience, and openness, squat toilets transform from a challenge into an authentic experience. They are hygienic, eco-conscious, and reflective of Turkish traditions. By embracing the unfamiliar, you not only handle practical needs but also gain cultural insight. Over time, you may even come to prefer the simplicity of squat toilets. With this knowledge and preparation, you’ll be ready for any restroom situation Turkey presents—and you’ll walk away with both confidence and a deeper appreciation for everyday Turkish life.