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Muğla, Turkey

Rules to follow in Muğla

3 laws, restrictions, and customs in Muğla that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Dress code and shoes off at all mosques — including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia

All mosques in Turkey require shoes to be removed, shoulders covered, and knees covered. Women must also cover their hair. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (now an active mosque) are especially strict and guards enforce the rules.

2. Insulting the Turkish nation, state, or president is illegal

Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code criminalises insults to the Turkish nation, the state, or its institutions. Article 299 makes insulting the president a separate offence. Social media posts have led to prosecutions of foreign nationals.

3. Antiquities removal is a serious criminal offence

Removing, buying, or attempting to export archaeological items from Turkey is a criminal offence. This includes seemingly minor items — pottery fragments, tiles, or coins — found near historical sites.

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