No, feeding wild pigeons in Turkey is prohibited under the 2022 Regulation on the Protection of Wild Birds and Their Habitats, enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Violations may incur fines up to ₺5,000 (2026 adjusted rates) and require immediate cessation under municipal ordinances.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Turkey
- Prohibited Activity: Feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) is classified as an unauthorized intervention under Article 7(3) of the 2022 regulation, aligning with EU-adopted biodiversity standards.
- Municipal Enforcement: Local authorities (e.g., Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality) issue supplementary bans via municipal codes, with penalties enforced by park and wildlife inspectors.
- Permitted Alternatives: Only licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers may feed pigeons for conservation purposes, subject to provincial directorate approvals under the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
Non-compliance triggers administrative proceedings under the Environmental Law (Law No. 2872), with appeals directed to administrative courts within 30 days. The 2026 compliance framework emphasizes ecosystem integrity, explicitly excluding urban pigeons from protected species lists to mitigate overpopulation risks.