The Civil Society in the Penal System Association (CISST) has published a very interesting interactive "Prisons Map" to facilitate public access to data about prisons in Turkey and North Kurdistan.

The map is available both in Turkish and English, and can be found on the association's website.

The map allows users to search for prisons in various cities by type, model, and campus, providing a detailed view of the facilities across the country.

The map allows users to access detailed information about applications made to the association from prisons since 2014.

As of May 1, 2023, Turkey has 403 penal institutions, including 272 closed prisons, 99 open prisons, 4 juvenile training centers, and several women-only facilities, accommodating a total of 329,151 prisoners, a significant rise from 251,101 in September 2023. This surge has prompted the Ministry of Justice to plan the construction of 12 new prisons next year, following the opening of 41 new facilities over the past two years.

About CISST

Founded in 2006, CISST aims to protect the rights and freedoms of prisoners, one of the most at-risk populations for human rights violations. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that Turkish prisons meet international human rights standards and respect human dignity.

These efforts by CISST to provide transparent and accessible information on prison conditions reflect a crucial step towards greater accountability and improved conditions within Turkey’s penal system.