Right to Information (FOI)

1. What Is the Right to Information and What Does It Mean?
The right to information is a legal right that enables individuals to access information and documents held by public institutions and organizations as a result of their activities. Through this right, citizens can obtain information on matters that directly concern them as well as topics they are curious about, thereby enhancing transparency, democratizing access to information, and strengthening public participation in governance.

 

2. Who Can Benefit From This Right?
Not only citizens of the Republic of Türkiye, but also legal entities such as associations, foundations, and companies may exercise this right. Foreign nationals may also benefit under the conditions set out in the law.

 

3. May Information Be Requested From Any Institution?
Yes. All public bodies—including ministries, universities, municipalities, the Central Bank, ÖSYM, RTÜK, and Police Directorates—are obliged to accept right-to-information applications. Professional bodies having the status of public institutions (e.g., bar associations, medical chambers, chambers of architects) are also covered. Many institutions provide online application forms on their websites. For example, one may request university student numbers, the number of passports issued nationwide, or traffic-accident statistics for a given region.

 

4. On What Subjects May Information Be Requested?
Except for statutory exceptions, institutions are obliged to meet information requests and to conclude applications promptly, effectively, and accurately. This right enables citizens to access many types of information they need or are curious about.

 

5. Are Institutions Required to Provide Every Piece of Information?
No. The right to information is limited in certain areas. State secrets, matters affecting national security, documents pertaining to judicial/administrative investigations, trade secrets, and personal data/privacy are excluded. If requested documents contain confidential parts, those parts are redacted and the applicant is informed with reasons. Information already published on an institution’s website or announced to the public is not re-provided. Requests that would require the institution to conduct a special research or analysis may also be rejected (e.g., “How many apricot trees are there in Malatya?”).

 

6. How Is an Application Made?
Applications may be submitted to the relevant institution in writing, electronically, or via other communication means. Applications must include the applicant’s name, surname, signature, and address. Most institutions provide ready-to-use online forms. Staff assigned to right-to-information duties are obliged to assist applicants throughout the process.

 

7. How Soon Must an Application Be Answered?
Institutions must respond within fifteen (15) days at the latest. Responses are delivered in writing by post or electronically. If the request is rejected, the response must include the reasons for rejection and information on appeal avenues.

 

8. What If No Response Is Given or the Response Is Ambiguous?
If an application is rejected, the applicant may appeal within fifteen (15) days to the Board of Review of Access to Information (BEDK). The Board must decide within thirty (30) days. If the Board also rejects the application, the applicant may file a lawsuit with the Council of State (Danıştay) within sixty (60) days.

 

9. Is There a Fee for Applications?
By law, only the cost of reproduction/production of information or documents may be charged. In practice, because most applications are made electronically and responses are delivered likewise, no fee is usually charged.

 

10. What Is the Legal Basis for the Right to Information?
In Türkiye, the right to information is guaranteed by the Law on the Right to Information (Law No. 4982).