Advertising Law and Basic Legislation in Türkiye

Commercial advertisements in Türkiye are subject to strict rules for the purpose of protecting the consumer. The legal framework of advertising activities is determined particularly by the following regulations:

  • Consumer Protection Law No. 6502

  • Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices Regulation

  • Binding decisions of the Advertising Board

In line with these regulations, promotions that mislead consumers, contain false information or cause unfair competition are prohibited. The Advertising Board evaluates hundreds of files per year and imposes sanctions on businesses.

Basic Principles of Advertising and Promotion Activities

In order for advertisements to be legal, the following principles must be observed:

  • Accuracy and Honesty: It should contain real information about the advertised product or service.

  • Not to Mislead the Consumer: Price, quality, content or service conditions that may mislead the buyer should not be stated.

  • Comparative Advertising: Directly targeting competitor brands is prohibited if it creates a misleading impression of superiority.

Failure to comply with these rules, especially in hotel and tour packages in touristic cities like Antalya, can have serious consequences.

Local Restrictions on Advertising Practices in Antalya

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and district municipalities impose various restrictions to protect city aesthetics and ensure public order:

  • Sign and Billboard Permits: Businesses must obtain written permission from the municipality before placing signs on the exterior or sidewalk.

  • Historical and Natural Protected Areas: Advertising activities are either completely prohibited or subject to strict rules in protected areas such as Kaleiçi, Yacht Harbor, Perge.

  • Environmental Aesthetics Regulations: Practices such as noisy advertising vehicles and the use of posters in parks may be prohibited by local regulations.

Sector-Based Advertising Restrictions

Health and Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Clinics, hospitals and aesthetic centers cannot advertise their services.

  • Providing leading content based on expertise or patient reviews is prohibited.

  • Doctors sharing their success rates on social media is also subject to penalties.

Educational Institutions

  • It is forbidden to share misleading statistics with exam results.

  • Student images or success stories can only be shared with parental permission.

Food and Beverage

  • Scientific evidence is required for expressions such as “additive-free” and “natural”.

  • Content that includes weight loss promises is particularly scrutinized.

Rules to Follow in Digital Advertising

In Antalya, control is also increasing in digital advertising. The following points should be taken into consideration:

  • Clarity in Social Media Ads: It must be clearly stated that it is an ad. The use of hashtags such as #ad, #collaboration is mandatory.

  • Influencer Collaborations: Promoters must disclose any commercial ties to the product.

  • Hidden Advertising is Prohibited: Advertising text cannot be hidden as news, content or comments.

Most Common Advertising Violations in Antalya

  1. Unrealistic Discount Campaigns:
    When statements such as 70% discount are offered, a penalty is imposed if there is no documentation that the previous price was actually applied.

  2. Business Promotions Without Signboards:
    Illegal signs, posters and audio advertisements are usually removed by municipalities.

  3. Misleading Promises in the Tourism Industry:
    The promotion of hotels with fake images, exaggerated comments and incomplete information is the subject of many complaints.

Sanctions Imposed by the Advertising Board

When the Advertising Board detects a violation, it applies the following sanctions:

  • Administrative Fine: May be increased up to 100,000 TL as of 2025.

  • Stopping the Ad: The content in the broadcast is removed immediately.

  • Repeat Operational Suspension: If the same business continues to commit similar violations, temporary closure may be imposed.

There are many examples of businesses in Antalya facing these sanctions for both digital and physical advertisements.

Ways for Companies to Make Their Advertising Strategies Legal in Antalya

  1. Get Lawyer and Consultant Support:
    Have your advertising texts checked by expert lawyers.

  2. Preliminary Evaluation of Advertising Texts:
    Request a written opinion from the chamber of commerce or municipality.

  3. Archive Social Media Content:
    Keep a screenshot and date of each ad. It will serve as evidence in the appeal process.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a crime to hang signs without permission from the local government?
→ Yes. Using external signs without municipality permission is subject to penalties.

Can I do comparative advertising?
→ Yes, but it must be honest and documented. It is forbidden to humiliate the opponent.

Do I have to state the actual price in the discount ad?
→ Yes. It must be proven that the previous sales price was actually applied.

Are social media ads also monitored?
→ Yes. Both the Ministry of Trade and RTÜK monitor these contents.

What is the advertising limit in the health sector in Antalya?
→ Referral and sharing of patient information are prohibited in the medical profession.

What expressions cannot be included in the advertising text?
→ Expressions without scientific evidence such as “definitive solution”, “guaranteed result” are prohibited.

Recommendations for Businesses Planning Advertising in Antalya

  • Be sure to review municipal regulations. There may be differences based on district.

  • Get professional advice. A lawyer or media law expert will provide guidance.

  • Create advertising strategies based on law, not just marketing.