Prison population rate in Turkey at a record high: Approximately 504 out of every 100,000 people are in prison
According to a chart shared by economist İnan Mutlu, the prison population rate in Turkey reached 503.2 per 100,000 as of August 2026.
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The prison population rate in Turkey has reached the highest level in its historical series, according to the latest data shared. In a chart published by economist İnan Mutlu, the ratio of the number of people in prison to the total population was shown as 503.2 per 100,000 people as of August 2026.
When expressed in a more understandable way for the public, this rate means that approximately 504 out of every 100,000 people are in prison. While the source of the data in the chart is stated as the Ministry of Justice, it is noted that the 2026 figures belong to the month of August.
According to the shared series, the prison population rate in Turkey was 162.7 per 100,000 in 2009. In the following years, the general trend was upward; the increase became more pronounced from the mid-2010s, and the rate moved to higher levels in the 2020s.
Following the decline seen in 2023, a sharp rise in 2024 draws attention in the chart. It is observed that the increase continued in 2025, and the peak of the series was reached in 2026 with 503.2.
The prison population rate is considered one of the key indicators showing the weight of the number of detainees and convicts in a country relative to the total population. For this reason, the increase in the rate also brings discussions regarding the criminal justice system, enforcement policies, detention practices, and prison capacity to the agenda.