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Volunteer and work in Turkey - low cost travel abroad - Workaway

Here at Workaway you will find 500+ hosts and organisations for volunteer work in Turkey.
Low cost travel without having to pay expensive agency fees.


Travel to regions in Turkey

Last minute volunteer opportunities

Here you will find 6 last minute opportunities for volunteering in Turkey from Hosts that have indicated that they require help immediately.

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Feedback from Workaway members

There are 2533 reviews for 318 Hosts and organizations in Turkey.
318 Hosts in Turkey were rated at least 4.8/5!

We stayed with Erel and Selma (and Kirmizi!) for two weeks. We helped do some construction around the campsite which we really enjoyed! The location i...

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I spent a full month in this farm as my first farming workaway experience and WOW I could't ask for a better first impression!!! I instantly got hook...

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Thank you for a wonderful time in Fethieye. I stayed 3 weeks. I felt very welcome. Its a beautiful place and everybody is so friendly. Its a nice Hote...

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I've been hosted for two weeks in this beautiful place this February, with other 4 volunteers. I have to say that the place is stunning, the Academy i...

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This is my luck meeting this family in Bursa. They are close and sweet. Ezig is a charming lady and her husband Emrah is also involved in housework an...

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Popular Hosts and organizations in Turkey

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Turkey

Turkey is a destination like no other. It’s where the allure of Europe mingles with the charm of Asia, where ancient history collides with contemporary art and where towering volcanoes meet sun-kissed coastlines. As the 6th most visited country in the world, let’s discover why volunteering in Turkey will be an unforgettable adventure.


Reasons to Volunteer in Turkey

  • Historical Crossroads
    Turkey is where East meets West, so it’s home to some of the world's most iconic historical sites. From the ancient city of Ephesus with its remarkably preserved Roman architecture to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, where you can take a hot air balloon over underground cities. With so much history and culture on your doorstep, you’ll never get bored of this epic country!

  • Culture on The Coast

    Craving some sunshine, sea and sand? Located along the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Or head for the Aegean coast where the Bodrum Peninsula is famous for its charming villages, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of beaches.

    Located in the Fethiye area on the southwest coast of Turkey, Oludeniz is known for its striking Blue Lagoon. The region is also a haven for water sports enthusiasts and paragliders, who take off from the nearby Babadag Mountain.

    These destinations all have a demand for volunteers who want to celebrate the sea through environmental projects, boating and sailing, marine conservation and more!

  • Turkish Treats
    Turkish cuisine is an adventure in itself! Savour the diverse flavours of dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight. Don't miss street food gems like simit (sesame-crusted bread rings) and kokoreç (spiced lamb intestines), offering a celebration of flavours you won't find elsewhere.

    Best of all, Workaway is one of the best ways to eat your way around the world! This is because you don’t just get to eat like a local, but you can learn how to cook from a local too, especially if you choose a homestay or farmstay experience.

  • Hospitality and Warmth
    Turkish people are known for their warm hospitality. By living with locals, you'll experience the famous Turkish charm which immediately makes you feel welcome and makes goodbyes so hard. Volunteering with community projects, schools and even hostels will show you just how wonderfully welcoming the Turkish people are.

  • Island Hopping
    Many people don’t realise Turkey has over 500 islands and islets! This includes the car-free archipelago of Princes’ Islands just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, to the cobbled streets of Gökçeada, where olive groves are lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

    It’s also quite straightforward to island hop from Turkey to Greece where we have hundreds of hosts waiting for you! For example, Samos is very close to the Turkish town of Kusadasi, and there are frequent ferry services. Head to Chios from Cesme and Izmir, Rhodes from Marmaris and Fethiye or even Kos which is another popular Greek island with ferry connections from Bodrum and Turgutreis.


Is Turkey safe?

Turkey has been through it all - a coup attempt in 2016, terrorist attacks, the military operation into neighbouring Syria and the devastating earthquake that shook the nation in February 2023. It’s understandable to question, is Turkey safe?

The short answer is yes. Nearly 44.56 million foreign tourists visited Turkey in 2022, an 80% increase from the previous year, according to figures released by Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Tourism is the third biggest income for Turkey’s economy, with a significant portion of the population relying on the industry to make a living. This means the government has worked tirelessly to ensure visitors are welcomed safely, with security high on their list of priorities.

Unfortunately, however the government can’t control mother nature and nearly 20 earthquakes of magnitude greater than 7 have struck Turkey in the past century. On February 4, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Turkey, causing widespread destruction and officially, killing tens of thousands.

The earthquake mainly affected the provinces of Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Kilis, Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye, and Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa which are located in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey, Malatya and Elazığ located in the Eastern Anatolia region as well as the provinces of Hatay and Adana located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

While the earthquake is an unprecedented tragedy, the country is recovering and rebuilding quickly. Although this means your help is appreciated now more than ever! The majority of regions (70 provinces out of 81) are already more than safe for visitors. As with any travel destination, read our safety tips, exercise caution and stay informed about any potential risks.


Regional Highlights of Turkey

To help you plan your time volunteering in Turkey, the country is divided into seven regions. Four of the regions are named according to their proximity to the nearby seas, while the other three are named after their position in Anatolia.

Anatolia (also called Asia Minor) is essentially the Asian region of Turkey. The European part of Turkey which stretches from the Western shores of Dardanelles to the Black sea North of Istanbul is known as “Thrace.”

You can use these regions to find the perfect base for your Turkish travels, and then browse over 600 Workaway hosts in Turkey!

Eastern Anatolia

Although it covers around 20% of Turkey's landmass, this region is home to just 7.4% of the population, making it the least densely populated. Perfect for those who want to escape the crowds! The region shares borders with the Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Southeastern Anatolia Regions. Along with Georgia (one of the most underrated countries in the world) Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, making it a gateway to more diverse cultures and volunteer opportunities.

The landscape is a tapestry of lakes, mountains (many of them volcanoes), rivers, and plateaus. It can get super cold in this region, with a long hard winter, where snow usually lies from November until the end of April. The average temperature in winter is -13°C and in summer 17°C.

Speaking of cold, if you’re into skiing, you should definitely check out the Palandöken Ski Center in Erzurum. You can go there from the first snowfall in November until roughly June. Not only is it just 15 km away from the airport, but it is amongst the most dramatic slopes in the country and has insane views! We even have a few hosts in search of volunteers with skiing skills, simply use “ski” as a keyword when searching for your Workaway host in Turkey.

Highlights of the region also include Kars, known for its intriguing Russian architecture and Ani, the "city of 1001 churches," near the Armenian border. Mount Ararat, which is Turkey's highest peak at 16,945 feet (5,165 metres) can also be found in the region. Fun Fact: it is believed Ararat was where Noah's Ark came to rest at the end of the Flood!

As well as the tallest peak, don’t miss Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, and the largest saline soda (alkaline) lake in the world. It was actually formed from the explosion of Mount Nemrut Volcano and over time the crater filled with water. Due to the alkalinity, the only fish that can survive there is the pearl mullet, which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth!

Central Anatolia

Central Anatolia, home to Turkey's capital, Ankara, offers diverse experiences with hot summers, snowy winters, and four distinct seasons. It's the country's second-largest region, yet only 16% of the population resides here, making it less crowded than other areas.

You may be familiar with this region thanks to the Instagram favourite - Cappadocia! Famous for hot air balloon rides, cave houses, fairy chimneys, underground cities, and more. Be prepared though, it is more expensive than many places throughout Turkey given that it is such a tourist hot spot. We do have a handful of hosts near Cappadocia if it's your dream to tick those balloons off your bucket list without spending big bucks.

However, other highlights include Çatalhöyük, one of Turkey's earliest settlements, dating back to 7,500-5,700 BC. Or step back in time in the colourful Odunpazarı District in Eskişehir. With its traditional houses, fountains, and squares, it's a photo opportunity not to be missed. Finally, Konya, home to the Sufi order often known as the Whirling Dervishes. It's a spiritual practice where participants spin gracefully in a trance-like state dressed completely in white.

Blacksea

The Black Sea Region runs along Turkey’s Black Sea coast, bordering Georgia to the northeast. It's lined with seaside towns and relatively undeveloped beaches.

This region is lush and green with an annual rainfall of approximately 780 mm per year. This means the fertile landscape and humid climate make it ideal for agriculture including growing tea and dairy farming. It is actually in this region where cherries originate and about 70% of the world’s production of hazelnuts!

Fancy learning more about farming here? Search for farmstays in the region where you will be surrounded by nature, delicious food and friendly faces all day long. In particular, Trabzon and Rize. Both are particularly popular for their production of hazelnuts and tea as well as permaculture and eco-tourism.

Heading inland, mountainous terrains are home to many small plateau communities, some of which don’t even have internet! This means it's perfect for giving off grid living a chance. The high-altitude Kackar mountain range contains holiday hotspots like Uzungol, Ayder Plateau and Sumela Monastery. Other notable places include Amasya, home to the Pontic King’s tombs and Bolu, a renowned natural beauty area.

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Region of Turkey is probably one of the most popular tourist regions. With its beautiful views and blue water beaches, it's no wonder this region is nicknamed the Turkish Riviera.

Fethiye and Antalya are major hubs, while smaller towns like Kalkan, Kas, and Side shouldn’t be overlooked. The region offers a perfect year-round climate which attracts expats as well as digital nomads who are ready to work and play.

Anyone visiting Turkey for the great outdoors will recognise this region for its adventure sports, or for Belek, the country’s golfing capital. For history buffs, the Mediterranean is a treasure trove, featuring UNESCO sites like the Titus Vespasianus Tunnel in Hatay and the Ancient City of Sagalassos in Burdur.

Aegean

Welcome to the Aegean region, a summer paradise along Turkey's western coast that also boasts the country’s longest coastline. Expect a Mediterranean climate meaning hot and dry summers but cool and wet in the winter.

This region is a hot spot for locals and foreigners alike, especially the glamorous Bodrum peninsula, where mega yachts anchor in the sparkling Aegean Sea. Perfect if you’re searching for a sailing or boating volunteer experience!

In this region you’ll also find Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. Its highlights include the historic Konak Square, ancient Agora ruins, vibrant Kemeralti Bazaar, and the stunning seafront promenade. Nearby, charming villages like Alacati are famed for their whitewashed houses and world-class windsurfing if you’re feeling adventurous. Adventure-seekers may also enjoy Ulubey Canyon, the second-longest canyon in the world, offering thrilling rock climbing opportunities.

As you explore, don't miss Aydin's delectable olives and world-renowned figs, best enjoyed fresh in early summer. Better yet, why not pick your own and learn about the precious agricultural industry in this region with a farmstay!

Marmara

Despite being the second smallest region in terms of land area (only 8.5%), it is the most densely populated, with around 30% of Turkey’s population living here. Situated along its European border are Greece and Bulgaria while its Asian border connects with the Black Sea, Western Anatolia, and the Aegean Regions. The region is named after the Sea of Marmara, a sea entirely within Turkey's borders that divides the European and Asian parts of the country.

At the heart of the Marmara region is Istanbul, often considered Turkey's heartbeat. This enchanting city is often nicknamed the bridge between Asia and Europe as it makes it possible to have breakfast on one continent, then lunch on the other! Did we mention we have over 100 Workaway hosts in Istanbul alone!

Beyond the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, the Marmara region offers a wide range of experiences. Fancy a spot of skiing? Uludag National Park (just south of Bursa) is one of Turkey’s favourite Winter Sport destinations.

Skiing not your vibe? There’s still so much to explore! Wine enthusiasts can explore vineyards in the Tekirdağ Province, while history buffs will discover ancient sites peppered throughout the region. For those seeking nature's wonders, Kocaeli and Balıkesir Province present a wealth of natural attractions, from bird sanctuaries to pristine beaches and rejuvenating hot springs.

Southeastern Anatolia

Southeastern Anatolia, makes up just 8% of Turkey's landmass. It is bordered by the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolian Regions, as well as Syria and Iraq. Due to nearby tensions, this region is often overlooked by visitors, however this doesn’t mean there isn’t lots to explore.

For example, you can discover Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest known human-made temple, dating back 11,000 years. Visit the Pool of Abraham in Şanlıurfa, a significant site for Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Explore Nemrut Mountain, responsible for creating Lake Van's crater, and its UNESCO-listed colossal sculptures that are 8-9 metres tall on the summit!

Diyarbakır is also well worth a visit. The ancient city walls are the second longest walls in the world only after the Great Wall of China. They actually rank 1st in terms of wall height!

The only caveat of the region is that the food is very meat-centric, so vegetarians may struggle a little. Favourite foods include the renowned kebabs as well as world-famous pistachios, a local delicacy often used in baklava.


Volunteering in Turkey

Now you’re clued up on the different regions in Turkey, it’s time to get planning your volunteering adventure. Why have yet another beach holiday surrounded by crowds of tourists when you can be part of an unforgettable cultural exchange?

When you join Workaway, it could not be easier to embrace the hospitable Turkish culture, live like a local and enjoy an authentic experience – all for less than the price of a night in a hotel room!

As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to turn your bucket list into passport stamps. Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy, recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – we can help you find your perfect host. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even bring your kids along for the adventure too!

In exchange for a few hours of volunteering each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation and meals. Whether you want to perfect your skiing skills in Bursa, learn about ecotourism in Cappadocia or windsurf your way around Alacati, with Workaway you can enjoy it all at the click of a button by signing up today!


Making a difference in Turkey

From pomegranates grown on the Mediterranean coast to pistachios in Gaziantep, Turkey is known for its agricultural practices. This means it's the perfect destination for those interested in giving off grid living a chance, an authentic farmstay or learning about permaculture. From cotton to cucumbers, tomatoes to tea there are endless ways you can support local communities with harvesting and distribution.

You’ll also be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery, food and friends you could wish for. If you’re interested in this type of volunteering, simply enter keywords such as “permaculture, eco-farm, olive farm, tea farm, harvest, off grid” into the host keyword box.

Alternatively, if you’re still passionate about protecting the land, but not so keen on farming why not check out our Workaway projects for eco warriors. There are so many ways you can support sustainability in Turkey from marketing behind the scenes to rolling your sleeves up with eco-construction. Like this Workaway duo who helped to build an “Earthship” off grid in rural Turkey.

Rural living not your vibe? Why not look for opportunities supporting community projects or teaching in the exciting cities of Istanbul, Ankara or İzmir. There are also many NGOs and charities who are helping to rebuild lives, homes and businesses after the devastating earthquake.

Perhaps you have skills behind the scenes in areas such as marketing, social media and web design? These are particularly sought after within the tourism industry. Volunteers are in high demand as tourism businesses are fighting for survival after recent years. From volunteering in a hostel to sharing your skills at a surf school, there are many ways you can enjoy Turkey’s famous regions, without the tourist price tag!

While we pride ourselves on being a cultural exchange, Workaway is also a great way to boost your CV, learn a new language and make friends all over the world. With hundreds of hosts at your fingertips, there are so many ways you can share your time and make a difference while enjoying this epic destination.


How to find the perfect host in Turkey

Not only can you search by region and host type, you can also use keywords to find your perfect Workaway host in Turkey. For example, try keywords such as “sailing,” “ crew” or “deck hand” in Marmaris or Bodrum. Try “tea plantation” in the Black sea region or “Teach English” in Istanbul. The options are endless!

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 170 countries.

After Turkey, why not hop over the border to Greece, Georgia or Bulgaria? We have hosts in each of these destinations too! Istanbul in particular is a major hub for international flights making it super easy to continue the adventure.

Turkey offers endless opportunities to create lasting memories and contribute to the community, all amidst its stunning natural beauty, abundant history, and lively cultural scene. Whether you want to support the relief efforts after the earthquake, make your CV sparkle with your teaching skills or simply eat Turkish delight all day long, with Workaway you can do it all!