Local foods, food-safety habits, hospital daily life, travel during treatment, the health system, language and emergency numbers from reliable sources.
Source: GOV.UK — Turkey
Turkish
Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.
There are state, university and private hospitals, with many specialised centres in large cities. The EHIC is not valid in Turkey — visitors need travel insurance.
Good to know: The official HealthTurkiye portal, run by USHAS together with the Ministry of Health, provides information for international patients. In 2023 Azerbaijan sent 25 patients to Turkey for transplants under a state project.
TurkeyRed lentil soup (mercimek)Well-cooked hot dish
TurkeyMenemen (eggs with tomato)With care: in a safer version
TurkeyTurkish manti (tiny dumplings)Well-cooked hot dish
TurkeyKarniyarik (stuffed aubergine)Well-cooked hot dish
TurkeyGrilled kofteWell-cooked hot dish
TurkeyWhite bean stew (kuru fasulye)Well-cooked hot dish
TurkeySutlac (baked rice pudding)Well-cooked hot dishWherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.
In many hospitals in this region a family member stays with the patient to help with daily care, and families often bring food from home. With low immunity, agree with the ward which food can be brought and how it should be prepared and stored. Fewer visitors, and none who are unwell, lowers the risk of infection.