Maltepe No. 3 L-Type Prison: A Guide for Relatives of Foreign Detainees and Convicts

Maltepe No. 3 L Type Prison Address and Contact Information

It is important to use the full name of the correctional facility when corresponding with the institution, sending money, registering visitors, or performing E-Görüş transactions. Since there is more than one penal institution within the same campus, writing only "Maltepe Prison" may delay the delivery of documents or shipments to the correct institution.

Address and telephone information can be verified via the institution's official contact page . Having the detainee's or inmate's full name as written on their passport, nationality, date of birth, and, if known, institutional or UYAP number ready when making a phone call may facilitate the process. However, due to the protection of personal data and institutional security, detailed information may not be provided to every caller over the phone.

Who is Held in Maltepe No. 3 L Type Prison?

The institution's official presentation page, states that foreign national male inmates and detainees over the age of 18 are accommodated in the Maltepe No. 3 L-Type Closed Penal Institution. It is also possible for a smaller number of Turkish citizens to be present at the institution or for a foreign national to be transferred to another institution.

Therefore, it cannot be said that there is a strict rule such as "all foreigners arrested in Istanbul are sent to Maltepe No. 3." A person's penal institution may change due to factors such as the initial reception institution following the detention order, temporary transfer, relocation for health reasons, security classification, or the jurisdiction where the trial is held.

What Does an L-Type Prison Mean?

The term "L-type" is an institutional classification that describes the architectural structure, security, and accommodation system of the penitentiary institution. A person being held in an L-type prison does not, by itself, mean that the alleged crime is more severe or that they will certainly receive a long-term sentence. Information regarding the charges and the trial is obtained from the prosecutor's office and court case file, not from the type of prison.

Are Maltepe 1, Maltepe 2, and Maltepe 3 the Same Institution?

No. There are multiple institutions within the same penal enforcement institution campus that have different directorates and registration systems. Therefore, the phrase "Maltepe No. 3 L-Type Closed Penitentiary Institution" must be written in full when sending letters, petitions, money transfers, or making visitation applications.

The Difference Between a Foreign Detainee and a Foreign Convict

The fact that a relative is in Maltepe No. 3 Prison does not mean that they have been definitively convicted. While the investigation or trial is ongoing, the person may be a detainee , or they may be a convict serving a finalized prison sentence. This distinction directly alters the legal remedies available.

Detention is not a punishment, but a temporary protective measure. For the continuation of the detention order, there must be concrete evidence showing strong suspicion of guilt, a statutory ground for detention, and proportionality. For general information regarding the stage of the file and the objection to detention, Istanbul criminal law and detention processes can be accessed from our page.

How to Find Out Which Prison a Foreign Relative Is In

Following detention, families sometimes hear that the individual has been sent to Maltepe, but they may not know which specific institution number they are in. Since initial transfer information may change later, current location information must be verified.

Review of the File Through an Attorney

An attorney registered with a bar association in Turkey may examine the investigation or case file within the framework of their legal authority, and ascertain the public prosecutor's office or court file under which the individual was detained, the date of the detention order, and the registered penal institution. A detainee is not required to issue a notarized power of attorney in advance to confer with their defense counsel.

Communication with the Consulate or Embassy

The consulate in Turkey of the state of which the foreigner is a national can assist in verifying the place of detention and establishing consular contact with the individual. It is beneficial for the family to provide the individual's full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, place of detention, and date of last communication during the application.

Direct Communication with the Penitentiary Institution

The family may call the institution switchboard or submit a written application. However, detailed information may not be provided without verifying kinship and identity due to personal data and security reasons. Since there may be multiple individuals with the same name, first and last name alone are often insufficient.

Right to Video Calling in Maltepe No. 3 Prison

At Maltepe No. 3 L Type Closed Penitentiary Institution, within the scope of ACEP, the E-Görüş video and audio calling system is utilized. According to the institution's official E-Görüş announcement, relatives must install the E-Görüş application from the Android or iOS store onto the mobile device containing the telephone number registered in the institution's system.

Video calling is not a free call conducted via WhatsApp, FaceTime, or a similar application. The call is carried out within the scope of the telephone number approved by the prison administration, the day and time determined by the institution, the person's visitation rights, technical infrastructure, and sufficient balance. Family members cannot call the inmate at will; the call is initiated by the convicted or detained person through the institution's schedule.

How to Install the E-Görüş Application?

1. The device using the telephone number reported to the prison and registered in the system is identified.
2. The official E-Görüş application is downloaded from the Android or iOS app store.
3. Verification and registration steps in the application are completed.
4. Ensure that the telephone number is accurate and up-to-date in the prison records.
5. The internet connection is checked to prevent any interruptions during the call.

The institution's announcement states that if the application is downloaded and deleted three times on the same or a different phone, a fourth installation may be denied for security reasons. When such a block occurs, relatives must contact the institution by explaining the reason for deletion and reinstallation. The number announced for the Maltepe 3 E-Görüş unit is 0 (216) 564 66 66, extension 2321. şeklindedir.

What Is the Video Call Duration?

Pursuant to the regulations on telephone and video calls in the penal execution legislation, in institutions where the technical infrastructure is available and as determined by the Ministry, the weekly video or audio call duration is thirty minutes as a rule. This duration may be divided, provided that it does not exceed a total of three calls within the same week.

If the convicted or detained person does not exercise their weekly visitation right, an additional thirty minutes—which cannot be carried over to the following week's telephone call duration—may be added. Thus, the total duration available for that week may reach sixty minutes, and an additional three call rights may be granted for the additional duration. Institutional security, technical programs, disciplinary status, and special limitations in the legislation may affect the application. The utilization of video calling and extended duration by individuals classified under terrorism or organized crime offenses may be subject to the evaluation of the administration and observation board as stipulated by the legislation.

How to Deposit Money for E-Görüş?

In Maltepe 3's official E-Görüş money deposit statement, it is stated that the video and audio call balance is deposited via VakıfBank ATMs using the "Prepaid Card Money Deposit" option. During the transaction, the sender's TR ID number and mobile phone, along with the institutional ID number or TR ID number of the convicted or detained person, are required.

Important distinction: This payment is exclusively for video and audio calls. It is not the same as transfers made to the trust account used by the individual for canteen and other needs. Relatives living abroad who do not have a TR ID number must obtain information from the institution's E-Görüş unit before trying another method.

Open and Closed Visits at Maltepe No. 3 Penitentiary Institution

Convicts and detainees may have open or closed visits with their relatives who are specified in the legislation and registered with the institution. In closed visits, there is a physical separator between the visitor and the detainee or convict. In open visits, however, the meeting takes place in an area designated by the institution for this purpose and in a manner that allows physical contact within security rules.

In general practice, a schedule is made such that one week deemed appropriate by the institution administration is an open visit, and the other weeks of the month are closed visits. However, the type of offense, disciplinary penalties, security assessments, official holidays, and special days may alter the schedule. Therefore, families must, before setting out, check Maltepe 3's open visit and closed visit schedule must check.

What Documents Should Foreign Visitors Prepare?

It is important for foreign national visitors to document their identity and kinship ties. In current visit schedules, foreign visitors coming for the first time may be requested to provide documents such as a passport, a marriage or birth certificate showing kinship, a residence permit if available in Turkey, and a photograph. If the document is in a foreign language, whether translation or certification is required must be inquired from the institution in advance.

• The original passport and, when necessary, a photocopy must be prepared.
• First and last names must match the spelling in the prison records.
• Discrepancies in alphabets and spelling issues in the marriage or kinship document must be clarified in advance.
• It must be checked whether registration on the visitor list and prosecutor's office approval are required.
• It must be taken into account that visits may not be permitted outside the designated days and hours.

The visitation rules of penal execution institutions are applied within the scope of the Regulation on the Visiting of Convicts and Detainees .

How to Send Money to Maltepe No. 3 Penitentiary Institution?

Money can be sent to a foreign detainee or convict held at Maltepe No. 3 L Type Closed Penitentiary Institution. However, the money is not handed directly to the individual; it is credited to the person's name within the institution's inmate trust account system. For a detailed explanation of general money deposit methods, our guide on sending money to a detainee or convict in prison you may review.

The institution's in the official trust account announcement Transactions that can be made via PTT and VakıfBank are explained. As of October 3, 2026, the accounts listed on the official page are as follows:

In the recipient name section, Maltepe No. 3 L Type Closed Penitentiary Institution must be written. In the description section, the full name and surname of the detainee or convict as registered in the institution records, Turkish ID number if available, father's name, and any other identifying information requested by the institution must be stated completely.

Things to Consider When Sending Money

• It is stated on the official page that money transfers via Western Union are not accepted.
• Since sender and recipient information may not be visible, it is requested that money not be transferred to the deposit account via ATM.
• Putting cash inside letters or parcels is prohibited.
• The first and last name must be written completely as they appear in the institutional records.
• The transaction receipt must be kept until the funds are credited to the account.
• Since IBAN and SWIFT details are subject to change, the official institution page should be rechecked prior to each transfer.

The amount deposited into the escrow account and the amount available for spending within the same week are not the same. Canteen and personal expense purchases are subject to the weekly limits of the institution. This distinction is in our guide on prison spending limits and canteen shopping explained in detail.

Can Letters, Clothing, or Packages Be Sent to Maltepe Penitentiary Institution?

One of the ways to communicate with a detainee or convict is by letter. The full name of the prison, along with the individual's name, surname as recorded in institution files, and institutional number (if known), must be written on the envelope. Letters may be inspected within the scope of control rules set forth in penal execution legislation. Items constituting a crime, endangering institutional security, or containing prohibited communication may not be delivered.

The acceptance of clothing and personal items is subject to the institution's rules regarding quantity, type, color, and security. In Maltepe No. 3's property unit statement the types and quantities of accepted clothing are listed. According to the institution's statement, food and beverages are not accepted from the outside, and certain underwear, personal care products, leather goods, shoes containing metal, and similar items are likewise not admitted into the institution.

Since item lists and delivery days are subject to change, families must confirm current rules prior to sending a cargo or making an over-the-counter delivery. Unaccepted items may be returned, withheld from delivery, or incur additional expenses.

Right of Foreign Detainees to Consult with Counsel and Right of Defense

The detention of a foreign national in Türkiye does not eliminate their rights to defense and access to counsel. A detainee may confer with defense counsel without the requirement of a notarized power of attorney. It is a fundamental principle that meetings with counsel take place in an environment where conversations cannot be overheard by others. Except for exceptional circumstances specified by law, the confidentiality of discussions and correspondence conducted for defense purposes is protected.

An attorney's duty is not limited to visiting the prison. In effective criminal defense;

• review of the detention decision and its grounds,
• evaluation of the evidence in the investigation or case file,
• preparation of the objection to detention, release, or judicial control requests,
• notification of the need for an interpreter during statements and hearings,
• ensuring a lawful flow of information with the consulate and family,
• if the conviction has become final, calculation of the sentence execution and research of legal remedies

such procedures are carried out separately. For the scope of criminal proceedings and the execution phase, our criminal law practice area general information can be reviewed.

Can an Objection Be Made to a Detention Decision?

Yes. A detention decision is not a final and irrevocable decision. Factors such as a change in the state of evidence, the absence of a flight risk, fixed residence or family ties, health status, the stage of the proceedings, and the sufficiency of judicial control can be asserted in the specific case. Being a foreign national should not automatically indicate the existence of a flight risk by itself; however, matters such as a passport, address in Turkey, family, and employment ties may be important in the evaluation.

Right to Free Counsel and Interpreter

When the conditions set forth in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK) are met, defense counsel may be appointed by the bar association. A suspect or accused who does not speak Turkish has the right to the assistance of an interpreter in order to understand the charges and the trial proceedings. An unofficial translation by a family member does not substitute for the need for a qualified interpreter during statements and hearings.

Right of Foreign Detainees to Communicate with the Consulate

Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relationscontains important safeguards regarding communication with the consulate in the event of the detention or arrest of a foreign national. Upon the request of the individual concerned, their situation must be notified without delay to the consulate of the state of which they are a citizen, and they must be enabled to communicate with consular officers.

Consular officers may communicate with their citizens, conduct visits, and assist in establishing communication with the family. The consulate may also play a role in matters concerning identity or travel documents. However, a consulate cannot:

• render decisions in place of a Turkish court,
• vacate a detention order on its own initiative,
• conduct the criminal defense in place of private counsel,
• unilaterally terminate a finalized sentence.

Consular support and legal representation are not alternatives to one another, but rather two separate mechanisms serving different functions.

Issues Regarding Healthcare, Communication, or Institutional Practices

If a detainee or convict has a serious health issue, a need for medication, a security risk, or a problem regarding the right to communicate, it is important to put the request in writing, including dates and supporting documents. A petition may be submitted to the prison administration and the relevant Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. If it is believed that a right has been violated due to the actions or operations of the penal institution, application to the enforcement judgeship may be considered depending on the nature of the dispute.

Enforcement Judgeship Law No. 4675governs the basic framework of legal remedies against the actions and operations of penal institution administrations. The filing deadline and the competent authority must be separately calculated based on the date on which the contested action was learned of and occurred.

Can a Foreign Convict Serve Their Sentence in Their Home Country?

A foreign convict with a final and definitive prison sentence may be evaluated for transfer to serve the remainder of their sentence in their country of citizenship, provided that the conditions are met. This process is not the same as "deportation." The purpose of a convict transfer is the continuation of the execution of a final sentence in another state.

The proceedings are conducted in accordance with the conventions to which Turkey and the relevant foreign state are parties, bilateral agreements, and Law No. 6706 on International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters The proceedings. Within the Ministry of Justice, the Bureau of Extradition and Convict Transfer is responsible for central operations in this field.

General Requirements for Convict Transfer

• The conviction decision must be final and definitive,
• The individual must be a citizen of the relevant state or meet the jurisdictional nexus requirement under the convention,
• The act must constitute a crime under the laws of both states,
• A specific sentence duration must remain to be executed,
• The necessary consents of the convict and the relevant states must be present.

are conditions such as these. Different conditions may apply depending on the applicable agreement. Since there is no finalized conviction against a detained person, a transfer of sentenced persons cannot be carried out while the trial is ongoing.

Deportation and Removal Center Process Following Release

The release of a foreign detainee or the completion of a convicted person's sentence does not in any case mean that they will automatically and freely continue to reside in Turkey. Separately from the criminal file, a deportation and administrative detention assessment may be conducted by the Directorate of Migration Management based on public order, public security, residency status, or another legal ground.

A criminal court's decision of acquittal, release, or conviction and a decision to be rendered by the administration within the scope of foreigners law are not the same procedure. Likewise, the existence of a criminal investigation against a person does not automatically result in deportation in every case. The legal grounds of the administration, the individual's current status, family ties in Turkey, health conditions, and the prohibition of refoulement must be additionally examined.

If the deportation decision is served, pursuant to Article 53 of Law No. 6458, the filing period in the administrative court is, starting from the notification, seven days. Therefore, prior to the release date, the migration file of the foreigner and the notifications made to them must be reviewed.

Regarding the subject, lawsuit against deportation decision, removal center and objection to administrative detention, entry ban to Turkey and removal of the restriction code these procedures are examined separately in our articles.

If there is a risk of the death penalty, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment in the country to which the person will be sent, the principle of non-refoulement must also be evaluated. For concrete court practice on this matter, annulment of the deportation decision issued without conducting a country of origin assessment our review can be consulted.

Checklist for Relatives of Foreign Detainees or Convicts

1. Verify the institution information: Do not confuse the Maltepe No. 1, 2, and 3 institutions with one another.
2. Prepare personal information: Record the full name, surname, date of birth, nationality, and passport number as stated in the passport.
3. Find out whether the individual is a detainee or a convicted prisoner: This distinction separates remedies such as objection to detention from convicted prisoner transfer.
4. Identify the court where the case file is located: It does not merely indicate the prison facility information, the charges, and the stage of the lawsuit.
5. Register the E-Görüş (e-conference) number: Do not continuously uninstall and reinstall the application, and deposit the call balance into the correct account.
6. Inquire about the visitation document in advance: Confirm whether translation or approval is required for foreign passports and kinship documents.
7. Do not confuse types of funds: Deposited funds, canteen expenses, and the E-Görüş balance are distinct transactions.
8. Retain receipts and notifications: The dates of money transfers, deportation orders, and other official documents are important.
9. Notify the consulate: If requested by the individual, consular assistance from the state of citizenship may be utilized.
10. Plan for the post-release period: The possibility of deportation and administrative detention must be evaluated separately from the criminal case file.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maltepe No. 3 Penitentiary Institution

Is Maltepe No. 3 Prison a foreign nationals' prison?

According to the official statement of the institution, Maltepe No. 3 L Type Closed Penitentiary Institution houses male foreign national convicted prisoners and detainees over the age of 18. However, not every foreigner is automatically sent to this institution, and Turkish citizens may also be present in the institution.

Where is Maltepe No. 3 Prison located?

The address of the institution is Büyükbakkalköy Mahallesi, Yakacık Yolu Caddesi No:13, Maltepe/İstanbul. Since there are multiple prisons within the campus, the institution number must be specified.

What is the telephone number of Maltepe No. 3 Prison?

The official telephone number of the institution's switchboard is 0 (216) 564 65 31. The published contact number for E-Görüş issues is 0 (216) 564 66 66, extension 2321.

Is there video calling available at Maltepe No. 3 Penitentiary Institution?

Yes. The ACEP E-Görüş system is used within the institution. For calls, the relative must install the E-Görüş application on the registered phone in the system, the number must be approved by the institution, and there must be an available call balance.

Can the family initiate the video call?

No. Family members cannot call the person in prison at any time. Calls take place according to the prison schedule and through the calls initiated by the convicted person or detainee using an approved number.

What should be done if the E-Görüş application is blocked?

According to the announcement by Maltepe 3, uninstalling and reinstalling the application more than three times may result in a security block. In this case, the E-Görüş unit of the institution must be contacted by explaining the reason for the reinstallation.

Can money be sent to Maltepe Penitentiary Institution from abroad?

Methods for sending money via PTT and VakıfBank branches abroad are explained on the official page of the institution. The recipient's name and the identifying information of the detainee or convicted person must be written completely, and current IBAN and SWIFT information must be verified prior to the transaction.

Can money be sent via Western Union?

No. The official deposit money announcement of Maltepe No. 3 Penitentiary Institution explicitly states that money transfers via Western Union are not accepted.

Are the money sent to the prison and the E-Görüş balance the same thing?

No. Deposit money is transferred to the individual's account used for canteen and permitted necessities. On the other hand, the balance deposited for E-Görüş via VakıfBank ATMs is used exclusively for audio and video calls.

Can a foreign family member attend the open visit?

Foreign visitors who meet kinship and identity requirements may attend visits. Prior to the first visit, requirements regarding passports, kinship documents, photographs, residence certificates, and translation must be inquired from the institution.

Can a foreign detainee meet with their consulate?

Yes. Pursuant to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, a detained foreign national may request communication with the consulate of their state of citizenship and may benefit from visits by consular officials.

Can a foreign detainee be sent to their country to serve their sentence there?

Since there is no finalized sentence against the detainee, a prisoner transfer cannot be executed. Once the conviction becomes final, if the conditions under the relevant convention and Law No. 6706 are met, the execution of the remainder of the sentence in the country of citizenship may be evaluated.

Is a foreigner released directly after serving their sentence?

Not always. A deportation order and administrative detention decision may also be issued against the foreign national. In this case, the individual may be transferred to a removal center. The filing period for a lawsuit against the deportation order is seven days from notification.

Conclusion

Maltepe No. 3 L-Type Closed Penitentiary Institution is a facility in Istanbul where adult foreign male detainees and convicts are predominantly held. Relatives must first verify which institution the individual is actually held in, whether they are a detainee or a convict, and which prosecutor's office or court is handling the case.

Video calls, visits, letters, and money remittance procedures are subject to administrative rules separate from the criminal case file. Deposited funds and E-Görüş balances should not be confused; documents of foreign visitors should be checked prior to travel. Detention and defense must be addressed separately under criminal law, while post-release deportation and administrative detention fall under immigration law.

In cases where a foreign national's criminal investigation and immigration status must be evaluated together our immigration law practice area explanations can be reviewed. For the evaluation of case-specific documents the contact page information can be used.