According to local stories in parts of Türkiye, there has long been a curious practice discouraging the transport of live turtles across certain bridges. This unofficial custom, said to originate from regional beliefs about protecting freshwater wildlife, discourages moving turtles over bridges that span natural habitats like rivers or streams. The idea is to prevent disturbances to the turtles’ natural migration and breeding behaviors, which some locals believe are disrupted by the noise and vibrations vehicles cause while crossing. While there is no confirmed national law explicitly banning such transport, these practices are sometimes respected informally to support nature conservation. This unusual restriction reflects broader Turkish cultural respect for wildlife and nature, highlighting the way local customs can influence transport habits in surprising ways. Whether strictly adhered to or more of a charming folklore, this notion emphasizes a community’s connection to its natural environment and their efforts to preserve local species through unusual means.
Source / verification note
Based on regional anecdotes and local conservation stories; no official legislative confirmation found.