Turkish Fire Code (BYKHY) for International Projects

Author: Fikret KIR – FK SOLUTION Fire Engineering & Consultancy

Content type: English Knowledge Centre / Technical Article

The core fire-safety regulation for buildings in Turkey is the Binaların Yangından Korunması Hakkında Yönetmelik, commonly referred to as BYKHY. For international project teams, the important point is that NFPA or EN documents used in the project do not automatically replace mandatory Turkish requirements.

The most effective approach is to create a project-specific compliance matrix that maps the building use, height, occupancy, egress, compartmentation, active systems, smoke control and fire-fighting access against each relevant source. This makes conflicts visible early, before they become construction-stage redesign issues.

The Ministry’s BYKHY guidance document is useful for interpretation and examples, but it should be treated as guidance rather than a substitute for the regulation itself.

Start with Building Classification

• Use / occupancy classification
• Building and structure height
• Number of storeys and basements
• Occupant load and occupant characteristics
• Special uses such as car parks, kitchens, warehouses, technical rooms and hazardous areas

Then Review the Five Fire-Safety Layers

1. Means of Escape – Exit number, travel distance, exit width, stairs, lobbies and door arrangements.

2. Passive Fire Protection – Compartment walls/floors, fire doors, shafts, penetrations, façade and structural fire resistance.

3. Active Fire Protection – Sprinklers, hydrants, hose systems, fire pumps, detection and alarm.

4. Smoke Management – Pressurisation, smoke exhaust, natural ventilation and system cause-and-effect.

5. Fire-Fighting Access – Vehicle access, fire service connections, hydrants and intervention routes.

How to Handle Differences Between BYKHY and NFPA

Do not resolve differences informally at discipline level. Record the issue in the compliance matrix, identify which requirement is statutory and which is contractual, assess whether the higher or more conservative requirement can be applied without creating another conflict, and document the agreed design basis. Where authority interpretation is required, obtain it before the design is locked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NFPA mandatory for every project in Turkey?

No. It may be referenced by the project, employer, insurer or specific regulation, but the applicability of each standard must be established project by project.

Can BYKHY and NFPA both apply?

Yes. International projects commonly use Turkish mandatory requirements together with NFPA or EN criteria. The key is disciplined coordination.

Is the BYKHY guidance document legally equal to the regulation?

No. It is a guidance document. The regulation remains the controlling legal text where there is a conflict.