ABSTRACT
An emerging transnational crime problem, human trafficking occurs in almost every part of the world. But as a transit, source, and destination nexus for immigration, Turkey is particularly vulnerable in this regard. Turkey attracts many foreigners who choose to come there for geographical, historical, economic, and political reasons; some of these persons are victims of human trafficking. This article examines the problem of trafficking for sexual exploitation in Turkey and specifically examines victims' characteristics and their decision-making processes. Two primary data sources were used: police-recorded victim interviews (N=430) and formal interviews with key personnel working for the prevention of human trafficking in Turkey (N=18). The majority of victims come to Turkey from countries of the former Soviet Union. Most of the victims interviewed here were single, and the majority had only a primary or secondary school education. These victims reported that they had jobs at home, but most were low-level jobs. The victims were thus attracted to Turkey by job opportunities in the domestic and entertainment sectors. They preferred Turkey instead of the even more developed countries of the West because of the availability and ease of transportation from their countries of origin. The large sex industry in Turkey is able to absorb women who are brought there through the use of various means of deception. It is interesting that despite experiencing previous exploitation and victimization, almost one fifth of the victims reported looking for further opportunities to reenter and to work again in the sex business in Turkey.
