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Decisions to be Made by the Next of Kin
 

Turkish law provides that remains must be interred as quickly as possible, sometimes as soon as 24 hours following death. The following paragraphs explain the options you have for making your decisions regarding the disposition of your loved one’s remains.

Costs for all options will vary depending on from where the remains must be transported and the quality of casket desired. The varying exchange rate of the U.S. Dollar and the Turkish Lira will also affect these costs. Please note that all costs listed here are estimates and subject to change.

You have two options regarding the disposition of your loved one's remains. You may have the remains buried in Turkey, or you may have the remains embalmed and shipped to another location (such as the United States).  Cremation of remains is not permitted in Turkey.

  • Interment in Turkey: The cost for burial in Turkey ranges from $1000 for burial without embalming in a common grave to $6000 for burial with embalming in a private cemetery upon receiving permission from local authorities.
  • International Shipment of Remains: The cost for embalming, preparation, documentation, and air shipment of remains to the United States is approximately $4500-$7,000.

Preparation and air shipment are carried out in accordance with the laws of and facilities available in Turkey and, in some cases, the services fall short of those expected in the U.S. For example, embalming is not customary in Turkey, and storage facilities are generally inadequate outside of major cities. We recommend that you ask your home town funeral director to determine the advisability of viewing the remains.

Your loved one's remains will need to be received in the U.S. by a licensed funeral home. You will need to make arrangements for receipt with your home town funeral director.

If the deceased was a retired member of the United States Armed Forces, please let us know so we can put you in touch with the appropriate service's Office of Mortuary Affairs in the United States.

Burial flags are available from the Veteran's Administration for most veterans who were honorably discharged. Contact the VA through their website for details.