In Turkey and Northern Cyprus, a () is a share taxi that runs set routes within and between cities.
This system was devised first in 1929, after the Great Depression. The name is derived from Turkish for "seemingly stuffed", in reference to how the vehicles were often filled to the brim. When it was first devised, they used taxi vehicles and did not depart until all seats were full, hence the name. At some locations they depart from the terminal only when a sufficient number of passengers have boarded.
In some cities, are only allowed to board and disembark passengers at designated stops or terminals. In less busy locations, passengers may board anywhere along the route. In fact, a with empty seats may slow down to pick up more passengers. In some cities, to prevent extremely slow travel, intermediate stop timings of dolmuà Âlar are regulated more like a regular bus on a latest allowable arrival basis.
In Turkey the vehicles used are either brand-new (or old) minibuses or light commercial vehicles cosmetically (such as extra lights) and functionally modified to take more non-sitting passengers and even a second door at the rear sometimes. but in some parts of Cyprus â â aging Mercedes-Benz stretch limos serving as can still be seen.
In Turkey the industry is regulated under an apportionated registration scheme. Despite the meaning of their name, laws prevent these minibuses from becoming too crowded. In ðzmir and some other cities, standing passengers are not allowed; in ðstanbul and some other cities, they are. In Turkish controlled Northern Cyprus, routes are leased under an apportionated registration scheme and vehicles are licensed.
In 2024, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality started trialing minibuses using a contactless smart card system for payment instead of cash.