This paper uncovers the link between economic development and environmental degradation in Turkey by employing two distinct methods. We test the so-called EKC hypothesis for four various outcomes, including carbon dioxide emissions, wastewater, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter by implementing time-series and panel data models. Fully modified ordinary least squares provide an N-shaped linkage between environmental degradation, such as carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth between 1961 and 2014. The random- and fixed-effects models indicate that there exists an N-shaped connection between wastewater and particulate matter quality indicators and economic growth spanning 1992 and 2013. However, we find inverted N-shaped relationship between SO₂ and economic growth over the same period. Our findings urge policymakers in Turkey to take precautions by implementing national policies to fight against pollution to increase environmental quality.