Salinity is one of the major problems to affect plant growth and development in arid and semi arid regions. The reasons of the formation of the salty soil are climatic factors, weathering of parental rocks, oceans and using salty water for irrigation. In this study, the effect of different salt concentrations [0 (control), 75, 150, 225 and 300 mM NaCl] on the germination and early seedling stage of the three safflower (Carthamus tinctori- ous L.) cultivars (Dinçer, Remzibey-05 and Yenice) which are registered cultivars of Turkey were investigated. By the experimental study it was reported that safflower cultivars were negatively affected from different NaCl concentrations at early seedling stages and also, some differences at their salt tolerances to compare each others. Thus, it is suggested that safflower is moderately salt tolerant plant and safflower cultivars may be classified as tolerant (Yenice), moderately tolerant (Dinçer) and sensitive (Remzibey-05) by evaluating results obtained from both stage.