Phone:
+90 537 430 7573
Email: info@ozansoylulaw.com
Civil Law in Turkey
Civil law forms the backbone of everyday legal life in Turkey. It governs the rights and obligations that arise between individuals, companies, and institutions in the course of ordinary transactions and relationships. For foreign nationals living in, doing business with, or otherwise connected to Turkey, civil law disputes can arise in a wide range of contexts — from unpaid debts and breach of contract to personal injury claims and property damage. Understanding how the Turkish civil law system works, and how to enforce your rights within it, is essential for anyone with meaningful legal or financial ties to the country.
At Soylu Law, we represent foreign nationals in civil law matters before Turkish courts and through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, providing clear English-language guidance at every stage.
We Provide Legal Assistance In:
The Turkish Code of Obligations (Law No. 6098) governs contractual relationships in Turkey and provides a comprehensive framework for resolving disputes arising from agreements of all kinds. Where a party fails to perform its contractual obligations — whether by non-payment, late delivery, or defective performance — the aggrieved party has the right to seek compensation, demand specific performance, or rescind the contract depending on the nature of the breach.
Debt collection in Turkey follows a structured process under the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law (Law No. 2004). Creditors may initiate enforcement proceedings directly through the enforcement offices (icra daireleri) without necessarily going to court first, which can significantly accelerate the recovery of undisputed debts. Where the debtor contests the claim, the matter proceeds to civil litigation before the general civil courts.
Foreign nationals who suffer personal injury in Turkey — whether through a traffic accident, a workplace incident, or another party’s negligence — are entitled to claim compensation under Turkish tort law as codified in the Turkish Code of Obligations. Compensation may cover medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and in serious cases, permanent disability allowances.
Turkish law imposes strict limitation periods on personal injury claims, and the calculation of compensation follows specific statutory methodologies that differ from those applied in many other countries. Early legal intervention is important both to preserve evidence and to ensure that the claim is properly framed from the outset.
Where there is an urgent need to protect legal rights before or during litigation — for instance, to prevent the dissipation of assets or to halt an ongoing harmful action — Turkish civil procedure provides for precautionary measures (ihtiyati tedbir) and precautionary attachments (ihtiyati haciz). These measures can be obtained relatively quickly by demonstrating urgency and the existence of a prima facie legal right, and they can be critical in preventing irreversible harm while the main case is pending.
Civil proceedings in Turkey are conducted entirely in Turkish and follow procedural rules that differ meaningfully from common law systems. Deadlines are strictly enforced, and procedural errors — particularly in the early stages of a case — can have lasting consequences on the outcome.
At Soylu Law, we communicate with our foreign clients in English, ensuring that you understand every step of your case. We handle civil law matters efficiently and transparently, keeping our foreign clients fully informed regardless of where they are located.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are available online for clients located outside Turkey.
Clients can expect a professional, transparent, and results-oriented approach. Each legal matter is carefully analyzed, and clear communication is maintained throughout the process to ensure confidence and trust at every stage.
Our strategy is based on a detailed assessment of each case, considering legislation, case law, and specific circumstances. We aim to develop effective, tailored legal solutions that best serve our clients’ interests.
Our office values contributing to the legal community by promoting legal awareness and staying engaged with current legal developments. We believe in supporting access to justice and upholding professional responsibility.
During the initial consultation, we listen carefully to our clients’ concerns, evaluate the legal situation, and provide clear guidance on possible legal actions, ensuring an informed and confident start to the process.
Confidentiality of All Information
All Data is Carefully Preserved
A Trust-based Relationship
Principle of Constant Communication
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Bulgurlu Mah. Karlıdere Cad. Toygar Sitesi. No:14/4 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Phone: +90 537 430 7573
E-mail: info@ozansoylulaw.com
