Legal Insights
Articles & Legal Guides
Articles and analyses on current legal developments in Turkey, written for foreign residents and investors in Alanya.
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Current Legal Articles
In this section we explain current developments in Turkish law and legal issues frequently encountered in practice in plain language. The articles fall into two groups: summaries of laws, regulations and communiqués published in the Official Gazette that have legal consequences, and in-depth guides that examine a specific topic.
The content is organised into categories: real estate and flat-for-land construction law, family and inheritance law, employment and social security law, criminal law, commercial and company law, immigration law, and administrative and environmental law. Decisions of the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights, together with Court of Cassation case law, are covered separately, and each article links directly to the official source of the rule discussed.
Reflecting the economy of Alanya and Antalya, particular attention is given to tourism, construction, foreign trade and the acquisition of property by foreigners. The aim is to help you see in advance what you may face and which deadlines matter before you enter a legal process.
All articles are for general information only and do not replace a legal opinion or legal services on a specific matter. Since every dispute has its own circumstances, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before taking any action.
Non-Pecuniary Damages for Insult Cases Dismissed After Pre-Payment: Criteria Applied by the Civil Court
A pre-payment in an insult case leading to dismissal or non-prosecution does not extinguish the right to non-pecuniary damages, but it is not sufficient on its own either. The civil court’s criteria, the criminal law assessment and recent decisions.
Does a Power of Attorney Survive Death? "Valid After Death" Clauses and Turkish Court of Cassation Decisions
Is a title deed sale made after the principal's death valid if the power of attorney states it remains valid after death? A guide based on TBK Arts. 43 and 513, the 1940 unification decision and Court of Cassation decision K. 2024/2708.
Indefinite Alimony Becomes History in Turkey: The Referral from Antalya, the Constitutional Court's Annulment and the Fate of Existing Alimony
Turkey's Constitutional Court has annulled indefinite poverty alimony under Article 175 TMK, effective 30 June 2027. What happens to existing alimony awards, pending divorce cases and the Article 176 TMK route.
Is Your Promissory Note Really Valid? 10 Critical Errors That Invalidate It
When is a promissory note (senet) invalid under Turkish law? Ten critical errors, including double maturity, place of issue, conditional payment and a missing payee, explained with Court of Cassation decisions.
Defective Performance in Vehicle Sales in Turkey: Key Points and Exceptions in the Light of Court of Cassation Case Law
A guide to the seller's liability for latent defects in second-hand vehicle sales in Turkey, the notarial "as seen" clause, price reduction by the proportional method and the 2-year limitation period, with Court of Cassation decisions and notes for foreigners in Alanya.
If a Public Project Has Devalued Your Property, Who Pays?
When a new road, viaduct or interchange in Antalya or Alanya reduces the value of your property, Turkish law may require the administration to compensate you even without fault, under the principle of equalisation of sacrifice.
Estate Agent Let Your Property Without Your Knowledge: Can an Owner Silent for 2 Years Claim the Rent Again?
What happens when an estate agent in Turkey lets a property without a power of attorney and the owner stays silent for years? Implied ratification, double rent claims, recovery from the agent under Article 530 TBK and tenant eviction explained.
Liability and Compensation in Electric Scooter Accidents in Turkey: Who Pays?
Who is liable when an e-scooter accident happens in Turkey: the rider, the rental company, a car driver or an insurer? This guide explains fault, the Guarantee Fund, helmet-related reductions and the compensation that can be claimed.
Divorce Proceedings under Turkish Family Law: Uncontested and Contested Divorce, Division of Property and Foreigners in Alanya
A guide to divorce in Turkey: uncontested and contested divorce, custody, maintenance, the new 1-year rule under Law No. 7532, division of property and divorce of foreign nationals in Alanya.
Excessive Bills and Extra Charges in Private Hospitals: What Patients and Their Relatives Should Know
A guide to patient rights against unlawful extra charges and excessive bills in Turkish private hospitals: emergency treatment, the first-24-hours rule, the 200% legal ceiling and how to recover overpaid amounts in Alanya.
A Social Wound: Individual Armament, Licence Supervision and Criminal Liability in Turkey
A guide to firearm licensing in Turkey under Law No. 6136: carry and possession licences, revocation, child-access and stray-bullet liability, and the tougher penalties introduced by Law No. 7533.
Conditions for Administrative Termination of Contracts in Urban Transformation
Under Article 6/14 of Law No. 6306, owners holding an absolute majority of land shares can have a stalled flat-for-land construction contract terminated administratively, without a court judgment. This guide explains the conditions, procedure, land register cancellation and post-termination settlement.
Drug Trafficking Offence in Turkey: Penalties Under Article 188 TCK and Defence
What is the penalty for drug trafficking under Article 188 of the Turkish Penal Code? This guide covers the line between personal use and trafficking, the Court of Cassation criteria, effective repentance and unlawful searches.
Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Accident in Turkey 2026: Is It Prison?
Since Law No. 7574 of 2026, leaving the scene of a traffic accident in Turkey carries a TRY 46,000 fine and, in injury or fatal accidents, 1 to 3 years in prison. This guide explains necessity, insurance recourse and how to challenge fines.
Alanya Residence Permit Requirements 2026: Residence Permit by Buying a Home
What are the 2026 requirements for obtaining a residence permit by buying a home in Alanya? The USD 200,000 rule, DAB certificate, valuation report, reopened neighbourhoods and refusal remedies explained.
Driving Without a Licence in Turkey 2026: Fines and Can You Go to Prison?
Driving without a licence in Turkey is an administrative misdemeanour with fines of TRY 40,000 to TRY 200,000 under the 2026 rules, but not an offence punishable by prison on its own. This guide explains when criminal liability arises and the vehicle owner's exposure.
Seasonal Worker Suspension in Tourism and Hotels: Your Rights
What happens to a seasonal hotel worker's contract in winter in Turkey? Suspension, off-season wages and SGK premiums, not being recalled, and severance and notice pay explained.
Invoices, Form Ba and the Presumption of Delivery in Commercial Relationships: A Guide for Suppliers on Proving Receivables in Turkey
How suppliers can prove delivery and collect unpaid invoices in Turkey: the 8-day objection rule, Form Ba as a presumption of delivery under Court of Cassation case law, and the shifting burden of proof.
Alanya Tourism Rental Permit: Law No. 7464, Requirements and Application Guide
Renting a home in Alanya for 100 days or less now requires a Tourism-Purpose Rental Permit under Law No. 7464. This guide covers eligibility, building consent, safety standards, the e-Devlet application and 2026 fines.
Rent Payment, Rent Increase Rules and Rent Determination Lawsuits in Turkey
A guide to Turkish lease law for tenants and landlords: when rent is due, the CPI ceiling under TBK Art. 344, the end of the 25% cap, foreign currency leases and the rent determination lawsuit under TBK Art. 345.
Removal of a Branch Manager and Recall to Headquarters: Annulment Action in Turkey
Can a public-sector branch manager in Turkey be removed and recalled to headquarters on "service requirements" alone? Limits of discretion under Law No. 657, Council of State case law, stay of execution and time limits.
Landlord Protection Guide in Turkey: Tenant Eviction and Safeguards
A practical guide for landlords in Turkey covering eviction undertakings, rent default, promissory note security and the risk of foreign tenants abandoning the property in Alanya and Antalya.
Guide to Personal Contact with a Child Living in Another City or Country
How Turkish law arranges personal contact (visitation) with a child after divorce when the parents live in different cities or countries, with Court of Cassation case law, the Hague Convention and child handover centres.
“Short Marriage, Long Bill”: A Guide to Divorce and the Alimony Trap in Alanya
Indefinite alimony in Turkey has been annulled by the Constitutional Court but still applies for now. What the 13th Judicial Package may change, and how short marriages with foreign spouses in Alanya are affected.
Guide to Disciplinary Penalties for Financial Advisors in Turkey: Legal Grounds, Defence and Council of State Annulment Decisions
A guide to disciplinary penalties for SMMM and YMM financial advisors in Turkey under Laws No. 3568 and 7546: disbarment grounds, the right of defence, and grounds for annulment recognised by the Council of State.
The Floor Easement Trap: Why a Flat Listed as an "Independent Unit" on the Title Deed May Not Be Delivered
A title deed showing an "independent unit" does not prove the flat exists or can be handed over. Using an Alanya enforcement sale case, this guide explains floor easement, condominium ownership, the occupancy permit and buyer rights.
Fraud in Property Sales in Turkey and Its Legal Consequences
Forged title deeds, double sales by contractors and aggravated fraud under TCK 158: the criminal and civil remedies available to buyers, and the State's strict liability for land register errors under TMK 1007.
Extraordinary Legal Remedies in Turkish Administrative Courts: Renewal of Proceedings and Reversal in the Interest of the Law
A guide to renewal of proceedings (Art. 53 İYUK) and reversal in the interest of the law (Art. 51 İYUK) against final administrative court decisions in Turkey, with their grounds, time limits and impact on zoning and real estate disputes.
What Is SGK Termination Code 46 in Turkey? Conditions and Consequences of Dismissal
SGK Code 46 marks an immediate dismissal for conduct inconsistent with honesty and loyalty under Turkish Labour Law Art. 25/II-e. This guide explains its conditions, time limits, consequences and the remedies available to employees.
Liability of a Limited Company Partner for the Company's Tax Debts in Turkey
Under Article 35 of Law No. 6183 (AATUHK), partners of a Turkish limited company are liable for uncollectable tax debts in proportion to their shares, while managers may be liable with all their assets. This guide explains the rules, the 15-day time limit for challenging a payment order and the available defences.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation and Legal Liability in Turkey: A Guide
How are compensation, insurance and criminal liability determined after a motorcycle accident in Turkey? This guide covers helmet use, contributory fault, licence rules, 2026 traffic fines and practical points for Alanya and Antalya.
Landlord's Rights Against a Tenant Who Does Not Pay Rent in Turkey
What can a landlord in Turkey do when the tenant stops paying rent? Warning notices, enforcement proceedings, two justified warnings and eviction undertakings explained under the TBK and İİK.
Divorce in Alanya: A Guide to the Process, Alimony and Custody
A guide to divorce in Alanya under the Turkish Civil Code: grounds for divorce, uncontested and contested proceedings, alimony, custody, division of property and the latest TÜİK divorce statistics for Antalya.
Turkish Court of Cassation Shuts the Door on Collusive Property Sales: The Good-Faith Defence Is Not Protected
In its judgment 2025/2811 E., 2026/1813 K. of 30.04.2026, the Court of Cassation's 6th Civil Chamber held that a buyer who acquires a flat already occupied by the consumer who bought it from the contractor cannot rely on good faith, and upheld cancellation of the title deed.
Traffic Fines in Turkey 2026: Penalties and Objection Guide
A guide to the new traffic fine amounts, driving licence withdrawal periods and licence return conditions introduced in Turkey by Law No. 7574 in 2026, and to the 15-day objection procedure.
Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 3-9 August 2026 — Key Constitutional Court Decisions on Real Estate and Tax Law
A summary of the Turkish Official Gazette for 3-9 August 2026, including Constitutional Court decisions on de facto expropriation and property tax valuation that matter to property owners in Alanya.
Equality in the Retirement Bonus: Constitutional Court Finds Differential Treatment under Law No. 5434 a Violation
The Turkish Constitutional Court held that denying the retirement bonus to those who combined service periods under Article 89 of Law No. 5434 violates the prohibition of discrimination in conjunction with the right to property.
Bought an Off-Plan Apartment in Alanya but No Title Deed or Occupancy Permit? Legal Remedies
Many buyers of off-plan apartments in Alanya pay in full but never receive a title deed or occupancy permit. This guide explains the four main legal remedies under Turkish law and the procedural safeguards available to buyers.
Waste Transport Acceptance Certificate in Turkey: Excavation Fines and How to Challenge Them
Who must obtain a waste transport acceptance certificate in Turkey, the 2-tonne threshold, vehicle requirements and how to challenge excavation fines under the Environmental Law within 60 days.
Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 27 July - 2 August 2026 — Judicial Efficiency Law, Nuclear Energy Incentive and Maldives Trade Package
A summary of the 20 regulations published in Turkey’s Official Gazette between 27 July and 2 August 2026, including the judicial efficiency law (No. 7589), nuclear energy incentives and tourism premium support (No. 7590) and the Maldives trade package.
What Are the Landowner's Rights If the Contractor Defaults in a Flat-for-Land Construction Contract?
When a contractor fails to finish a flat-for-land construction project on time, Article 125 of the Turkish Code of Obligations gives the landowner three elective rights. This article explains positive and negative damages and the deduction method for calculating loss of profit.
Do School Payments Count as Child Support? (Court of Cassation Decision)
Does paying your child's school instalments discharge your child support debt in Turkey? Under a Court of Cassation decision, payments whose bank receipt does not say "support" are not offset against child support.
Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 20–26 July 2026 — Timeshare Consumer Rights and Changes to EIA Rules
Key developments from the Turkish Official Gazette for 20–26 July 2026: Court of Cassation rulings on timeshare refunds and consumer disputes, EIA certificate rules, wind/solar zoning and livestock regulations.
Late Delivery and Rent Compensation in Flat-for-Land Construction
If the contractor in a Turkish flat-for-land construction contract delivers late, the landowner can claim rent compensation even if the contract is silent. This article explains the legal basis, the calculation period and Court of Cassation case law.
Does a Building Registration Certificate Legalise a Building That Violates Zoning Rules in Turkey?
Does a Building Registration Certificate issued under Turkey's Zoning Amnesty make a non-compliant building legal? We examine its effect on flat-for-land construction contracts and the occupancy permit obligation in light of a Court of Cassation precedent.
12th Judicial Package (Law No. 7589): All Changes Article by Article
Law No. 7589, the 12th Judicial Package, entered into force on 31 July 2026. This guide explains every amendment article by article, from the abolition of the action for an undetermined receivable to new HAGB and auction rules.
Court of Cassation Decision: Examining WhatsApp Messages Without a Judge’s or Prosecutor’s Order Is Unlawful
The Turkish Court of Cassation (10th Criminal Chamber, E. 2023/15758, K. 2024/18787) held that WhatsApp messages examined without a judge’s decision or a prosecutor’s written order are unlawful evidence, even if the defendant consented.
Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 13-19 July 2026 – Series of Constitutional Court Decisions on Criminal Proceedings, COP31 in Antalya
Key developments in the Turkish Official Gazette for 13-19 July 2026: eleven Constitutional Court decisions on fair trial in criminal cases, tenancy and tax rulings, new excavation and energy rules, and COP31 in Antalya.
How to Choose a Lawyer in Alanya: A Step-by-Step Guide
A neutral, step-by-step guide to choosing a lawyer in Alanya: verifying bar registration, assessing the area of practice, fees and the engagement agreement, extra checks for foreigners and warning signs.
Uncontested Divorce in Turkey: Conditions, Protocol and Procedure
An uncontested divorce in Turkey requires at least one year of marriage, a hearing before the judge and a court-approved protocol. This guide explains the conditions, what the protocol should cover and how the process works.
What Is an Action for Cancellation of Title Deed and Registration, and When Can It Be Brought?
An action for cancellation of title and registration corrects a title deed (tapu) record created through fraud, lack of capacity, simulation or registry error. Grounds, process, evidence and key points for foreign property owners in Alanya.
Property Division on Divorce in Turkey: How Does the Participation in Acquired Property Regime Work?
How are the home, car and savings divided on divorce in Turkey? This guide explains the participation in acquired property regime, the line between acquired and personal property, the family home and the liquidation lawsuit.
Turkish Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 6-12 July 2026 — A Week of Major Changes in Import and Customs Controls
A summary of the regulations published in Turkey's Official Gazette on 6-12 July 2026, dominated by new import surveillance certificates, customs classification changes and safeguard measures, with notes on their relevance for businesses in Alanya.
Inheritance Rights of Foreigners in Turkey: The Property Inheritance Process in Alanya
What happens to a foreign national's property in Alanya after death? This guide explains which law applies, how to obtain a certificate of inheritance, the land registry transfer, inheritance tax and making a will for real estate in Turkey.
Flat-for-Land Construction Contracts in Turkey: Landowner’s Unquantified Claim Against the Contractor for Incomplete and Defective Works
Can a landowner in a Turkish flat-for-land construction contract sue the contractor for incomplete and defective works without knowing the exact amount? This article reviews the unquantified receivable action (HMK Art. 107), standing, land-share calculation and the contractor’s duty to warn in light of Court of Cassation decisions.
Can a Flat-for-Land Construction Contract Be Terminated Unilaterally in Turkey?
Under Turkish law, a flat-for-land construction contract cannot be ended by a unilateral notice: termination requires mutual consent or a final court judgment. This article explains rescission, liquidation and the rights of third-party buyers.
Official Gazette Weekly Summary: 29 June – 5 July 2026 — Tax Incentives, Import Communiqués and Zoning Changes
A summary of the regulations published in Turkey's Official Gazette between 29 June and 5 July 2026, including the asset repatriation incentive, a 20-year foreign income tax exemption for new residents, import measures and zoning and tourism changes relevant to Alanya.
What Kind of Contracts Are Flat-for-Land Construction Contracts? With a Sample Case
Flat-for-land (kat karşılığı) construction contracts are mixed, reciprocal contracts that cannot be terminated by a unilateral declaration. A Court of Cassation case shows how mutual termination intent is assessed.