Civil law in Turkey

Civil law in the Republic of Türkiye regulates private rights and duties between individuals, companies, associations, and other private bodies. It is different from criminal law, which deals with crimes and public punishment. The Türk Medeni Kanunu is the main civil code for persons, family, property, and inheritance. The Türk Borçlar Kanunu governs obligations such as contracts, payment, damages, and liability. A contract, called a sözleşme, may be written, spoken, or formed through conduct, although some transactions require a special form. The parties should know what was promised, when performance is due, and what happens after breach. Property disputes can concern ownership, possession, use, rent, boundaries, registration, or shared property. Official records and properly signed documents can be especially important for land, housing, and secured rights. Civil liability may arise when a person breaks a contract or unlawfully causes harm, often described as haksız fiil. Compensation can depend on the harm, fault, causation, proof, and legally recognized limits. Family law includes marriage, divorce, parental responsibility, maintenance, and property relations between spouses. Inheritance law addresses heirs, wills, shares, debts, and the administration of an estate. A civil dispute may be resolved by direct agreement, negotiation, arabuluculuk, arbitration where agreed or permitted, or a court case. Some dispute types require a preliminary process before litigation, so the correct route must be checked. The claimant usually needs to show the right, the event that violated it, and the requested remedy. Evidence may include contracts, invoices, bank records, land records, messages, photographs, expert reports, and witnesses. Civil procedures can involve jurisdiction, service of documents, evidence deadlines, appeals, and limitation or prescription issues. Because a missed procedural step can harm a claim, serious disputes should be assessed by a qualified local lawyer.