Civil Litigation
Civil Litigation in Türkiye
When a legal dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, the Turkish court system provides the formal mechanism for enforcing your rights. Civil litigation in Türkiye follows its own procedural rules, timelines, and evidentiary standards — and for foreign nationals unfamiliar with the system, the process can be disorienting without experienced legal counsel.
At Yilmaz Attorneys, we represent foreign individuals and international businesses in civil disputes before Turkish courts. From initial case assessment through judgment and enforcement, we handle the full litigation process so our clients can focus on their lives and businesses.
Types of Civil Disputes We Handle
Our civil litigation practice covers a broad range of disputes, including:
Contract disputes — Breach of contract claims arising from business agreements, service contracts, sale of goods, and partnership arrangements.
Debt collection — Recovery of unpaid debts through enforcement proceedings (icra takibi), including filing payment orders and pursuing asset seizure where necessary.
Compensation claims — Material and moral damages arising from negligence, property damage, personal injury, or professional liability.
Real estate disputes — Title deed cancellation, boundary disputes, construction defects, and tenant-landlord conflicts (see also our Property Law practice).
Consumer disputes — Claims against businesses, service providers, or contractors who fail to deliver on their obligations.
Corporate and commercial disputes — Shareholder conflicts, partnership dissolution, unfair competition, and commercial debt recovery.
The Litigation Process in Türkiye
Turkish civil procedure follows a structured path:
Pre-litigation assessment — We evaluate the merits of your case, gather evidence, and advise on the likely timeline, costs, and outcomes before any court filing.
Filing the lawsuit — We prepare and file the petition (dava dilekçesi) with the appropriate court, setting out the legal basis and supporting evidence.
Preliminary hearing — The court reviews procedural matters, determines the scope of the dispute, and sets the litigation framework.
Investigation hearing — Evidence is presented, witnesses are heard, and expert reports are obtained where needed.
Judgment — The court issues its decision. If unfavorable, we advise on appeal options before the Regional Courts of Appeal (istinaf) or the Court of Cassation (temyiz).
Enforcement Proceedings
Winning a judgment is only half the process — collecting on it is the other. Turkish enforcement law (icra ve iflas hukuku) provides mechanisms for compelling payment or asset transfer. We handle:
Filing enforcement proceedings based on court judgments or promissory notes
Asset investigation and seizure applications
Bank account freezing orders
Real property and movable asset auctions
Objection to enforcement proceedings filed against our clients
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Not every dispute needs to go to court. Turkish law increasingly encourages mediation, and in certain categories — including commercial disputes and employment claims — mediation is a mandatory first step. We represent clients in mediation proceedings and advise on whether settlement or litigation better serves their interests.
Why Work with Yilmaz Attorneys
Litigation in a foreign legal system is inherently stressful. Language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, and different legal traditions can make the process feel opaque. We bridge that gap — communicating with our clients in English, explaining each step clearly, and advocating effectively in Turkish courts. Our team has over a decade of courtroom experience across Antalya and Türkiye.
If you are facing a civil dispute in Türkiye or need to enforce a legal right, contact us for an initial assessment of your case.
