ARTICLES

"Çerçeve Yasa"

How to Legally Recover Unjust Expenses Charged by the Bank in Credit / Credit Card Restructuring?

Due to the high interest rate environment and economic fluctuations, "restructuring" (refinancing) stands out as a life-saving solution for consumers who have difficulty paying their loan or credit card debts. However, citizens demonstrating a willingness to pay their debt face an unexpected cost at the bank's branches or digital screens: exorbitant amounts collected under the names of "file expense," "intelligence fee," "restructuring commission," or "restructuring allocation fee." A large portion of these fees cut by banks from squeezed consumers with the thought that "they will accept it anyway" is contrary to the law. In this article, we put the legal dimension of these unjust expenses charged by banks during restructuring and how you can recover your money through legal means under the spotlight.

If a Deferred Pronouncement of the Judgment (HAGB) Decision Has Been Issued Against You, You Can Now Appeal to the Regional Court of Justice! (Analysis of the 12th Judicial Package)

With the 12th Judicial Package entering into force as of July 31, 2026, a highly critical turning point that had been discussed for many years in our criminal procedure law was left behind. The old-style "simple objection" era officially came to an end for Deferred Pronouncement of Judgment (HAGB) decisions, which defendants often accepted to escape the threat of punishment but were left deprived of higher court supervision. Now, when an HAGB decision is rendered against you, you have the right to carry this decision to a higher court, the Regional Court of Justice (Istinaf), and to the Court of Cassation (Temyiz) when the statutory conditions are met. In this article, we put the rights introduced by the new legal regulation and their critical consequences for defendants under the spotlight.

You Could Face Foreclosure Without Even Knowing It: The "Notification to the Mukhtar" Trap and Your Rights

In today's fast-paced and digitalizing world, it is often assumed that legal processes have shifted entirely to the electronic environment. However, there is an old-school procedural law mechanism that can turn a citizen's life into a nightmare overnight: notifications left with the neighborhood headman (mukhtar). Many people believe that enforcement proceedings cannot be initiated against them as long as no notification arrives at their door or no physical paper is handed to them. Yet, the notorious Article 21 of the Notification Law can cause an enforcement proceeding to become finalized without the debtor even realizing it, leading to sudden blockages on bank accounts. In this article, we will discuss the "mukhtar notification" crisis caused by moving without updating addresses or neglecting to check e-Government (e-Devlet), and the legal ways to escape this trap.

Foreclosure Blockage on Salary Accounts: Can a Bank Seize the Entire Salary?

The biggest concern for a debtor against whom enforcement proceedings have become finalized is the jeopardy of the monthly income that provides their livelihood. Regardless of whether they are a blue-collar worker, a civil servant, or a retiree, when a foreclosure notification (İİK Art. 89) is sent to bank accounts by the enforcement office, banks frequently sign off on incorrect or excessive practices. Foremost among these is placing a blockage on all the money in the account where the debtor's salary is deposited. A citizen who wakes up one morning to find that their salary card does not work and the entire balance in their account is zeroed out experiences a massive panic. So, do banks have the authority to seize the entire salary account? What is the legal limit, and how should you seek your rights? In this article, we will examine the legal boundaries of salary attachment and the legal steps to be taken against bank blockages.

If a Foreclosure Officer Comes to My House, Can They Take My TV or Refrigerator? Current Home Foreclosure Rules

There is a scenario of fear embedded in the public memory that has persisted since old Turkish movies: enforcement officers coming to the house load everything from the sofa under you to the refrigerator in the kitchen onto a truck, leaving your house completely empty. This fear that "they will take everything away" creates a very serious psychological pressure on debtor families. However, Turkish enforcement law, especially with the radical legislative reforms made in recent years, has brought the principle of a "life worthy of human dignity" to the fore and imposed very strict boundaries on home foreclosure. The era of the creditor dismantling and taking away any item they want from the house is now over. So, what items can be foreclosed in a home according to current legislation, and which ones are considered luxury? In this article, we put the legal boundaries of home foreclosure under the spotlight with all the details.

Water Leaking from Upstairs and Endless Noise: Who is Responsible?

Apartment life brings rules and chronic problems like water leaks from upstairs and endless noise. When faced with these issues, who is responsible: the apartment management, the landlord, or the tenant? We clarify responsibilities within the framework of property and neighborhood law.

Is It a Crime to Take a Screenshot in WhatsApp Groups and Send It to Others?

Instant messaging apps, especially WhatsApp groups, are central to our relationships. However, sharing screenshots from these groups carries serious legal risks under the Turkish Penal Code. We examine the legal boundaries of sharing WhatsApp screenshots and the potential crimes involved.

The Product I Bought Online was Different on the Marketplace vs the Seller: Who Should I Sue?

With the rise of e-commerce, marketplace platforms have turned into giant digital malls, bringing legal disputes. When a product turns out to be defective, who is responsible: the marketplace or the seller? In this article, we examine the legal responsibility network in e-commerce.

12th Judicial Package and Revolution in Divorce Law: Are Compensation and Alimony Separated?

Family law in Turkey is undergoing significant reforms. The upcoming 12th Judicial Package aims to solve the chronic duration problem of divorce cases by separating compensation and alimony claims from the divorce itself. We discuss this revolutionary change from a legal perspective.

Absolute Nullity (2026)

Although the legal system grants broad freedom to contracts, this freedom is not limitless. When a legal transaction violates mandatory rules, public order, or general morality, the heaviest sanction is 'absolute nullity'. In this article, we cover the concept of absolute nullity, its causes, and legal consequences.

How Much Can a Landlord Increase Rent? (Current Legal Limits and Rights)

The mobility in the real estate market in Turkey has severely challenged landlord-tenant relationships. With the end of temporary fixed rate limits, rent increase rates have become a top issue. The Code of Obligations draws clear boundaries to protect both parties. We examine how much rent can be legally increased.

What Are Passenger Rights in Case of Flight or Bus Cancellations? (2026)

The most annoying moment of travel plans is learning about a cancellation. Both national and international legislation offer strong legal protection to passengers. Knowing your rights in case of flight or bus cancellations is the first step to prevent grievances. In this article, we examine passenger rights and how to seek them.

Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Infringements

Tech giants around the world are facing copyright and patent infringements that arise during the training processes of AI algorithms.

May 19, 1919: A Nation's Torch of Resistance and the Endless Energy of Youth

May 19, 1919, is not just a date on the calendar; it is the first step of a nation rising from its ashes. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's arrival in Samsun is the declaration of independence. Today, as we celebrate this holy day, we take pride in blending the sacred heritage of the past with the vision of the future.