Glossary
Turkish legal terms, explained
Every one of these words turns up on a Turkish document, in a court file or in a lawyer’s sentence — and each one carries a consequence. Below is what the word means, what it means for you, and the word it is most often confused with.
Foreign judgments
TenfizEnforcement of a foreign judgment in TürkiyeThe Turkish court decision that makes a foreign judgment enforceable in Türkiye — the step that lets you actually collect.TanımaRecognition of a foreign judgment in TürkiyeThe court decision that makes a foreign judgment legally effective in Türkiye as proof — without, by itself, making it enforceable.Kesinleşme şerhiCertificate of finalityThe note from the foreign court confirming that its judgment is final and no longer open to appeal.MÖHUKTurkish Private International Law Act No. 5718The Turkish statute that decides which country's law applies to a cross-border matter, and how foreign judgments are recognised and enforced here.
Debt collection & enforcement
İcra takibiEnforcement proceedingA state-run collection proceeding opened through an Enforcement Office (İcra Dairesi) to recover a debt — in many cases without first winning a lawsuit.Ödeme emriPayment orderThe official document an Enforcement Office serves on a debtor to start collection — and it starts a short clock to object.HacizAttachment / seizure of assetsThe step in an enforcement proceeding where the debtor's assets are legally attached so they can be sold to pay the debt.İhtiyati hacizPrecautionary attachment (asset freeze)A court-ordered freeze on a debtor's assets granted early — before the case ends — to stop them being moved out of reach.İİKEnforcement and Bankruptcy Law No. 2004The Turkish statute governing how debts are collected by force — enforcement proceedings, attachment, sale and bankruptcy.
Property & title
TapuTitle deed / land registry recordThe official title deed and the state land-registry record behind it — the only thing that proves who owns real estate in Türkiye.ŞerhAnnotation on the title deedA note entered on the land-registry record that warns third parties of a right or restriction affecting the property.İpotekMortgage over real estateA security right registered on a property so that a debt can be recovered from it if it is not paid.Kat irtifakıConstruction servitude (pre-completion title)The form of title used for a unit in a building that is not finished yet — a right to a flat that does not legally exist in final form.
Courts & procedure
BilirkişiCourt-appointed expertAn independent expert appointed by the court to report on a technical question the judge is not expected to decide alone.İstinafAppeal to the regional court of appealThe first level of appeal in Türkiye, heard by a regional court of justice that can review both the facts and the law.Asliye hukuk mahkemesiCivil court of first instanceThe general civil court that hears most disputes not assigned to a specialised court.ArabuluculukMediationA structured negotiation before a registered mediator which, for several categories of dispute, must be attempted before a court case can be filed.
Documents & paperwork
VekâletnamePower of attorneyThe notarised document that authorises a Turkish lawyer to act for you — the reason most matters can be handled without you travelling.ApostilApostilleA certificate added to a public document in its own country so that it is accepted as genuine in Türkiye, without consular legalisation.Yeminli tercümanSworn translatorA translator registered on oath before a Turkish notary, whose translation Turkish authorities and courts will accept.
Residence & entry
TahditEntry ban / restriction codeA restriction recorded against a foreign national in the immigration system, usually blocking entry to Türkiye for a set period.İkamet izniResidence permitThe permit that allows a foreign national to stay in Türkiye beyond the period allowed by a visa or visa exemption.
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