Mediators in Turkey: How Certified Mediators Help Resolve Legal Disputes Efficiently
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Legal conflicts are never easy — they can drain time, money, and relationships. In recent years, however, mediation (arabuluculuk) has reshaped how people and businesses resolve disputes in Turkey. Instead of waiting years for a court verdict, many are now choosing to sit down with a certified mediator in Turkey (sertifikalı arabulucu) to find practical, peaceful solutions.
At Kurucuk & Associates, one of Istanbul’s leading law firms, our Turkish mediators help clients transform disputes into dialogue. Whether you’re a business owner facing a commercial conflict or a family seeking closure after separation, our team ensures every mediation process is handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and care.
What Are Mediators in Turkey?
A mediator (arabulucu) is a neutral legal professional who helps two or more parties in conflict reach an agreement — not by deciding who’s right or wrong, but by helping both sides understand, communicate, and compromise.
Under Law No. 6325 on Mediation in Civil Disputes, mediation is a structured yet flexible process recognized and supervised by the Ministry of Justice. Every Turkish mediator must complete specialized training, pass a national examination, and be registered in the official Mediation Registry (Arabuluculuk Sicili).
There are two types of mediation in Turkey:
Voluntary Mediation (İhtiyari Arabuluculuk):
When both sides choose mediation on their own before going to court.
Mandatory Mediation (Zorunlu Arabuluculuk):
Required by law in many employment and commercial disputes before a lawsuit can even begin.
This system has brought efficiency, harmony, and fairness to countless legal conflicts across the country.
The Mediation Process in Turkey
How the Mediation Process Works (Arabuluculuk Süreci)
The mediation process in Turkey follows a clear and respectful path:
Application:
One party applies for mediation through the Mediation Department (Arabuluculuk Dairesi) or a certified mediation center.
Appointment of Mediator:
A certified mediator is appointed — either randomly or by agreement between the parties.
First Session:
The mediator explains the process, ensures neutrality, and sets ground rules for open, respectful communication.
Negotiation Sessions:
Both parties share their perspectives. The mediator guides the dialogue and helps uncover common ground.
Settlement Agreement (Arabuluculuk Anlaşması):
When consensus is reached, it’s recorded in writing. Once approved by court, it becomes legally enforceable, just like a court judgment.
This process encourages collaboration — replacing confrontation with conversation.
Types of Disputes Suitable for Mediation
Mediation can be used in a wide range of civil disputes, including:
Commercial and corporate conflicts (ticari uyuşmazlıklar)
Employment and labor issues (iş hukuku uyuşmazlıkları)
Family and divorce cases (aile ve boşanma uyuşmazlıkları)
Consumer disputes (tüketici uyuşmazlıkları)
Cross-border and international disagreements (uluslararası uyuşmazlıklar)
Advantages of Mediation
Mediation is not just faster — it’s smarter. Here’s why many people now prefer arabuluculuk over litigation:
It saves time:
Most mediations end within a few weeks, not years.
It’s confidential:
Everything said in mediation stays private.
It’s affordable:
Legal and administrative costs are a fraction of court proceedings.
It’s flexible:
The parties shape their own agreement instead of being bound by a court’s decision.
It preserves relationships:
Especially in family or business contexts, mediation protects future cooperation and dignity.
Types of Mediators in Turkey
Commercial & Corporate Mediators (Ticari Arabuluculuk)
These mediators specialize in resolving business and contractual disputes between partners, shareholders, and corporations. Kurucuk & Associates frequently represents clients in high-value commercial mediations — helping companies protect business relationships while resolving issues efficiently.
Labor & Employment Mediators (İş Hukuku Arabuluculuğu)
Under Turkish law, mediation is mandatory in labor disputes before going to court. Our employment mediators assist in resolving unpaid wages, wrongful termination, and severance issues through structured negotiation and fairness.
Family & Divorce Mediators (Aile / Boşanma Arabuluculuğu)
When emotions run high, family mediation offers a compassionate space to talk. Whether about divorce, child custody, or alimony, a family mediator in Turkey helps families find understanding — not more conflict. Kurucuk & Associates handles these cases with discretion and empathy.
International Mediators (Uluslararası Arabuluculuk)
Cross-border cases demand more than legal knowledge — they require cultural sensitivity and multilingual skill. Our international mediators in Istanbul bridge legal systems and languages to achieve fair outcomes for both local and foreign parties.
Legal Framework & Regulation
The mediation system in Turkey is one of the most structured in Europe, ensuring both professionalism and accountability.
The key pillars include:
Law No. 6325 on Mediation in Civil Disputes (Hukuk Uyuşmazlıklarında Arabuluculuk Kanunu)
Arabuluculuk Dairesi Başkanlığı (Mediation Department – Ministry of Justice)
Türkiye Barolar Birliği (Union of Turkish Bar Associations)
Arabuluculuk Kurulu (Mediation Board)
To become a certified mediator (sertifikalı arabulucu), professionals must complete extensive training, pass national exams, and uphold strict ethical standards (arabuluculuk etiği) — ensuring impartiality, transparency, and trust.
Why Choose Kurucuk & Associates for Mediation in Turkey
Choosing the right mediator can make all the difference between continued conflict and lasting peace.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our certified mediators in Istanbul bring years of legal experience, negotiation skill, and empathy to every case. We believe in solutions that respect your rights, your privacy, and your peace of mind.
What sets us apart:
Certified mediators recognized by the Ministry of Justice
Proven results in commercial, family, and international mediation
Bilingual expertise — fluent in Turkish and English
Transparent process and full compliance with Law No. 6325
Personalized attention with complete confidentiality
Our certified mediators in Istanbul can help you resolve disputes swiftly and peacefully.
👉 Contact Kurucuk & Associates today for professional mediation support you can trust.
FAQs About Mediators in Turkey
What is the role of a mediator in Turkey?
A mediator (arabulucu) helps parties communicate and reach a voluntary settlement — without taking sides or making a judgment.
Is mediation mandatory before filing a lawsuit in Turkey?
Yes, for many employment and commercial disputes, mediation must be attempted first under mandatory mediation rules (zorunlu arabuluculuk).
How long does mediation take?
Most cases are resolved within 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity and the parties’ cooperation.
Are mediation agreements legally binding?
Yes. Once signed and approved by a court, an arabuluculuk anlaşması is legally binding and enforceable like a court ruling.
How much does mediation cost in Turkey?
Fees are regulated by the Ministry of Justice and are usually far lower than court expenses — making mediation a cost-effective solution.
Get Professional Help from Certified Mediators in Turkey
Our Istanbul-based mediators at Kurucuk & Associates offer confidential, efficient, and fair dispute resolution for businesses, families, and individuals.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolution.
