The Turkish Arbitrators Association, known in Turkish as Tahkim Hakemleri Derneği and abbreviated TAHAKDER, was founded to contribute to the development of arbitration in Türkiye, to raise the ethical, scholarly and professional standards of arbitrators, to broaden the use of national and international arbitration practice, and to foster solidarity among arbitrators. The association is seated in Ankara.
The association seeks to contribute to the legislative work carried out towards the objectives set out in the Judicial Reform Strategy, namely increasing the effectiveness of arbitration and broadening the use of institutional arbitration, and to support the establishment of new institutional arbitration centres in different fields. Contributing to national policy and legislative work on the development of alternative dispute resolution methods also falls within the association's remit.
Impartiality and independence
The association is impartial and independent in its activities. It is not affiliated with any political party or movement, may not operate as the organ, extension or support body of a political party, and no political propaganda may be conducted in its name. The personal freedom of thought and expression of its members is reserved.
The same principle governs the practice of arbitration itself. In their work as arbitrators and in the affairs of the association, members undertake to observe independence and impartiality, honesty and professional diligence, confidentiality and the duty of secrecy, and the avoidance and timely disclosure of conflicts of interest.
Who may join
Membership is open to individual arbitrators; legal persons and unincorporated bodies may not join. Full membership requires that the applicant be listed on the panel of arbitrators of an institutional arbitration centre operating in Türkiye or abroad, or that the applicant has served as arbitrator in at least one arbitration. Being listed as inactive on a panel does not bar an application.
Persons who have made a scholarly, professional or institutional contribution to arbitration, as well as members of the higher judiciary, academics, senior public officials and foreign arbitrators, may be elected honorary members by decision of the board. Honorary members may attend the general assembly but may not vote and are not liable for membership dues.
Branches and representation
The association has no branches. The board may open representative offices where it considers this necessary for carrying out the association's activities. Representative offices are not represented at the general assembly and are not organs of the association.