Turkey is making a significant step forward in resolving legal disputes by aiming to become the “Mediation Hub of the Turkic World.” The Turkic World Mediators Association (TDAB) brings together lawyers and mediators from eight member countries of the Organization of Turkic States under one roof. The goal is to include lawyers and mediators from all Turkic-speaking countries in this union.
According to details shared by TDAB President Yakup Erikel, members currently include Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Hungary. Mediation, which is practiced in approximately 160 countries, is expected to expand further under Turkey’s leadership as a regional power.
According to a report by hurriyet.com.tr Turkey’s goal is to emerge as the leading actor in mediation practices, training, and dispute resolution among regional countries. TDAB aims to become a respected mechanism in the eyes of the United Nations and international organizations by 2030, contributing to global law.
It has been noted that during discussions with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, these countries have embraced Turkey’s comprehensive vision and expressed interest in joining TDAB. Additionally, a rotating presidency model, similar to that of the Organization of Turkic States, is planned to allow each country to lead the union periodically. This approach will help associate the capitals of the eight countries with specific legal fields.
TDAB plans to establish the “Lawyer Rauf Raif Denktaş International Mediation Institute” in the TRNC to promote the TRNC. Moreover, through an international protocol signed with the Azerbaijan Diaspora Foundation, legal services are provided to Azerbaijani citizens in Turkey. As the first concrete step, following an unfortunate incident in Turkey resulting in the death of an Azerbaijani citizen, TDAB intervened, facilitating the repatriation of the deceased to Azerbaijan within 48 hours.
The first international council, to be held in Ankara from November 28 to December 1, will showcase the mediation alliance of the Turkic World to the world. Approximately 100 experts from 11 countries will attend the council, bringing together Turkish and international legal professionals.
Among TDAB’s goals is to establish a globally recognized and respected mediation mechanism through the cooperation of legal professionals and mediators from the Turkic world. In this context, joint training programs and legal tourism with regional countries will also be initiated.
