Turkish civil code (2001)

The Turkish Civil Code shall regulate the personal and property relations of individuals, with the exception of the relations governed by the laws regarding family, inheritance, and obligations. This Code shall apply to all individuals who are subject to Turkish law, regardless of their nationality or domicile. The provisions of this Code shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. The Code shall also take into account the social and economic conditions of the country.

A person's capacity to exercise their rights and obligations shall commence from the moment of their birth and shall cease with their death. However, the law may provide for certain exceptions and limitations to this general rule, such as the protection of the rights of unborn children or the continuation of certain obligations after death. The capacity to exercise rights and obligations shall be governed by the provisions of this Code and other relevant laws. The courts shall have the authority to determine the capacity of individuals in specific cases.

The declaration of absence or death of a person shall be made by a court decision, and such decision shall have retroactive effect. The court shall take into account the circumstances of the case and the interests of the parties involved. The declaration of absence or death shall not affect the rights and obligations of the person that existed prior to the declaration. The provisions of this article shall apply to both Turkish citizens and foreigners who are subject to Turkish law.

The domicile of a person shall be the place where they have their permanent residence, and the residence shall be determined by the person's intentions and actions. A person may have only one domicile at a time, and the domicile shall be used for the purposes of jurisdiction, taxation, and other legal matters. The provisions of this article shall apply to both natural and legal persons. The domicile of a person may be changed by a declaration to the relevant authorities or by a court decision.

The name of a person shall consist of a given name and a surname, and the name shall be used in all official documents and transactions. A person's name may be changed by a court decision or by a declaration to the relevant authorities, provided that the change is not contrary to public order or morals. The provisions of this article shall apply to both Turkish citizens and foreigners who are subject to Turkish law. The name of a person shall be used in a way that respects their identity and dignity.