Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that complaints such as slow operation of the judicial system were encountered due to excessive file load, and that after TOBB and chambers undertook this as an effort on alternative solutions, they created the mediation system first in business-employer disputes, then in commercial cases and consumers.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the use of this system is increasing day by day and that the number of files received is close to 2.5 million, and that 70 percent of them resulted in an agreement.

Emphasizing that the trials that used to last for years ended in days and weeks, Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “Access to justice has accelerated. It's also a win-win method. Because people have been spared the loss of time and the long process that has worn them out financially, and our judicial system has been spared an important workload. Thus, the grievances decreased and the sense of justice began to strengthen. Disputes were settled justly. Therefore, mediation also contributed to social peace.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they give all manner of support as the chamber and commodity exchange community and that they make great efforts for it to be recognized and known in the business world.

Hisarcıklıoğlu explained that they encouraged the chambers to establish such centers, and continued: “Within TOBB, we have launched the UYUM Mediation and Dispute Resolution Center. Currently, these mediation centers have been implemented in 31 chambers and work continues in 19 chambers. 390 mediators have also started to work in these centers. Once such infrastructure was provided, these centers increasingly led our business world to mediation. Currently, the number of applications to mediation across the country has reached 100,000 per month. So the step we took was a success. Information about this issue has increased in the community and people are starting to see the benefits of this.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a 2-year inheritance case involving 28 different people in Seydişehir was resolved in 4 hours in mediation, and that time is the most important capital in commercial life, and that this system saves significant time.

Hisarciklıoğlu stated that any arrangement that will facilitate trade, strengthen the economy and judicial system, and contribute to social peace is important to them. The legal system is the pillar of the state and the economy. If the law is strong, people's trust in each other, institutions and the system increases. If a sense of justice and trust is strong in a country, the economy of that country will be strong.”

- “A very important way to access justice”

Cemil Çiçek, chairman of the TOBB Mediation and Dispute Resolution Center, stated that an important institution has entered service.

Çiçek asked ATSO President Davut Çetin to inform the members about the institution at the first council meeting. “‎It's a very important way to access justice, but there are people who don't know it yet.‎ Disseminating this to a wider audience will also facilitate judicial functioning. It's the right way. An important step has been taken.”

ATSO President Davut Çetin also announced that 37 lawyers have been signed at the center so far.