06/06/2026
This book is a serious reference work prepared for foreigners who live in Türkiye, come to Türkiye for a short or long time, or may come into contact with the Turkish criminal justice system in any way. Its purpose is not to create fear, to present criminal law as a threat, or to push foreigners into the feeling that they can become criminals at any moment. The aim is to clearly explain which actions lead to which legal results in Türkiye, when criminal responsibility begins, and within which limits the state uses its power to punish. Turkish Criminal Law is a system strictly based on written law. Crimes and punishments can only be created by law. This principle is clearly regulated in Article 2 of the Turkish Criminal Code. In the same way, criminal responsibility is personal, and no one can be punished for an act they did not commit.
All explanations in this book are based on this basic principle and on the relevant legal provisions. Opinions, personal views, or practices without a legal basis are deliberately not included.
Turkish Criminal Law Handbook for Foreigners This book is a serious reference work prepared for fore