ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE – On April 16, 2026, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye issued a momentous circular detailing the institutional framework and strategic activities of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (the “OIC Arbitration Centre”). Established through a landmark international agreement on January 25, 2019 between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Centre is dedicated to resolving commercial and investment disputes through arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
Within this pivotal circular, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasized that the OIC Arbitration Centre proudly stands as the first and only international arbitration center in Istanbul formed by an international agreement, and provided assessments of the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms offered by the Centre across a wide geography, particularly in OIC Member States.
In the major policy directive, H.E. President Erdoğan recommended that public institutions and organizations in Türkiye actively utilize these alternative dispute resolution methods to streamline processes. The Circular formally advises that these public bodies designate the OIC Arbitration Centre as the official dispute resolution institution. Having the Centre headquartered in Istanbul offers tremendous strategic and logistical advantages; by utilizing its services, institutions and enterprises secure significant time and cost efficiencies in their international disputes.
Commenting on the profound impact of this directive, H.E. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Board of Directors of the Centre, stated:
“First and foremost, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in solidifying the OIC Arbitration Centre’s role through this landmark circular. This directive marks a historic milestone for Türkiye’s commercial and legal landscape. In line with the Presidential Circular, it is essential that both public institutions and private sector businesses utilize the OIC Arbitration Centre for resolving their investment and commercial disputes. To secure a fast, reliable, and internationally recognized legal framework, we expect all public and private entities to explicitly add the name of the OIC Arbitration Centre as the designated dispute resolution authority in all their contracts and agreements.”
Furthermore, foreign parties entering into investment or commercial contracts with Turkish entities are strongly encouraged to abide by the spirit of this Presidential Circular. By ensuring that new agreements contain specific dispute resolution clauses referring to the OIC Arbitration Centre, international partners can safeguard their investments through a globally recognized framework. Moreover, for any ongoing disputes, parties are urged to refer these matters to the Centre to ensure resolution is achieved in the most timely and cost-effective manner possible, leveraging Istanbul’s unique position as a neutral and professional jurisdiction.
The publication of this Circular represents a highly significant step forward in strengthening Türkiye’s prominent position in the field of international arbitration. It serves to further enhance and solidify Istanbul’s growing reputation as the premier regional and global hub for commercial dispute resolution.
ABOUT THE OIC ARBITRATION CENTRE
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Arbitration Centre is an international institution headquartered in Istanbul, Türkiye, established through a landmark agreement on January 25, 2019, between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA). As the premier international arbitration center in Istanbul formed by international treaty, the Centre provides a neutral, independent, and professional platform for the settlement of all arbitrable disputes.
Guided by its mission to pioneer global economic development and provide effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the Centre operates under four primary policy objectives:
- Facilitating Dispute Settlement: Streamlining the resolution of commercial and investment disputes involving individuals or legal entities from both OIC Member States and non-OIC States.
- Promoting ADR Mechanisms: Actively advocating for the use of arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution methods across the OIC region.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing global knowledge and refining professional skills and expertise in the field of arbitration and ADR.
- Law Reform Advocacy: Contributing to the continuous improvement of dispute resolution laws and practices by making formal submissions on reform within OIC Member States.
Through its world-class mediation and arbitration services, the Centre significantly reduces the risks and costs of international transactions, further solidifying Istanbul’s reputation as a vital regional and global hub for commercial legal excellence.
Media Contacts
OIC Arbitration Centre Headquarters
Email: info@oic-ac.org
Phone: +90 212 282 72 60
Address: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC)
TOBB Plaza, Esentepe, Harman Sk. No: 10 Kat: 9, 34394 Şişli/Istanbul, Türkiye
Website: www.oic-ac.org
Case Management Contacts: For Lawyers & Clients
Email: legalaffairs@oic-ac.org
Phone: +90 (212) 282 72 60 [Ext. 106]
For Case Filing: https://www.oic-ac.org/services/arbitration/online-filing/notice-of-arbitration/
