Bylaws

ARTICLE 7: MEMBERSHIP CONDITIONS, RESIGNATION, AND TERMINATION PROCEDURES

A) Full Membership

Full members are individuals or legal entities who possess the capacity to act, are at least 18 years old, and have accepted the objectives and other matters outlined in the association's bylaws. The board of directors will decide on written membership applications within 30 days, either accepting the applicant as a member or rejecting the request. No reason needs to be provided in the case of rejection. No one can be forced to become a member of the association, and no one can compel the association to accept them as a member.

 

b) Honorary Membership

The title of Honorary Membership may be granted by a decision of the board of directors to those who have provided material or moral support to the association. Honorary members may attend general assembly meetings but do not have voting rights.

 

ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS

a) Membership rights, which are strictly personal, cannot be divided or transferred.

b) No one can be forced to become a member of the association or to remain a member. Every member has the right to resign.

c) All members have equal rights without discrimination.

d) Each full member has one vote in the general assembly, and votes must be cast in person.

e) Honorary members may, if they wish, contribute through dues or donations; however, honorary members do not have voting rights or the right to join the board of directors.

 

ARTICLE 9: RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP

Resignation from membership shall be effected by submitting a written declaration of withdrawal to the board of directors. A resigning member must settle any outstanding membership dues and compensate for any damage caused to the association's assets.

 

ARTICLE 10: EXPULSION FROM MEMBERSHIP

a) Losing the right to become a member of associations
b) Acting in violation of the provisions of the main bylaws and association regulations
c) Failing to pay membership dues for at least one year
d) Being penalized with permanent expulsion from membership
e) Providing false information on the membership form
f) Failing to fulfill duties assigned according to the bylaws and regulations
g) Engaging in actions contrary to laws, the association’s bylaws, or actions harmful to the association's purpose, or working against the association
h) Using the association for personal gain or political advantage
ı) Making statements to relevant institutions, organizations, individuals, or media outlets about matters outside their scope of duty without the permission of the authorized body of the association

Members may be expelled from membership by a decision of the board of directors based on the reasons listed above. Those expelled from membership have the right to appeal at the first general assembly meeting following their expulsion. The decisions of the general assembly regarding this matter are final, and legal recourse cannot be pursued until all internal appeals within the association are exhausted. Members who leave or are expelled from the association cannot request the return of previous donations or membership dues paid to the association.

 

ARTICLE 11: AUTOMATIC TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

a) The death or disappearance of the member
b) The cessation of the legal and factual conditions required for membership
c) In the event of the dissolution of the association, membership automatically terminates upon the completion of the liquidation process.

 

ARTICLE 12: CENTRAL ASSOCIATION ORGANS

a) Central General Assembly
b) Central Board of Directors
c) Central Audit Committee

The association may establish other organs as well. However, the duties and authorities of the General Assembly and the Audit Committee cannot be transferred to these other organs.

 

ARTICLE 13: FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Central General Assembly of the association consists of the full members of the Central General Assembly and the chairperson of the branch management board or a member of the branch management board appointed by them. Honorary and volunteer members may attend general assembly meetings and submit proposals and wishes, but they do not have voting rights.

 

ARTICLE 14: GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING TIMES

a) Ordinary Meeting

The Central General Assembly holds its ordinary meeting once every three years in March at a location determined by the board of directors.

 

b) EXTRAORDINARY MEETING

In cases deemed necessary by the central management or the central audit committee, or upon the written request of one-fifth of the members of the central general assembly, the general assembly convenes as an extraordinary meeting at a location determined by the board of directors.

 

c) The general assembly is convened by the central executive board. If the central executive board does not call the central general assembly to meet within one month upon the written request of the central audit committee or one-fifth of the members of the central general assembly, the audit committee or one of the members requesting the meeting may apply to the local peace court. The court will then appoint a three-member committee from among the association members to convene the general assembly.

 

d) Decisions Made Without a Meeting or Formal Call

Decisions taken with the written participation of all members without convening a meeting, or decisions made by the entire membership of the association coming together without following the legally prescribed notification procedure, are valid. However, such decision-making does not replace a regular meeting.

 

ARTICLE 15: PROCEDURE FOR CALLS

The executive board prepares a list of members entitled to participate in the general assembly according to the association's bylaws. Members eligible to attend the general assembly are invited to the meeting at least fifteen days in advance, with the date, time, location, and agenda of the meeting announced in at least one newspaper or on the association’s website, communicated in writing, sent via email or phone number provided by the member, or through the use of local media channels.

 

If a quorum cannot be achieved during the first call, the date, time, and location of the second meeting must also be specified.

The time between the first and second meetings cannot be less than seven days or more than sixty days.

If the meeting is postponed for reasons other than the lack of a quorum, this situation, along with the reasons for the postponement, must be communicated to the members in accordance with the procedure used for calling the first meeting. The second meeting must be held within six months from the date of the postponement. Members are called to the second meeting according to the principles outlined in Article 1.

The general assembly meeting cannot be postponed more than once.

 

ARTICLE 16: QUORUM FOR MEETINGS

The general assembly convenes with the participation of more than half of the members entitled to attend the general assembly according to the association's bylaws. If a quorum is not achieved at the first meeting, no majority is required for the second meeting. However, the number of members attending this second meeting must not be less than twice the total number of members in the association's executive and audit boards combined.

 

ARTICLE 17: MEETING PROCEDURE

A list of members entitled to participate in the general assembly is kept at the meeting venue. The identity documents issued by official authorities are checked by members of the executive board or officials appointed by the executive board for those entering the meeting venue. Members enter the meeting venue by signing next to their names on the list prepared by the executive board. Those who do not present their identity documents, do not sign the specified list, or are not eligible to attend the general assembly are not admitted to the meeting venue. These individuals, along with non-members of the association, may observe the general assembly meeting from a separate section.

If the quorum is met, the situation is recorded in a minutes document, and the meeting is opened by the chairperson of the executive board or one of the executive board members appointed by them. If the quorum is not met, a minutes document is prepared by the executive board.

After the opening, a chairperson, a sufficient number of vice-chairpersons, and a secretary are elected to form the Presiding Board , which will oversee the conduct of the meeting.

In the elections for the association's organs, members who cast their votes are required to present their identification to the Presiding Board and sign next to their names on the June list. The management and security of the meeting are the responsibility of the Presiding Board Chairperson. The general assembly is concluded after the agenda items are discussed and resolved. Each member has one vote in the general assembly, and members are required to cast their votes in person.

The matters discussed and the decisions taken during the meeting are recorded in the minutes, which are jointly signed by the Presiding Board Chairperson and the secretaries. At the end of the meeting, the minutes and other documents are handed over to the chairperson of the executive board. The chairperson of the executive board is responsible for safeguarding these documents and delivering them to the newly elected executive board within seven days.

 

ARTICLE 18: DUTIES OF THE ASSOCIATION'S CENTRAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

a) Election of the association’s organs,
b) Amendment of the association’s bylaws,
c) Review and approval—either as is or with amendments—of the reports of the executive and audit boards, balance sheets, and income and expenditure accounts,
d) Approval—either as is or with amendments—of the budget prepared by the executive board,
e) Granting authority to the executive board for the purchase of immovable properties necessary to achieve the association’s goals or the sale of existing immovable properties,
f) Joining a federation, withdrawing from a federation, or establishing a federation,
g) Dissolution of the association,
h) Granting authority to the executive board to open branches and/or representative offices where deemed necessary,
i) Fulfillment of duties assigned to the general assembly by law and the bylaws,
j) Determination of fees, allowances, travel expenses, and compensations for the chairpersons and members of the executive and audit boards, which are submitted to the general assembly.

 

ARTICLE 19: FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

The executive board consists of seven principal and seven alternate members elected by secret ballot from among the association’s members by the general assembly, to serve for a term of three years. If the number of members in the executive board falls below half of the total membership due to vacancies, the general assembly is called to convene within one month by the remaining members of the executive board or the audit committee. If no such call is made, upon the request of one of the members, the local peace court appoints three members to convene the general assembly. In the event that no call is issued, each member of the association may request the local peace court to hold a general assembly meeting.

After its election, the executive board selects, at its first meeting: a chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and one treasurer. It establishes the procedures for its operations. The executive board may appoint a general secretary from among the association’s members or externally as a paid position. The other members of the executive board are assigned duties based on the tasks and responsibilities determined.

The President of the Executive Board represents the association. In the absence of the President, one of the Vice Presidents assumes representation.

The executive board meets at least once a month and may hold extraordinary meetings when necessary. Decisions are made by a majority vote. Any member of the executive board who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without valid excuse is considered to have resigned. The executive board then calls upon one of the alternate members to replace the resigned member.

 

ARTICLE 20: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

a) To work towards the realization of the objectives outlined in the bylaws and to implement the decisions of the general assembly.

b) To manage and represent the association, and to delegate authority to its members or third parties for this purpose.

c) To determine and establish the procedures and principles for the General Secretary, who may be appointed from among the association’s members or externally as a paid position.

d) To manage the association’s income and expenditure accounts, allocate necessary funds to branches in accordance with the budget plan, and prepare the budget for the upcoming period to be submitted to the general assembly.

e) To make decisions regarding the purchase or sale of real estate, all kinds of financial transactions, commitments, expenditures, loans, mortgages, and similar matters, in compliance with legal regulations and general assembly decisions.

f) To have authority over cadastral (tabu) procedures during the purchase or sale of real estate.

g) To establish foundations or transfer assets to suitable foundations using all or part of the association’s real estate, cash, and other movable property and rights that can be monetized.

h) To establish commissions and platforms for the realization and execution of the association’s goals.

i) To settle disputes or withdraw lawsuits in legal matters concerning the association, whether in favor or against it.

j) To prepare regulations governing the association’s activities.

k) To appoint personnel and consultants to manage the administrative and financial affairs of the association and, when necessary, terminate their employment.

l) To decide on the establishment of branches in locations deemed necessary by the authority granted by the general assembly, to authorize branch founders, oversee branches, and, if necessary, close branches and appoint temporary management boards.

m) To approve or reject branch activity programs and budgets, either as is or with amendments, and in case of rejection, to ensure that those responsible compensate for any damages (The rights of branch general assemblies are preserved).

n) To call extraordinary meetings of branch general assemblies when necessary.

o) To open representative offices or appoint representatives where the executive board deems necessary.

p) To have authority over the purchase, sale, rental, or temporary use of motor vehicles.

r) To issue authorization certificates for the collection of dues and donations and to provide them to relevant persons.

s) To establish platforms in accordance with the association’s objectives.

t) To carry out other tasks and exercise authorities granted by laws, bylaws, and regulations.

u) To have authority over all transactions in domestic and international banks and participation banks.

v) To utilize all technological means, including internet, SMS, email, audio, video, and written media, in accordance with the association’s objectives.

y) To have authority over joining or leaving federations.

z) To appoint personnel, workers, and consultants to manage the administrative and financial affairs of the association, determine their working hours and salaries, and, when necessary, terminate their employment.

 

ARTICLE 21: FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Central Audit Committee consists of three principal and three alternate members elected by secret ballot from among the association’s members to inspect and control the association’s transactions and accounts on behalf of the General Assembly for a term of three years.

At its first meeting, the Audit Committee elects a chairperson and determines its procedures and work programs.

It is possible for auditors whose term has expired to be re-elected.

 

 

ARTICLE 22: DUTIES OF THE CENTRAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee examines whether the association is operating in accordance with the objectives and activities specified in its bylaws for achieving those objectives. It reviews whether the books, accounts, and records are maintained in compliance with the relevant legislation and the association’s bylaws. This examination is conducted at intervals not exceeding one year, following the procedures established in the bylaws. The results of the audit are compiled into a report and submitted to the executive board and, when convened, to the General Assembly.

At the request of the Audit Committee members, it is mandatory for the association’s officials to provide all information, documents, and records, as well as to fulfill requests for access to management offices, facilities, and annexes.

The fact that the General Assembly, the executive board, or an independent audit has been conducted does not absolve the Audit Committee of its responsibilities.

 

ARTICLE 23: NOTIFICATION OF CENTRAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESULTS

Within thirty days following regular or extraordinary general assembly meetings, the General Assembly Results Report, which includes the principal and alternate members elected to the executive and audit boards and other organs (as outlined in Annex-3), is submitted to the Provincial Governor's Office. If amendments to the bylaws are made during the general assembly meeting, the following documents must also be submitted to the Provincial Governor's Office within the timeframe specified in this article: the minutes of the general assembly meeting, the old and new versions of the amended articles of the bylaws, and the final version of the association’s bylaws, with each page signed by a simple majority of the executive board members.

The General Assembly Results Notification can also be submitted by a member of the executive board who has been authorized by the association’s executive board. The chairperson of the executive board is responsible for ensuring that the notification is made.

Associations with ballot boxes must report the results of their general assembly to the Provincial Governor’s Office in accordance with the procedure outlined in this article.

The compliance of the General Assembly Results Notification and its annexes with relevant legislation is reviewed by the Civil Society Relations units. If there are any deficiencies or errors, the relevant associations are requested to address them. In cases where deficiencies or errors are not resolved, or if actions constituting a crime are identified, the necessary legal procedures are initiated.

 

ARTICLE 24: THE ASSOCIATION'S INCOME

The association's income consists of the following:

a) Membership dues: Members are required to pay an entrance fee of 10.00 (ten) TL and a monthly membership fee of 10.00 (ten) TL. The General Assembly is authorized to increase or decrease these amounts.

b) To cover all general expenses of the association, branches must send their entire income to the General Headquarters by the end of the last business day of each week.

c) Income generated from publications, exhibitions, bazaars, performances, conferences, panels, raffles, auctions, symposiums, sports competitions, calendars, donation boxes, agendas, and similar activities organized by the association.

d) Income derived from the association’s assets and partnerships.

e) Shares received from enterprises owned by the association.

f) Income obtained from the use, rental, or transfer of any property or rights donated or bequeathed to the association, in accordance with the terms of the will.

g) Donations and aid collected in compliance with the relevant legislation on fundraising.

h) All types of cash and in-kind assistance.

i) Aid received from real or legal persons or other organizations abroad, provided that prior notification is given to the Provincial Governor’s Office.

j) Other sources of income.

At least two-thirds of the income generated during the year is spent on the purposes of the association.

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES

The entrance fee and annual dues are determined by the General Assembly. The General Assembly is authorized to increase or decrease the specified dues.

 

ARTICLE 25: PROCEDURES FOR INCOME AND EXPENDITURES

The association's income is collected using an "Association Income Receipt" document. In cases where the association’s income is collected through banks, documents such as receipts or account statements issued by the bank serve as equivalent to the income receipt.

The association’s expenditures are made using spending documents such as invoices, retail sales receipts, or freelance profession receipts. However, for payments falling under Article 94 of the Income Tax Law, associations issue expense slips in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Procedure Law. For payments not covered under this scope, they issue expense receipts (Annex-13).

Branches cover their expenditure costs using spending documents such as invoices, retail sales receipts, freelance profession receipts, expense receipts, or expense slips. They report these to the General Headquarters with a payment receipt and photocopies of the documents, and the expenses are covered from the branch’s income.

Material and service deliveries provided free of charge by associations to individuals, institutions, or organizations are made using the In-Kind Aid Delivery Document (Annex 14). Conversely, material and service deliveries provided free of charge by individuals, institutions, or organizations to associations are accepted using the In-Kind Donation Receipt (Annex 15).

In extraordinary situations, if the necessity arises to make expenditures in accordance with the association’s objectives, the General Headquarters Executive Board is authorized to make expenditures and budget amendments without being bound by the allocated funds in the budget. Loans may be taken for amounts deemed necessary by a decision of the executive board for activities carried out on behalf of the association.

To cover urgent expenditures, a certain amount of cash, determined by the executive board, is kept in the association’s treasury. To withdraw money from the association’s account, the signatures of two individuals authorized by the executive board are required. The same rules apply to liquid assets that have monetary value. The association’s fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31 .

The association’s accounting is maintained according to the balance sheet principle .