We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the 2nd International Summer School on Arbitration co-organized by the Turkish Arbitration Academy (TAA).
The program began on Monday morning with an insightful opening lecture that set the tone for an enriching learning experience. Prof. Dr. Ali Yesilirmak warmly welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the program.
His later lectures covered critical topics such as the "International Dispute Settlement and Legal Concept of Arbitration," "Historical Development of Arbitration," and the "Regulatory Framework of Arbitration." These sessions provided a comprehensive overview and a strong foundation in the field of arbitration. In the next session, Dr. Dogan Gultutan delivered valuable insights on "Confidentiality and Transparency," bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The first day concluded with a practical session on the "Establishment and Organization of the Arbitral Tribunal," ensuring participants gained a holistic understanding of the arbitration process.
The second day commenced with an informative session by Dr. Ömer Faruk Kafalı on the "Powers, Duties, and Jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal." This session laid the groundwork for understanding the fundamental roles and responsibilities of the arbitral tribunal. This was followed by a thought-provoking lecture on "Provisional Measures" delivered by Prof. Dr. Ali Yesilirmak, offering participants a thorough understanding of the provisional measures that can be implemented to preserve assets and evidence.
The third session, "Expedited and Emergency Arbitration," was co-conducted by Dr. Dogan Gultutan and Dr. Can EKEN. This lecture provided valuable insights into the accelerated processes within arbitration, crucial for urgent disputes. Subsequently, the same speakers delivered a detailed lecture on "Applicable Procedural Law, State Courts, and Assistance." This session elucidated the interplay between arbitral proceedings and the support provided by state courts.
The day concluded with an engaging lecture by Mr. Okan Demirkan from Kolcuoglu Demirkan Kocakli Attorneys at Law on "Arbitration Agreements and Multiparty-Arbitration". His expertise provided participants with a practical understanding of drafting and enforcing arbitration agreements.
The third day began with an insightful presentation by Attorney Mr Turgut Aycan Özcan, Managing Partner from Özcan Legal. Mr Özcan's comprehensive sessions covered two critical aspects of arbitration. The first part focused on the meticulous preparation for hearings, including pre-hearing conferences, the chronology of key events, preparation of hearing bundles, crafting opening statements, and preparing fact and expert witnesses for cross-examination. He also provided guidance on formulating effective cross-examination questions. In the second part, Mr Özcan delved into the intricacies of arbitration hearings. He covered the essential components of the hearing process, including delivering opening statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations, redirect examinations, and presenting both oral and written closing arguments. To enhance practical understanding, Mr Özcan conducted a hands-on session on examination techniques.
The afternoon sessions were led by Dr Ömer Faruk Kafalı who focused on the topics of arbitration awards and costs. Dr Kafali's lectures provided detailed insights into the various types of awards and decisions that arbitral tribunals render, as well as a comprehensive analysis of the costs typically encountered in arbitration proceedings.
The fourth day commenced with an enlightening presentation by Dr. Can EKEN on the "Set-Aside of Arbitral Awards." Dr. Eken thoroughly examined the concept of setting aside arbitral awards, elaborating on the relevant procedures and legal intricacies. His session equipped participants with a solid understanding of this pivotal aspect of arbitration.
In the afternoon, Attorney Toghrul Guluzada took the stage to lead an in-depth session on the "Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards." Mr. Guluzada shed light on the complexities of ensuring that arbitral awards are recognized and enforced across different jurisdictions, offering valuable insights into the challenges and best practices in this field. He focused on the New York Convention and gave many case law examples.
The fifth and final day of the 2nd International Summer School on Arbitration has successfully concluded, wrapping up a week of intensive learning and insightful discussions on various facets of arbitration. The day began with a comprehensive presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Eda Manav Özdemir on "Investment Arbitration." Dr. Özdemir explored both the substantive and procedural aspects of investment arbitration, providing participants with a thorough understanding of this specialized area.
In the afternoon, Assist. Prof. Dr. Najiba Mustafayeva led an engaging session on "State-State Arbitration." Building on the previous sessions focused on commercial and investment arbitration, Dr. Mustafayeva analyzed the workings of state-state arbitration and dispute resolution in general, offering a broader perspective on the field. The day, and the program, concluded with a closing ceremony where successful participants were awarded their certificates, celebrating their dedication and hard work throughout the summer school.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our esteemed speakers and enthusiastic participants for making this program a resounding success. As we close this chapter, we look forward to the continued journey of knowledge and collaboration in the field of arbitration.
Views from our Participants
I am writing to share my reflections on the enriching experience I had at the 2nd International Summer School on Arbitration. I found this programme invaluable in deepening my understanding of arbitration. In addition, while exploring Baku, I had the opportunity to meet and engage with many lawyers from the Turkic States, each from different professions.
It was a very well organized program. I have participated in many other similar international programs in different countries and I can honestly say that this organization was one of the best. I found it very valuable especially in three aspects.
- Ahmet Tokat, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, Istanbul University Faculty of Law, Private International Law Department
I consider myself fortunate to have participated in the International Arbitration Summer School. It was an honor to learn about international commercial and investment arbitration from experts in the field, to meet them in person, and to have the opportunity to discuss the intricacies of arbitration. The professors’ extensive knowledge, sincere attitude toward participants, and enthusiasm for teaching made this summer school outstanding for me. In addition to the classes, it was a wonderful experience to converse with other participants—students, professors, judges, and advocates from various countries—and to hear about their experiences and professional advice. I extend my gratitude to all the partners of this Summer School for initiating such a program and convey my heartfelt thanks to all my teachers!
- Khadija Mehdiyeva, Baku State University
I attended the 2nd International Summer School on Arbitration program as a young lawyer from Türkiye as who had graduated from university a year ago and was just doing my legal internship. Although I had some idea about arbitration during my university years, I learned more about arbitration due to this intensive program. I learned so many things about various aspects of arbitration for a week, and learning this from such precious, successful and modest people who are experts in their field was an incredibly valuable gain for me. Another good thing about the program was that experts and students from various other Turkic States participation, it was very valuable to get to know each other and our legal systems closely. I would like to thank the organizers, sponsors, valuable speakers and participants of this wonderful program. It was an unforgettable education for me. Thank you for eveything!
- Aminenur Ünaldı, Judge Candidate
The summer school is a memorable experience for me. Great lecturers, an excellent environment and the best part of this summer school was that we learned a lot of knowledge, analysed articles of important conventions, treaties and studied well-known cases in the field of arbitration in just 5 days.
- Qızıltac Bayramova , Baku State University
The conference was informative, covering both the basic concepts of arbitration, for persons who had not participated before, and more complex details. During the participation, the coaches conducted an interactive, discussion questions were asked, so that the entire audience was involved in the discussion process. Moreover, within the framework of confidentiality, the trainers shared their practical skills and the cases were analyzed.
- Violetta Ber, Caspian University
Last Update: 04/07/2024 06:59