A will in Türkiye governs the transfer of assets after death. The form requirements are strict — any defect can void the will.
1. Notarial will
Drawn before a notary, with two witnesses. The safest form. Auto-registered with the national wills registry.
2. Holographic will
Wholly handwritten by the testator, dated and signed. No witnesses needed. Submitted to the local justice court for opening after death.
3. Emergency (oral) will
Permitted only in life-threatening circumstances (illness, war). Spoken before three witnesses who write it down. Lapses after one month if the testator survives.
Strict form
Any formal defect leads to invalidity. Examples: a typed instead of handwritten holograph, missing date, missing witness.
Reserved shares
Children, spouse and parents enjoy unrenounceable reserved shares. Bypassing them invites a reduction (tenkis) suit.
Modification
Possible at any time before death. A new will revokes the prior.