2Base base
0

Tercüman (Translator) – What It Means in Turkish Real Estate

Turkish real estate vocabulary
Image

Tercüman (pronounced tehr-juu-mahn) is the Turkish word for translator or interpreter. In the context of real estate transactions in Turkey, a tercüman plays a critical role by providing accurate verbal or written translations between Turkish and another language, ensuring clear communication during property purchases, legal procedures, or official meetings.

Foreign buyers often rely on a tercüman when dealing with:

  • Notary (noter) appointments for contracts or power of attorney (vekaletname).
  • Title deed (tapu) office procedures at the Land Registry (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü).
  • Meetings with lawyers (avukat), real estate agents (emlakçı), or municipal offices.
  • Banking processes, such as opening accounts or applying for mortgages.

A tercüman must be fluent in both Turkish and the foreign language. For official transactions (e.g., tapu transfers), some government offices may require a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman), who is certified and registered with Turkish authorities. Sworn translators provide legally binding translations and often affix their official stamp to documents.

Unlike a çevirmen (who typically handles written translations), a tercüman focuses on spoken or real-time interpretation. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation.

Turkish Term English Equivalent Notes
Tercüman Translator / Interpreter General term for oral or written translation; often used for real-time interpretation.
Yeminli tercüman Sworn translator Certified by Turkish courts or notaries. Required for official documents. Ministry of Justice oversees certification.
Çevirmen Translator (written) Primarily for text-based translations (e.g., contracts, deeds).
Simultane tercüman Simultaneous interpreter Specialized for live, real-time translation (e.g., conferences).
Tapu tercümanı Title deed translator Focuses on tapu (property deed) transactions at the Land Registry.
Image
Tercüman (Translator) – What It Means in Turkish Real Estate

Required for notarized or court-related documents only.

In Turkey, a tercüman is legally required when signing notarized documents (e.g., sales contracts) or during court proceedings. While not mandatory for informal meetings, their presence is recommended for critical steps like title deed (tapu) transfers to avoid misunderstandings.

A certified translator for legal and official documents.

A tercüman is a professional translator in Turkey, often certified by official bodies. In real estate, they assist foreigners by translating contracts, deeds, and legal documents between Turkish and their native language. Their role ensures clarity and compliance with Turkish law.

Check their approval from the Turkish Ministry of Justice.

To verify a tercüman, ask for their certification from the Turkish Ministry of Justice or a sworn translator’s license. Notaries and courts only accept translations from certified professionals. Avoid unlicensed translators, as their work may not be legally valid.

No, they are separate roles with distinct licenses.

A tercüman is solely a translator and cannot legally act as a real estate agent. Agents require a separate license from the Turkish Trade Registry. While some may offer both services, ensure they hold valid credentials for each role to avoid conflicts of interest.

Contracts, title deeds, and power of attorney documents.

Key documents requiring a tercüman’s translation include sales contracts, title deeds (tapu), power of attorney forms, and court-related papers. Notaries and land registries demand certified translations to process foreign buyers’ transactions legally.

Fees range from €50 to €200 per document.

The cost of a tercüman in Turkey varies by document complexity and language. Standard contracts are cheaper, while detailed legal papers (e.g., court documents) are more expensive. Always confirm fees upfront, as prices are not regulated by the government.

No, only certified translators are accepted legally.

Turkish authorities do not recognize family members or friends as tercüman for legal documents. Only certified translators can provide official translations. Using unqualified individuals may invalidate contracts or delay transactions.

Notaries, courts, or official translator associations.

Reliable tercüman services can be found through Turkish notaries, courts, or the Tercümanlar Derneği (Translators Association). Online platforms like the Turkish Ministry of Justice’s directory also list certified professionals. Avoid unverified freelancers for legal documents.

Also read

Top