Statute of limitations (prescription)

Under Turkish law, prescription (zamanaşımı) gives a debtor the right to refuse performance when a claim has not been pursued within the statutory period. The claim itself does not cease to exist, but once the debtor raises the defence, the court will dismiss the creditor's demand.

The Code of Obligations sets a general limitation period and shorter special periods for certain claims such as rent and wages. Determining when the period starts and whether it has been interrupted by a lawsuit or enforcement proceeding often decides the outcome of a dispute.

Courts do not apply prescription of their own motion; the debtor must invoke it expressly. A debtor who voluntarily pays a time-barred debt cannot later reclaim the payment.