Bylaws of the Turkish Urooncology Association
BylawsARTICLE 4: OPERATING PRINCIPLES OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The association shall act in an impartial and autonomous manner, maintaining equal distance from all institutions and organizations, without pursuing commercial or political aims, prioritizing public and environmental benefit, and conducting statements and behaviors based on transparent, factual determinations, research, and evaluations.
ARTICLE 5: PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL MANNER OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The association shall not engage in any prohibited activities specified in Articles 29 and 30 of the Law on Associations No. 5253 dated 07.11.2004. It is essential that the association carries out its activities without deviating from the fundamental principles outlined in the preamble of the Constitution and without violating the various provisions stated in Law No. 5253 while fulfilling its objectives and fields of activity.
ARTICLE 6: EMBLEM OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The emblem of the association shall be adopted by a resolution of the General Assembly, and the required legal procedures shall be carried out before the Governorship.
The emblem of the association may not be distributed, sold, or used for purposes other than intended, and may not be given to non-members without the permission of the Board of Directors. SECTION II
ARTICLE 7: MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The association has five types of members:
A- Principal Member,
B- Honorary Member,
C- Distinguished Member,
D- Advisory Member,
E- Young Member.
A – Principal (Full) Member:
Definition: Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who have completed their education in health sciences and related fields, have practiced their profession for a minimum of two years, and have at least three original research articles in the field of uro-oncology (with at least one being first-author), and who are selected considering their professional and scientific studies, publications, and good moral character.
Selection: If two existing Principal Members submit a written proposal and reference letters confirming that the candidate meets the qualifications stated in article 7-a, and if the Board of Directors approves, the candidate is accepted. Advisory Members of the TURKISH UROONCOLOGY ASSOCIATION who meet the conditions for Principal Membership may change their membership category by submitting the necessary documents to the Board of Directors.
Obligations: A candidate selected as a Principal Member is required to pay the annual membership fee, submit their autobiography and bibliography, complete one membership application form, submit three photographs sized 4.5 x 6 cm and one photograph sized 9 x 12 cm to the Board of Directors (either in person or by mail), and pay the membership entrance fee. Once these are completed, a membership certificate is issued.
To exercise membership and general assembly participation rights, the election period’s membership fee must be paid. The annual fee must be paid during January of that year. The new year’s fee cannot be paid before settling the previous year’s outstanding dues.
B – Honorary Member:
Among the Principal Members, individuals aged 60 or above, whether Turkish or foreign nationals, who hold relevant authority in fields related to the association’s objectives may be accepted as Honorary Members by decision of the Board of Directors upon application. Foreign nationals are not required to reside in Turkey. Honorary Members are not obliged to pay any membership fees.
C – Distinguished Member:
Among the Principal Members, individuals of exceptional merit or, even if not members, globally renowned Turkish or foreign scientists in the field of the association’s objectives may be accepted as Distinguished Members upon the proposal of one member of the Board of Directors or 1/5 of the Principal Members and by decision of the Board of Directors. Distinguished Members have the same obligations as Honorary Members.
D – Advisory Member:
Individuals holding specialist certification in other related medical fields such as radiation oncology, medical oncology, and pathology may become members of the association under Advisory Member status, by decision of the Board of Directors. These members may participate in the association’s scientific activities.
Advisory Members are not obliged to pay membership fees.
E – Young Member:
Physicians who have completed the first 24 months of urology residency training and are continuing their education, or who have been practicing as urology specialists for up to five years, may be accepted as Young Members of the TURKISH UROONCOLOGY ASSOCIATION by decision of the Board of Directors. Young Members do not have voting rights in General Assemblies. They may voluntarily pay an entry and annual membership fee not exceeding half the amount paid by Principal Members. Young Members may observe the TURKISH UROONCOLOGY ASSOCIATION’s meetings and subgroup activities and may actively participate if assigned. Young Members attending the Spring Meeting held in the autumn each year shall elect one representative among themselves by majority vote. The term of representation can be held consecutively for a maximum of two terms. The Young Member Representative may attend the TURKISH UROONCOLOGY ASSOCIATION’s Board of Directors meetings as an observer, if invited.
ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS:
Membership applications shall be answered in writing by the Board of Directors within 30 days from the date they are submitted to the association.
ARTICLE 9: RIGHT TO BECOME A MEMBER AND TO VOTE:
Real and legal persons with legal capacity, who are committed to Atatürk’s principles and meet the membership qualifications and the conditions specified in Article 7-a, and who are urology specialists, may become members of the association. All members of the association have equal rights. Each Principal Member has only one vote in the General Assembly and must vote in person.
Persons who are prohibited from joining associations under other laws, or who have been convicted of disgraceful offenses, smuggling, corruption in tenders and procurement, crimes against the personality of the state, inciting such crimes, crimes against public order, counterfeiting, or engaging in illegal publicity or advertisement activities for political or ideological purposes, cannot become members of the association.
Honorary, Distinguished, and Advisory Members do not have voting rights and cannot be elected or appointed to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 10: TERMINATION AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP REVOCATION:
Voluntary Resignation from Membership:
Association members may resign from the association by submitting a written resignation to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. No one can be forced to remain a member of the association. Any member has the right to leave the association by submitting a written notice. However, members who resign or are expelled are obligated to pay all dues and debts accrued up to the date of resignation or expulsion.
Expulsion from Membership:
A member may be expelled from the association under Article 11 if any of the following conditions are established:
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It is determined that the member did not meet the conditions required for membership after being admitted.
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The member acts contrary to the objectives of the association or engages in activities disrupting the functioning of the association.
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The member acts against the decisions of the General Assembly or the Board of Directors.
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The member engages in conduct incompatible with the honor, dignity, and prestige of membership or the medical profession.
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The member loses any of the qualifications specified in the association’s bylaws or the Law on Associations.
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The member fails to fulfill their obligations defined in the bylaws within two months despite written warnings by the Board of Directors, or fails to pay dues for two periods.
Members who fall into any of the above situations may be referred to the Disciplinary (Honor) Committee by the Board of Directors.
The decisions are submitted to the first Ordinary General Assembly for notification.
ARTICLE 11: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP AND FINALIZATION:
Termination of membership is finalized by the decision of the Disciplinary (Honor) Committee upon the proposal of the Board of Directors. The decision is submitted to the first General Assembly by the Board of Directors.
The expelled member may appeal the decision at the General Assembly.
For the General Assembly to accept the appeal or reject the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, an absolute majority of members entitled to participate in the General Assembly must vote accordingly. Otherwise, the decision is deemed approved.
ARTICLE 12: MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS:
No one can be forced to become a member of the association or to remain a member. Every member has the right to resign.
All members of the association have equal rights. The bylaws of the association shall not contain provisions that discriminate between members on the basis of language, race, color, gender, religion, sect, family, class, or group, nor may they include provisions that privilege any member over others.
Each member has one vote in the General Assembly and must vote in person. If the member is a legal entity, the president of its board or a designated representative shall cast the vote. When this role ends, a new representative must be appointed to vote on behalf of the legal entity. Honorary, Distinguished, and Advisory Members do not have voting rights.
SECTION III
ARTICLE 13: EXECUTIVE BODIES OF THE ASSOCIATION:
a) General Assembly
b) Board of Directors
c) Supervisory Board
d) Disciplinary (Honor) Committee
ARTICLE 14: GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The General Assembly is the highest and most authoritative decision-making body of the association.
The General Assembly consists of the Principal Members registered at the headquarters and delegates elected from branch members at a ratio of 1/5. Representative offices cannot be represented in either branch or headquarters General Assembly meetings.
ARTICLE 15: MEETING TIME:
The General Assembly of the Association convenes regularly once every two (2) years and is held at the location of the Association’s headquarters or at another location determined by the Board of Directors, with the participation of more than half of its members. General Assembly meetings are held in March.
ARTICLE 16: EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
An extraordinary general assembly may be convened by a majority vote of the Board of Directors when it is not possible to wait until the next regular general assembly meeting or when there are urgent and significant matters requiring immediate discussion. Additionally, an extraordinary meeting shall be called by the Board of Directors upon:
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A unanimous decision of the Supervisory Board concerning the Association’s financial records or budget,
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Or a written and signed request by 1/5 of the Association’s members.
Extraordinary general assembly meetings are held in accordance with the same procedures and principles as regular general assembly meetings. Only items on the agenda may be discussed during an extraordinary meeting. However, items requested in writing by at least one-tenth of members present at the meeting must be added to the agenda.
If the Board of Directors fails to call a meeting upon request from the Supervisory Board or 1/5 of the members, the local Civil Court of Peace shall appoint a three-person committee from among the members of the Association to convene the General Assembly, upon application from the Supervisory Board or one of the requesting members.
ARTICLE 17: CALL PROCEDURE:
The General Assembly is called to meeting by the Board of Directors. The Board prepares a list of members entitled to attend the General Assembly according to the bylaws and notifies members with outstanding dues to settle their debts. Members with unpaid dues cannot attend the General Assembly or exercise voting and election rights.
Members entitled to attend shall be notified in writing at least fifteen (15) days in advance, including the date, time, place, and agenda of the meeting, as well as details of a second meeting in case the required quorum is not met at the first.
ARTICLE 18: PROCEDURE OF THE MEETING:
General Assembly meetings are held on the date, time, and location announced to the members.
Members attend by signing next to their names in the “General Assembly Members List” prepared by the Board of Directors and receiving an entry card. The number of members present, and the meeting and decision quorums, are confirmed in a report signed by the Association President and the General Secretary.
The General Assembly is opened by the President or the Vice President after the Secretary reads the report confirming quorum.
ARTICLE 19: PRESIDING COUNCIL:
Following the opening, a president, one vice president, and two secretaries are elected by open vote and simple majority from among the members to preside over the meeting. The management of the meeting is the responsibility of the President of the Assembly Council. The Council oversees the proceedings and ensures the preparation of required minutes. The secretaries prepare the minutes and sign them along with the president. At the end of the meeting, all records and documents are handed over to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 20: MEETING QUORUM:
The General Assembly convenes with the participation of more than half of the members listed by the Board of Directors according to the Association’s bylaws. For amendments to the bylaws or dissolution of the Association, 2/3 of the members must attend the first meeting. If the required quorum is not met and the meeting is postponed, no quorum is required at the second meeting. However, the number of members present at the second meeting cannot be less than twice the total number of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board.
ARTICLE 21: ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING:
Only the items listed on the agenda may be discussed at the General Assembly meeting. However, items requested in writing to be discussed by at least one-tenth of the members present must be added to the agenda.
ARTICLE 22: GENERAL ASSEMBLY QUORUM FOR DECISIONS AND VOTING PROCEDURES:
Each member has one vote in the General Assembly and must cast their vote personally. Except in cases where the bylaws explicitly state otherwise, decisions in the General Assembly are made by open vote. Elections for the association’s governing bodies are conducted by secret ballot and open counting. Honorary, distinguished, and advisory members do not have voting rights.
Decisions are made by an absolute majority of the members present. For amendments to the bylaws and dissolution of the association, a two-thirds (2/3) majority of attending members is required.
Elections for association bodies are conducted with secret ballots, and votes are cast in envelopes and placed in a ballot box. Candidates with the highest number of votes are elected as principal members, and those with fewer votes are elected as substitute members.
ARTICLE 23: DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The following matters are discussed and decided by the General Assembly:
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Election of principal and substitute members of the association’s bodies.
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Amendment of the association’s bylaws.
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Review of reports from the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, and approval of the Board of Directors.
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Approval of the budget prepared by the Board of Directors, either as submitted or with modifications.
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Determination of the annual membership fee.
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Authorizing the Board of Directors to purchase, mortgage, release mortgages, transfer, or accept donations of immovable property for the association.
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Authorizing the Board of Directors to establish or join similar-purpose associations, foundations, federations, or other umbrella organizations, or to withdraw from them; and to determine and pay membership contributions.
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Authorizing the Board of Directors to open branches and representative offices within or outside the country when deemed necessary.
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Authorizing the Board of Directors to engage in international activities and to join or withdraw from foreign associations or organizations.
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Deciding on the dissolution of the association.
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Fulfilling other duties assigned to the General Assembly under laws and the association’s bylaws.
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Authorizing the Board of Directors to apply for public benefit status.
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Reviewing and deciding on appeals of members expelled by the Disciplinary Board.
SECTION IV
ARTICLE 24: BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ELECTION:
The Board of Directors consists of 11 principal and 11 substitute members. It is elected by the General Assembly every two (2) years through a secret ballot and open counting method. If multiple candidates receive the same number of votes at the cutoff for election, lots will be drawn to determine the order. The elected members assign roles among themselves. The Board consists of a president, vice president, general secretary, treasurer, and other members. Substitute members are called to duty in order to fill vacant positions.
The president of the association cannot serve more than one consecutive term.
Decisions are made by an absolute majority of the total number of members. In case of a tie, the side supported by the president prevails.
A member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without excuse is considered to have resigned by the decision of the Board. Vacant positions are filled in order from the substitute list. The substitute member completes the term of the member they replace. If the president is absent, one of the vice presidents chairs the meeting.
The President of the Board is also the President of the Association and represents the Association. If the President is absent, the Vice President assumes all presidential powers.
Only the President has the authority to make public statements on behalf of the Association. In the absence of the President, this authority passes to the Vice President or a Board-authorized representative.
ARTICLE 25: DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Board meets at least once every two months upon the call of the President or a Vice President and with the participation of more than half of the total number of members. Decisions are taken by absolute majority. The Board decides on the following agenda items:
a) Represent the Association (reserving powers under Article 15), and authorize members or appoint official representatives as needed;
b) Manage the Association within the legal and statutory framework;
c) Establish working groups or committees to support its operations and objectives;
d) Handle income and expense operations, prepare the budget for the next term, review and finalize interim budgets, and transfer funds between budget items;
e) Cover budgetary expenses and ensure income collection;
f) Prepare meeting agendas and call the General Assembly for regular or extraordinary meetings;
g) Appoint the General Secretary and define their working conditions;
h) Establish the Association’s organization, appoint, promote, transfer, discipline, and manage personnel and determine salaries and prepare regulations in this regard;
ı) Implement the decisions of the General Assembly;
j) Issue written warnings and admonishments to members who do not comply with decisions;
k) Decide on the acceptance or rejection of proposed memberships;
l) Approve the opening of branches based on General Assembly authorization;
m) Draft internal bylaws and regulations as needed for the Association’s operations;
n) Grant power of attorney for litigation, settlements, releases, waivers, and legal or administrative proceedings;
o) Handle real estate transactions and assign authority for such, based on General Assembly authorization;
ö) Fulfill other duties and exercise powers assigned by the bylaws or applicable law;
p) Notify the local administrative authority of elected bodies within thirty days of the election;
r) Notify the local administrative authority of changes in the Association’s organs or address within thirty days;
s) Refer members to the Honorary Board for potential expulsion;
t) Establish advisory and support committees, but may not delegate the executive powers of the Association.
ARTICLE 26: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
A – President:
a) The President is the natural representative of the Association. They are authorized to speak and correspond on behalf of the Association.
b) Chairs the meetings and presides over all advisory and support committees.
c) Signs jointly with the treasurer for deposits and withdrawals.
d) Signs the meeting minutes together with the General Secretary or session secretary.
e) In Board decisions, the President enforces the majority rule; in case of a tie, the President’s vote is considered decisive.
B – Vice President:
In the absence of the President, the Vice President assumes full authority and is the President’s natural assistant.
C – General Secretary:
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Carries out specific duties under the authority of the President.
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Keeps the membership, registry, decision, incoming-outgoing document logs and files properly.
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Issues circulars and notifies members.
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Is an ex officio member of support and advisory committees.
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Follows up on members’ dues and other obligations with the Treasurer and sends written notices when necessary.
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A response is expected from members within two months; otherwise, action is taken as outlined in the bylaws.
D – Treasurer:
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Legally records and maintains the Association’s income and expenses.
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Deposits all monetary income primarily into a national bank.
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Withdraws money from the bank jointly with the President.
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Tracks membership fees and other Association revenues and performs the necessary actions.
ARTICLE 27: INSUFFICIENCY OF BOARD MEMBERS AFTER INCLUDING SUBSTITUTES
If the number of Board members falls below half of the total, even after all substitutes have been assigned, the General Assembly must be convened within one month by either the current Board members or the Supervisory Board.
If the meeting is not called, any member may apply to the local civil court of peace, which then appoints a three-member committee from among the Association’s members to convene the General Assembly within one month.
ARTICLE 28: SUPERVISORY BOARD
The Supervisory Board is formed by the election of three principal and three substitute members by the General Assembly from among its members for a two-year term, by secret ballot and open counting. At the first meeting, the principal members elect a Chairperson among themselves. If the Chairperson is absent, another member leads the board. If a principal member leaves for any reason, the substitute member with the highest number of votes is appointed.
The Supervisory Board conducts audits at least once every six months and submits its findings in a report to the Board of Directors and the General Assembly when it convenes.
The quorum for meetings is the absolute majority of the full membership. Decisions require an absolute majority of current members. In case of a tie, the side supported by the Chairperson prevails.
Supervisory Board members may inspect Association records at any time individually or collectively. The Board of Directors and the General Secretary are obliged to present all requested documents and records.
A report is prepared and submitted to the General Assembly. A copy of the report is also submitted to the Board of Directors.
The Supervisory Board may conduct audits at any time by notifying the Board of Directors one month in advance.
ARTICLE 29: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The duties and authorities of the Audit Committee are as follows:
a) To audit whether the decisions taken by the General Assembly are being implemented by the Board of Directors, and whether the association’s activities are conducted in accordance with the regulations and the charter.
b) To examine the association’s books, transactions, accounts, and expenditures to determine whether they are based on decisions and valid documentation, and to request explanations from the Board of Directors when necessary.
c) To conduct investigations and reviews referred by the General Assembly and Board of Directors and to submit the results in a report to the relevant body.
d) To request the Board of Directors to convene the General Assembly for an extraordinary meeting when necessary.
e) To prepare an audit report and submit it to the General Assembly.
ARTICLE 30: HONOR COMMITTEE:
a) The Honor Committee consists of three members elected by open vote among the Principal Members by the General Assembly. The members of the Honor Committee assign roles among themselves.
b) The Honor Committee is elected by the General Assembly from among respected and esteemed members.
ARTICLE 31: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE HONOR COMMITTEE:
a) Primarily resolves disputes between colleagues.
b) Reviews and decides on the cases of members referred by the Board of Directors for expulsion.
c) Has the authority to issue warnings, reprimands, or expulsion decisions for members who act against professional ethics, honor, and dignity. These decisions are final.
d) Decides to expel members who are legally deprived of their civil rights.
e) Submits its decisions to the Board of Directors, which then presents them to the General Assembly. The General Assembly proceeds according to Articles 9 and 10.
SECTION V
ARTICLE 32: ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES:
The association may open branches in necessary locations upon decision of the General Assembly. For this purpose, a founders’ committee of at least three persons authorized by the Board of Directors submits the branch establishment notification and required documents to the highest local administrative authority.
ARTICLE 33: ORGANS OF BRANCHES:
Each branch must have a General Assembly, Board of Directors, and an Audit Committee or Auditor. Branch General Assemblies must be completed by the end of January at the latest. The Branch General Assembly is the highest and most authorized decision-making body of the branch and consists of Principal Members registered in the branch who have the right to attend the General Assembly.
Meetings are held in accordance with the charter provisions. Branches are represented at the Central General Assembly by delegates. Each branch elects delegates equal to 1/5 of its members.
ARTICLE 33/1: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE BRANCH GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The following matters are discussed and resolved by the General Assembly:
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Election of principal and substitute members of the branch organs,
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Discussion of the reports of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, and discharge of the Board,
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Approval of the budget prepared by the Board of Directors as is or with amendments,
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Authorization of the Board of Directors regarding the purchase, mortgaging, release of mortgage, transfer, and donation of real estate necessary for the association,
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Dissolution of the branch,
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Discussion and resolution of objections against expulsion decisions of the Board,
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Execution of other duties stated in legislation and the association’s charter.
ARTICLE 33/2: BRANCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Board of Directors is composed of five (5) principal and five (5) substitute members elected by secret ballot and open counting for a term of two (2) years from among the principal members.
If a principal membership becomes vacant, it is mandatory to call a substitute member. Reelection of an expired member is possible. The elected Board selects among themselves a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Chair may not serve more than one consecutive term. The first General Assembly is exempt from this restriction. Decisions are made by an absolute majority. In case of a tie, the side of the Chair prevails.
A member who misses three consecutive meetings without excuse may be considered to have resigned. Vacancies are filled by substitutes in order. The substitute member completes the term of the predecessor. In the absence of the Chair, a Vice Chair presides.
The Chair of the Board is also the head of the branch and represents it. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair has full authority.
Statements on behalf of the branch may only be made by the Chair, or, if unavailable, by the Vice Chair, or by a person assigned by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 33/3: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE BRANCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The Board of Directors convenes at least six times a year upon the call of the Chair or a Vice Chair, on a date determined by them, with the participation of more than half of the total number of members, and takes decisions by absolute majority. The Board resolves the following agenda items:
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To represent the association with the reserved powers of the President defined in Article 23/2, and to authorize one or more of its members for this purpose; to appoint and assign a representative as required by official authorities,
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To manage the association within the scope of authority granted by laws and the bylaws,
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To establish working groups or administrative and service committees to assist the Board in matters related to the association’s objectives and services,
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To perform transactions related to the income and expenditure accounts of the association and to prepare the budget for the upcoming term to be submitted to the General Assembly; to discuss and approve a supplementary budget for the current term when necessary, and to transfer funds between budget items,
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To cover budget expenditures and ensure the collection of association revenues,
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To prepare the meeting agenda and convene the General Assembly for regular or extraordinary meetings,
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To appoint the Secretary General and determine working conditions,
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To establish the association’s organization; to make decisions on appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and other personnel matters, and to determine salary scales; to prepare internal regulations for these matters,
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To implement General Assembly decisions,
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To issue written warnings to members when necessary and to caution those who do not comply with General Assembly and Board decisions,
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To decide on the acceptance or rejection of proposed memberships,
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To grant power of attorney for lawsuits, settlements, discharges, waivers from lawsuits and appeals, to accept lawsuits and waivers, to file lawsuits, and to carry out or have carried out administrative, financial, judicial, and enforcement proceedings, and to issue comprehensive powers of attorney for such matters,
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To carry out other tasks and use the authorities assigned by the association’s bylaws and legislation,
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To notify the local authority within thirty days following the election of board members,
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To notify changes in association bodies and address changes to the local authority within thirty days.
ARTICLE 33/4: BRANCH AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The Audit Committee is formed by the election of three principal and three substitute members for a term of two years by secret ballot from among the General Assembly members. In the first meeting, the principal members elect a chairperson from among themselves. In the absence of the chair, one of the members presides over the committee. If a principal member resigns for any reason, the substitute member who received the most votes is appointed.
The Audit Committee performs its auditing duties at least once every six months and presents its findings in a report to the Board of Directors and to the General Assembly when it convenes.
The quorum for meetings is the absolute majority of the full number of members. The decision quorum is the absolute majority of current members. In case of a tie, the side on which the chairperson votes is deemed to have the majority.
ARTICLE 33/5: DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE BRANCH AUDIT COMMITTEE:
The duties and authorities of the Audit Committee are as follows:
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To audit whether the decisions of the General Assembly have been implemented by the Board of Directors and whether the affairs of the Association are carried out in accordance with the legislation and the bylaws,
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To examine, when deemed necessary, the books, transactions, and accounts of the Association, and whether expenditures are based on decisions and supporting documents; to request explanations from the Board of Directors when necessary,
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To conduct investigations and inspections referred by the General Assembly and the Board of Directors and to submit the results to the requesting body in a report,
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To request the Board of Directors to convene an extraordinary General Assembly when necessary,
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To prepare and submit an audit report to the General Assembly.
Members of the Audit Committee may examine the Association’s books individually or collectively at any time. The Board of Directors and the Secretary General are obligated to present the requested documents, books, and information to the Audit Committee for examination.
SECTION VI
ARTICLE 34: INCOME SOURCES OF THE ASSOCIATION:
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Membership fees: The annual membership fee is 40.00 TL, determined by the General Assembly held every two years in conjunction with Board elections. The newly elected Board of Directors collects the annual dues from each member. Members may voluntarily pay more than the amount decided by the General Assembly.
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Income from real estate,
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Revenues from publications such as journals and books, and author contributions deemed appropriate,
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Donations received from medical-related organizations,
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Congress allocations,
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Government grants in accordance with the Law on Associations,
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Revenues from activities organized by the Association, including publications, lotteries, balls, entertainment events, festivals, performances, concerts, competitions, conferences, etc.,
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Bank interest and similar income,
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All types of conditional or unconditional bequests and donations,
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Donations and contributions collected and accepted in accordance with the laws on fundraising,
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Donations from foreign individuals or legal entities with the permission of the Ministry of Interior,
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Revenues from economic enterprises and other income sources.
The Association cannot accept financial aid from political parties under any circumstances and may not provide financial support to such organizations.
ARTICLE 35: EXPENDITURES OF THE ASSOCIATION:
a) Expenses incurred to fulfill the bylaws’ requirements,
b) Publication costs of Turkish-language journals (with foreign language abstracts or vice versa), books, electronic publications, and similar outputs, with the goal of publishing 1 to 4 issues annually,
c) Printing costs of congresses, scientific meetings, and their reports, congress books, and proceedings,
d) Expenses related to diplomas, badges, ribbons, plaques, etc., provided to members,
e) Approved delegation expenses and other general expenses of the Association.
ARTICLE 36: EMBLEM – MEDALLION AND MUTUAL AID:
The emblem determined by the Board of Directors is used in the association’s correspondence and publications.
Membership diplomas, ID cards, and, when necessary, badges may be given to association members. Authorization cards are issued to members who have paid dues for the relevant year and term.
Ceremonies and celebrations may be organized to honor individuals with exceptional achievements, those who have completed long-term service periods, retirees, or those who have made significant medical, scientific, national, or global contributions. Special commemorative gifts may also be given.
In times of need, financial and moral support and solidarity may be organized and provided to members in need, within the association’s capabilities.
ARTICLE 37: FINANCIAL PROVISIONS:
The fiscal year of the association begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st.
The association’s budget consists of income and expenditure tables.
Expenditures made between the end of the fiscal year and the date of the next ordinary General Assembly must be within the appropriations foreseen in the previous budget.
ARTICLE 38: PROCEDURES AND FORMS OF BORROWING:
If necessary to carry out its activities and achieve its objectives, the association may borrow from banks or other legal entities with a decision of the General Assembly. However, the borrowed amount cannot exceed half of the total cost of the activity or project.
Similarly, the association may borrow from its members. For non-bank borrowings, the maximum interest rate that can be applied during repayment must not exceed the monthly or annual interest rate of the Central Bank.
For bank borrowings, the bank’s interest rate applies.
The association may also receive aid in accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 5253.
ARTICLE 39: BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The association keeps the following notarized official books:
If subject to the operating account principle:
a) Membership Register
b) Minutes Book
c) Operating Account Book
d) Inventory Book
e) Fixed Assets Book
f) Receipt Register
g) Incoming and Outgoing Document Register
If subject to the balance sheet principle:
a) Membership Register
b) Minutes Book
c) Journal
d) Ledger
e) Inventory Book
f) Fixed Assets Book
g) Receipt Register
h) Incoming and Outgoing Document Register
ARTICLE 40: PROCEDURES FOR INCOME AND EXPENDITURE:
Association revenues are collected with receipts, and expenditures are made with payment documents.
If income is collected through banks, documents such as bank receipts or account statements replace the official receipt. These documents must be retained for five (5) years.
Receipts to be used for income collection are printed with a decision of the Board of Directors.
The shape, printing, approval, and usage of the receipts, as well as the authorization certificates for income collectors, are governed by the provisions of Law No. 5253 and its relevant regulations.
Persons authorized to collect income are determined by the Board of Directors, and authorization certificates are issued to them.
ARTICLE 41: INTERNAL AUDIT OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The internal audit of the association is carried out by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Bylaws.
However, in cases where the statement “in accordance with the Bylaws” exists but lacks clarity, additional regulations may be issued — approved by the General Assembly — either as a single document or as separate units, in order to guide and assist members and association bodies in all activities and procedures.
If deemed necessary, the association may also be audited by special audit committees. The Board of Directors is obligated to provide all information and documents requested by the auditors or auditing institutions.
ARTICLE 42: NOTIFICATION OBLIGATION:
Within thirty (30) days following a General Assembly election, the President of the Board of Directors shall notify the highest local administrative authority of the association headquarters, in writing, with the names, surnames, father’s names, places and dates of birth, professions, and residences of the elected principal and substitute members of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and other organs.
ARTICLE 43: SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL DECLARATION:
The association shall submit an annual declaration prepared in accordance with the format specified in the regulation issued by the Ministry of Interior. This declaration, summarizing the association’s activities and income-expenditure results, must be submitted to the highest local administrative authority by the end of April each year.
ARTICLE 44: GENERAL PROVISIONS:
Members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee shall be deemed to have resigned if they fail to attend three consecutive meetings without excuse or more than half of the meetings held during a working period, even if excused.
In the event of resignation or removal, the first-ranking substitute member shall be called to principal membership within one week.
ARTICLE 45: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS:
The provisions of the bylaws may be amended by the General Assembly during ordinary or extraordinary meetings.
For a bylaw amendment to be made, at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members entitled to attend must be present at the first meeting.
If quorum is not achieved, members are called to a second meeting in accordance with the law and bylaws.
At the second meeting, the number of attendees must not be less than twice the full number of members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.
Decisions regarding bylaw amendments must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at either meeting.
ARTICLE 46: DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION:
The General Assembly may decide to dissolve the association at any time.
a) In order to adopt a dissolution decision, at least two-thirds (2/3) of members entitled to attend the General Assembly must be present.
b) If quorum is not met in the first meeting, a second meeting is held in accordance with legal and bylaw provisions. At this second meeting, the number of members present must not be less than twice the total number of members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee. The decision to dissolve must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at either meeting.
c) The General Assembly that decides on dissolution shall appoint a three-person committee to carry out the liquidation of the association’s assets. This committee determines the assets and liabilities, collects receivables, and pays debts.
d) After dissolution, the association’s remaining assets and funds shall be transferred, by General Assembly decision, to a scientific state institution or to the Turkish Armed Forces Mehmetçik Foundation.
e) The liquidation and transfer procedures are carried out in accordance with legal provisions.
| Name Surname | Father’s Name | Place of Birth | Year | Profession | Citizenship | Address |
| Mahmut Atıf AKDAŞ | Necdet | Buca | 1946 | Doctor | T.R. | Etemefendi Cd.Gökova Ap9/8 Erenköy-İstanbul |
| N. Ahmet ERÖZENCİ | Mehmet Nusret | İstanbul | 1956 | Doctor | T.R. | Fulya Cad.İnci Apt. No : 27/20 Mecidiyeköy-Şişli |
| Erdinç ÜNLÜER | Sırrı | İstanbul | 1955 | Doctor | T.R. | Müderris Sami Rüştü Sk. Sirel Sit. E Blk. D.82 İstanbul |
| Haluk ÖZEN | Ömer | Ankara | 1954 | Doctor | T.R. | Kuleli Sk. No : 9/2 G.O.Paşa-Ankara |
| Levent TÜRKERİ | Yılmaz | Ankara | 1960 | Doctor | T.R. | B.Karanfil Sk. Soycan Apt.No : 11/4 Acıbadem-İstanbul |
| Yaşar BEDÜK | Enver | Siirt | 1954 | Doctor | T.R. | Öncü Sit.A Blk. No : 22 Karakusunlar-Ankara |
| Ziya KIRKALI | H. İlhan | Erzincan | 1956 | Doctor | T.R. | 366. Sk. No : 36 Güzelbahçe-İzmir |
