Article 1 – Name and Headquarters
The name of the association is “ARAMIZDA the Association of Gender Research”, abbreviated as ARAMIZDA.
The headquarters of the association is located in Ankara, Turkey.
Article 2 – Purpose of the Association
The association is established to conduct research, provide education, and engage in activities in the field of gender and equality. The aim is to share knowledge and expertise in this field with the public, thereby contributing to increasing awareness.
Article 3 – Areas of Work and Activities of the Association
The association shall undertake the following activities to achieve its objectives:
- Conduct research to enhance and develop its activities,
- Organize social, cultural, and scientific events in line with its objectives,
- Inform the public through media publications about the association’s goals and activities,
- Organize and participate in scientific meetings, symposiums, exhibitions, festivals, performances, screenings, workshops, courses, seminars, conferences, and panels,
- Provide educational programs and training in line with its objectives,
- Organize and participate in competitions related to its mission,
- Collect, document, and publish information, documents, and reports related to its activities, and establish an archive,
- Establish and operate educational institutions, courses, and dormitories for the benefit of its members and the public,
- Produce visual and audio materials and disseminate them digitally and through other means,
- Procure necessary technical equipment, stationery, and office supplies for effective functioning,
- Conduct fundraising activities and accept donations from both domestic and international sources, subject to legal permissions,
- Establish and operate commercial enterprises, partnerships, and a solidarity fund to generate income for the association,
- Open social and cultural facilities, including social lounges, libraries, and recreational areas for the benefit of members,
- Organize social events such as banquets, concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, sports activities, and trips,
- Purchase, sell, lease, and manage movable and immovable properties in accordance with legal provisions,
- Establish foundations, federations, or join existing federations in Turkey or abroad if necessary,
- Engage in international activities, establish cooperation with foreign organizations, and participate in joint projects,
- Collaborate with public institutions and organizations on projects related to the association’s mission,
- Become a member of national and international networks and organizations to further its objectives,
- Conduct research and publish reports, newsletters, and informational bulletins for members and the public,
- Establish financial aid funds for members’ essential needs such as food and clothing,
- Open representative offices where necessary,
- Cooperate with other associations, foundations, and civil society organizations to carry out joint projects,
- Engage in any activities that contribute to the realization of its mission and objectives.
Article 4 – Scope of Activities
The association operates in the social field both within Turkey and internationally.
Article 5 – Membership Eligibility and Procedures
Individuals and legal entities who adopt the objectives and principles of the association and meet the legal requirements may apply for membership, provided they have two references from existing members. Foreign individuals must have legal residence in Turkey to become members, except for honorary membership.
Membership applications must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors and will be decided within thirty days. Approved members are registered in the membership log. Founding members and those accepted by the Board of Directors are considered full members.
Article 6 – Resignation from Membership
Members may resign by submitting a written request to the Board of Directors. Resignation does not eliminate any outstanding financial obligations to the association.
Article 7 – Termination of Membership
A member may be expelled from the association under the following circumstances:
- Violating the statutes of the association,
- Consistently refusing assigned duties,
- Failing to pay membership dues within six months despite written warnings,
- Disregarding decisions made by the association’s governing bodies,
- Losing eligibility for membership,
- Engaging in sexist or homophobic behavior, hate speech, discrimination, violence, or harassment,
- Entering into obligations on behalf of the association without authorization,
- Acting aggressively or insultingly towards other members.
Decisions regarding expulsion are made by the Board of Directors. Expelled members lose all rights and cannot claim a share of the association’s assets.
Article 8 – Governing Bodies of the Association
The governing bodies of the association are as follows:
- General Assembly,
- Board of Directors,
- Auditing Committee.
Article 9 – General Assembly Meetings
The General Assembly, consisting of all registered members, is the highest decision-making body of the association. It convenes:
- At the time specified in this statute,
- In cases deemed necessary by the board of directors or the supervisory board, or upon a written request from one-fifth of the association’s members, the board of directors shall call an extraordinary meeting. If the board fails to do so, any member may apply to the judge of the peace, who shall appoint three members to convene the general assembly.
The Ordinary General Assembly meets every two years in February, at a date, time, and location determined by the Board of Directors.
Call Procedure for the General Assembly
Article 10 – The Board of Directors shall prepare a list of members entitled to attend the General Assembly in accordance with the association’s bylaws. Members shall be notified at least fifteen days in advance of the meeting date, time, place, and agenda via the email address or contact number they have provided. If the meeting cannot be held due to a lack of quorum, the notification shall also include the date, time, and place of the second meeting. The interval between the first and second meetings must be at least seven days and no more than sixty days.
If the meeting is postponed for any reason other than a lack of quorum, members shall be informed following the same procedure as the initial call, including the reason for the postponement. The second meeting must take place within six months from the postponement date, and members shall be recalled according to the principles outlined in the first paragraph.
A General Assembly meeting may not be postponed more than once.
Meeting Procedure for the General Assembly
Article 11 – The General Assembly convenes with the attendance of an absolute majority of members entitled to participate. For amendments to the bylaws or the dissolution of the association, at least two-thirds of the members must be present. If the first meeting is postponed due to a lack of quorum, no majority requirement applies to the second meeting. However, the number of attendees must be at least twice the total number of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board.
A list of eligible attendees shall be available at the meeting venue. Members must present an official identification document, which will be checked by the Board of Directors or designated officers. Members sign against their names on the attendance list before entering the meeting.
If quorum requirements are met, this shall be recorded in the minutes, and the meeting shall be opened by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or a designated board member. If quorum is not met, a record shall be prepared accordingly.
Following the opening, a council committee is elected, including a chairperson, deputy chairperson, and clerks, to oversee the meeting.
During elections for association bodies, voting members must present identification to the council committee and sign the attendance list.
The chairperson of the council is responsible for managing and ensuring the security of the meeting.
Only agenda items shall be discussed at the General Assembly. However, any topic requested in writing by at least one-tenth of the members present must be added to the agenda.
Each member has one vote and must cast it in person. Honorary members may attend but do not have voting rights. If a legal entity is a member, its vote shall be cast by its Chairperson of the Board or an authorized representative.
All discussions and decisions shall be recorded in the minutes and signed by the council chairperson and clerks. At the end of the meeting, these documents shall be handed over to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, who is responsible for safeguarding them and delivering them to the newly elected board within seven days.
Decisions Without a Meeting or Call
Article 12 – Decisions made in writing with the unanimous consent of all members, without convening a meeting, and decisions taken when all members gather informally without following the official call procedure, shall be valid. However, such decisions do not replace an ordinary General Assembly meeting.
Duties and Authorities of the General Assembly
Article 13 – The following matters shall be discussed and decided upon by the General Assembly:
Election of the association’s governing bodies,
Amendment of the association’s bylaws,
Review of the reports of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board, and the discharge of the Board of Directors,
Discussion and approval of the budget prepared by the Board of Directors, either as presented or with modifications,
Granting authority to the Board of Directors for the purchase of necessary real estate for the association or the sale of existing real estate,
Review and approval, either as presented or with modifications, of the regulations prepared by the Board of Directors concerning the association’s activities,
Determination of the salaries, allowances, per diems, and compensations for the non-public official presidents and members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board, as well as the per diems and travel allowances for members assigned to the association’s services,
Deciding on the association’s affiliation with or withdrawal from a federation,
Approving the association’s engagement in international activities, membership in or withdrawal from foreign associations and organizations,
Approving the establishment of a foundation by the association,
Deciding on the dissolution of the association,
Reviewing and deciding on other proposals submitted by the Board of Directors,
Fulfilling other duties assigned to the General Assembly by legislation.
The General Assembly supervises the association’s other bodies and has the authority to dismiss them at any time for valid reasons.
The General Assembly has the final authority in matters of membership acceptance and expulsion. As the highest decision-making body, it carries out all tasks and exercises all powers not delegated to another body of the association.
Formation of the Board of Directors
Article 14 – The Board of Directors is elected by the General Assembly and consists of five principal members and five substitute members.
At its first meeting following the election, the Board of Directors shall determine the distribution of responsibilities by resolution, appointing a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and a member.
In the event of a resignation or vacancy in the principal membership of the Board of Directors for any reason, it is mandatory to appoint substitute members to the board in the order of the highest votes received at the General Assembly
Article 15 – Responsibilities of the General Assembly
The Board of Directors shall fulfill the following duties:
Represent the association or authorize one or more of its members in this regard,
Carry out transactions related to income and expense accounts and prepare the budget for the upcoming term to present to the General Assembly,
Prepare regulations related to the activities of the association and submit them for the approval of the General Assembly,
With the authority granted by the General Assembly, purchase real estate, sell movable and immovable assets belonging to the association, construct buildings or facilities, enter into lease agreements, and establish pledges, mortgages, or other real rights in favor of the association,
Ensure the establishment of representative offices where deemed necessary,
Implement the decisions taken by the General Assembly,
At the end of each fiscal year, prepare the association’s operating account statement or balance sheet and income statement along with a report explaining the activities of the Board of Directors, and present them to the General Assembly when convened,
Ensure the implementation of the budget,
Decide on the admission and expulsion of members,
Identify volunteers and full-time or part-time staff working in line with the association’s objectives, determine working conditions, salaries, as well as other payments such as travel and basic allowances,
Take and implement all kinds of decisions necessary to achieve the association’s objectives,
Perform other duties and exercise the powers granted by the legislation.
Formation of the Supervisory Board
Article 16 – The Supervisory Board is elected by the General Assembly and consists of three principal members and three substitute members.
In the event of a resignation or vacancy in the principal membership of the Supervisory Board for any reason, it is mandatory to appoint substitute members to the board in accordance with the order of the highest votes received at the General Assembly.
Duties and Authorities of the Supervisory Board
Article 17 – The Supervisory Board audits whether the association operates in accordance with the objectives stated in its bylaws and within the scope of the activities specified to achieve these objectives. It also examines whether the books, accounts, and records are maintained in compliance with the legislation and the association’s bylaws. These audits are conducted in accordance with the principles and procedures determined by the association’s bylaws, at intervals not exceeding one year. The results of the audit are presented in a report to the Board of Directors and, when convened, to the General Assembly.
The Supervisory Board may request the General Assembly to be convened when necessary.
Sources of Revenue for the Association
Article 18 – The association’s sources of revenue are as follows:
Membership Fees: A registration fee of 10 TL is collected from new members, and an annual membership fee of 5 TL is required. The General Assembly holds the authority to increase or decrease these amounts.
Donations and Contributions: Voluntary donations and contributions made by individuals and legal entities.
Event Revenues: Income generated from activities such as tea and dinner gatherings, trips, social events, performances, concerts, sports competitions, and conferences organized by the association.
Income from the Association’s Assets: Revenues derived from the association’s property and assets.
Fundraising Revenues: Donations and contributions collected in compliance with the relevant fundraising legislation.
Commercial Activities: Profits obtained from commercial activities undertaken by the association to generate the necessary funds to achieve its objectives.
Other Revenues: Any other sources of income not listed above.
Bookkeeping Principles and Procedures
Article 19 – Bookkeeping Principles
The association maintains its books based on the business account system. However, if the annual gross income exceeds the threshold specified in Article 31 of the Regulation on Associations, bookkeeping must switch to the balance sheet basis starting from the following accounting period.
If, after switching to the balance sheet basis, the annual gross income remains below the specified threshold for two consecutive accounting periods, the association may return to the business account system in the subsequent year.
Regardless of the income threshold, the Board of Directors may decide to maintain records on a balance sheet basis.
If the association establishes a commercial enterprise, bookkeeping for that entity must comply with the provisions of the Tax Procedure Law.
All books and records shall be maintained in accordance with the Regulation on Associations and applicable legal provisions.
Article 20 – Books to Be Kept
The following books must be kept by the association:
a) Books for the Business Account System
Decision Book: Records the Board of Directors’ decisions in chronological order, with each decision signed by attending members.
Member Registration Book: Contains members’ identity details, entry and exit dates, and records of entrance and annual fees paid.
Document Record Book: Logs incoming and outgoing documents by date and sequence number. Original documents received and copies of sent documents are filed. Emails must be printed and stored.
Operating Account Book: Clearly and systematically records the association’s revenues and expenses.
Receipt Record Book (Optional): Tracks serial numbers of receipt documents, including the names, signatures, and dates of those receiving or returning them.
Fixture Book (Optional): Records details of the association’s assets, including acquisition date, usage location, and disposal records.
b) Books for the Balance Sheet System
The Decision Book, Member Registration Book, and Document Record Book (as listed in section a) are also required when using the balance sheet system.
Journal Book & General Ledger: Maintained according to the Tax Procedure Law and General Communiqués on Accounting Practices issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Article 21 – Certification of Books
All required books (except the General Ledger) must be certified by the provincial directorate of associations or a notary public before use. Books remain valid until all pages are used, and interim certifications are not required.
However, the Journal Book (for balance sheet-based bookkeeping) must be recertified annually in December, before the start of the new accounting year.
Income Statement and Balance Sheet Preparation
Article 22 – Financial Reporting
If records are kept on a business account basis, a Statement of Operating Account (as specified in Annex-16 of the Regulation on Associations) must be prepared at the end of each year (December 31). If records are maintained on a balance sheet basis, a Balance Sheet and Income Statement must be prepared in accordance with the Accounting System Implementation General Communiqués issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Income and Expenditure Transactions
Article 23 – Income and Expense Documents
Income Collection:
The association collects its revenues through Receipt Certificates (as specified in Annex-17 of the Regulation on Associations).
If income is collected via banks, bank-issued documents (such as receipts or account statements) serve as official receipts.
Expense Payments:
Expenses are documented using invoices, retail sales receipts, or self-employment receipts.
For payments falling under Article 94 of the Income Tax Law, an expense voucher must be issued in accordance with the Tax Procedure Law.
For other payments, an Expense Receipt or Bank Receipt (Annex-13 of the Regulation on Associations) serves as proof of expenditure.
In-Kind Donations & Aid:
Free goods or services provided by the association are documented using an In-Kind Aid Delivery Certificate (Annex-14).
Free goods or services received by the association are documented using an In-Kind Donation Receipt Certificate (Annex-15).
Document Format & Printing:
These financial documents must be printed as self-carbonized binders (50 original & 50 stub sheets) or as electronic forms in compliance with Annex-13, Annex-14, and Annex-15 of the Regulation on Associations.
Receipt Certificates
Article 24 – Issuance and Use
The Receipt Certificates (as per Annex-17 of the Regulation on Associations) used for collecting revenue are printed by decision of the Board of Directors.
The printing, control, registration, and use of these receipts must comply with the Regulation on Associations.
When there is a handover between treasurers, these documents must be properly recorded and transferred.
Authorization for Income Collection
Article 25 – Authorization Certificate
Individuals (other than Board members) authorized to collect income on behalf of the association must be appointed by the Board of Directors.
An Authorization Certificate (Annex-19 of the Regulation on Associations) must be issued for these individuals, including their full name, photograph, signature, and authorization period, and must be approved by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
Board members may collect income without an Authorization Certificate.
Validity & Expiry:
Authorization Certificates are valid for a maximum of one year.
Expired certificates must be renewed.
If an authorized individual resigns, passes away, is dismissed, or their certificate expires, the certificate must be returned to the Board of Directors within one week.
The Board may revoke authorization at any time.
Retention of Financial Documents
Article 26 – Document Storage
All receipt documents, expenditure records, and other financial documents must be kept for five years, in chronological order, as recorded in the association’s books.
This retention period is subject to special laws, where applicable.
Declaration Submission & Notification Obligations
Article 27 – Annual Declaration Submission
The association must submit a Declaration of the Association (Annex-21 of the Regulation on Associations) detailing its activities, income, and expenditure transactions for the previous year.
This declaration is prepared by the Board of Directors and must be submitted by the President of the Association to the local administrative authority within the first four months of each calendar year.
Article 28 – Notification Obligations
A) General Assembly Result Notification
Within 30 days following an ordinary or extraordinary General Assembly meeting, the association must submit a General Assembly Result Notification (Annex-3 of the Regulation on Associations) to the local administrative authority.
This notification must include the names of the elected board members (both original and substitute) for the Board of Directors, Supervisory Board, and other organs.
If the association’s bylaws are amended at the General Assembly:
The minutes of the meeting,
The old and new versions of the amended articles, and
The final version of the bylaws (signed by the absolute majority of Board members)
must be submitted to the local administrative authority within the 30-day deadline.
B) Notification of Immovable Property
Any immovable property acquired by the association must be reported to the local administrative authority within 30 days of registration in the title deed.
This must be done using the Immovable Property Notification (Annex-26 of the Regulation on Associations).
C) Notification of Receiving Aid from Abroad
Before receiving any foreign aid, the association must complete a Notification of Receiving Aid from Abroad (Annex-4 of the Regulation on Associations) and submit it to the local administrative authority.
Cash donations must be received through banks, and notification must be made before the funds are used.
D) Notification of Changes
Change of Association Headquarters:
Any change in the association’s address must be reported to the local administrative authority within 30 days using the Notification of Change in Location (Annex-24 of the Regulation on Associations).
Changes in Governing Bodies (Outside of General Assembly Meetings):
If any Board or Supervisory Board member changes outside a General Assembly meeting, it must be reported within 30 days using the Notification of Change in the Organs of the Association (Annex-25 of the Regulation on Associations).
Amendments to the Bylaws:
Any bylaw amendments approved at the General Assembly must also be reported to the local administrative authority within 30 days along with the General Assembly Result Notification.
Opening a Representative Office
Article 29 – Establishment of a Representative Office
The association may establish a representative office by a Board of Directors’ decision to facilitate its activities in various locations.
The appointed representatives must notify the local administrative authority in writing of the representative office’s address.
Representative offices do not have voting rights and cannot be represented at the General Assembly of the association.
Internal Audit of the Association
Article 30 – Internal Auditing Procedures
Audits may be conducted by:
The General Assembly,
The Board of Directors,
The Supervisory Board, or
Independent audit institutions (if commissioned).
Even if an external audit is conducted, the Supervisory Board must still fulfill its auditing obligations.
The Supervisory Board must audit the association at least once a year.
Additional audits may be initiated by the General Assembly or the Board of Directors, or they may hire an independent audit firm if necessary.
Borrowing Procedures of the Association
Article 31 – Borrowing Regulations
The association may borrow funds when necessary to fulfill its objectives and activities, subject to a Board of Directors’ decision.
Borrowing may be in the form of:
Cash loans, or
Purchases of goods and services on credit.
However, borrowing must:
Not exceed the association’s income sources, and
Not put the association in financial distress or insolvency.
Amendments to the Bylaws
Article 32 – Procedure for Amending the Bylaws
Bylaws may be amended only by a General Assembly decision.
Quorum for a bylaw amendment:
2/3 majority of the eligible members must be present.
If a meeting is postponed due to lack of quorum, no quorum is required for the second meeting.
However, the number of attendees cannot be fewer than twice the total number of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board.
Voting Requirement:
The amendment requires 2/3 of the votes of members present and eligible to vote.
Voting on bylaw amendments shall be conducted openly.
Dissolution of the Association
Article 33 – Dissolution Process
The association may be dissolved by a General Assembly decision at any time.
Quorum for dissolution:
2/3 majority of eligible members must be present.
If the meeting is postponed due to lack of quorum, no quorum is required for the second meeting.
However, the number of attendees cannot be fewer than twice the total number of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board.
Voting Requirement:
A 2/3 majority vote of the present and eligible members is required.
Voting on the dissolution resolution shall be conducted openly.
Liquidation Procedures
Article 34 – Liquidation Process Upon Dissolution
If the General Assembly decides to dissolve the association, the liquidation of its assets, rights, and obligations will be carried out by a Liquidation Board, consisting of the last Board of Directors members.
The liquidation process begins on the date of:
The General Assembly’s dissolution decision, or
The legal finalization of automatic dissolution.
During the liquidation period, all transactions will include the phrase:
“ARAMIZDA Gender Research Association in Liquidation”.
The Liquidation Board’s Responsibilities:
Reviewing the association’s financial accounts, including:
Books,
Receipts,
Expenditures,
Bank records,
Title deeds, and other relevant documents.
Notifying creditors and liquidating assets to settle debts.
Collecting outstanding receivables.
Transferring any remaining assets as follows:
To the institution designated by the General Assembly.
If no institution is designated, the assets will be transferred to the association in the same province with the most members and a similar purpose.
Finalizing Liquidation:
The entire liquidation process must be completed within three months, unless an extension is granted by the local administrative authority.
After completion, the Liquidation Board must notify the local administrative authority within seven days and submit a Liquidation Report.
Document Retention:
The last Board of Directors (as the Liquidation Board) is responsible for storing the association’s books and documents for five years.
This duty may be assigned to an individual Board member.
Legal Provisions for Unspecified Matters
Article 35 – Application of General Laws
Any matters not explicitly covered in these bylaws shall be governed by:
The Law on Associations,
The Turkish Civil Code,
The Regulation on Associations, and
Other applicable legislation.
Provisional Article 1 – Interim Board of Directors
Until the first General Assembly, the association shall be managed by the following interim Board of Directors:
| Name | Position |
| Elçin Öz | Interim President |
| Aylime Aslı Wohlers | Interim Vice President |
| Aysel Ergün | Interim Secretary General |
| Helin Küçük | Interim Treasurer |
| Elif Sinem Arıkan | Interim Board Member |
| Yelda Şahin | Founding Member |
| Bünyem Siynem Ezgi Sarıtaş | Founding Member |
This statute consists of *35 articles* and *one provisional article*.