I should admit that we had a very fruitful meeting, and that I had the unique opportunity to see the past relations and possible future cooperation of Kuwait and Turkey from a lofty standpoint. While the main topic was real estate acquisition, the ambassador shared with me some very good insights into future investment opportunities. I will come to the future investments topic later on, but now move forward with an urgent matter that we must address first.Turkey has some form of reciprocity with 135 countries of the world, but not Kuwait. A Kuwaiti citizen is not able to acquire property in Turkey, because there is no reciprocity between Kuwait and Turkey in terms of real property acquisition. But can there be any possibility that Turkey and Kuwait establish reciprocity without limits, considering Kuwait has a surface area of 17,818 square kilometers, while Turkey's area is 783,562 square kilometers? Should the reciprocity rule be applied strictly to all countries at the same level? Can there be an exemption for Kuwait or other countries unable to grant reciprocal property acquisition rights due to their unique positions?
First I have to explain -- what does reciprocity mean?
Following the most popular method adopted by most popular columnists, I have checked Wikipedia for a simple and widely accepted definition of "reciprocity." As Wikipedia states, the ethic of reciprocity, or the Golden Rule, is a fundamental moral value that simply means "treat others as you would like to be treated." It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, though it is not without its critics. Ethical teaching interprets the golden rule as mutual respect for one's neighbor. A key element of the golden rule is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people, not just members of his or her in-group, with consideration. The golden rule, with roots in a wide range of world cultures, is well suited to be a standard to which different cultures could appeal in resolving conflicts. Principal philosophers and religious figures have stated it in different ways. For me, the best example would be the following hadith: "None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." (An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith 13, p. 56)
The above explanation is the basic explanation and I believe that it does not bring certain limits or definitions of how to treat others but rather presents a broad definition and lets the individuals or legal bodies to create their own path when conducting reciprocity with others.
On Wednesday, I will give more information about Turkey's reciprocity understanding and what can be done against the "reasons" blocking more Kuwaiti investment in Turkey.
NOTE: Berk Çektir is a licensed attorney at law and available to answer questions on the legal aspects of living in Turkey. Send enquiries to b.cektir@todayszaman.com. The names of the readers are disclosed only upon written approval of the sender.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended to give basic legal information. You should get legal assistance from a licensed attorney at law while conducting legal transactions and not just rely on the information in this corner.
