# Ümit Kocasakal elected President of Istanbul Bar Association

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-bar-association-activities-and-leadership
> Updated: 2026-10-24T12:25:20.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

The 128th Ordinary General Assembly of the Istanbul Bar Association has concluded with the election of Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocasakal as the new president for the 2026-2028 term. Representing the Republican Power Unity Alliance, Kocasakal secured approximately 9,548 votes according to unofficial results, defeating incumbent President Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu of the Lawyers for Change Group, who received 6,607 votes, and third-place candidate Atakan Adem Selanik of the Republican Lawyers Group, who received 3,546 votes.

In his victory speech, Kocasakal stated, “Istanbul Bar Association has returned,” emphasizing that the institution will act as a guardian of the Republic’s fundamental principles and the unitary structure of the state. He pledged to protect the rights of all colleagues regardless of identity or political views.

The election process, held at the Haliç Congress Center, involved approximately 68,000 registered lawyers and included the selection of new management, disciplinary, and audit boards. The assembly was marked by tension during the first day of proceedings, including disputes over protocol and demonstrations involving the display of an LGBT+ flag, which led to confrontations and a brief recess.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Ümit Kocasakal elected President of Istanbul Bar Association

Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocasakal has been elected president of the Istanbul Bar Association, defeating incumbent İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu in a nine-candidate race.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bar-association-holds-128th-general-assembly

### 2026-10-22: Istanbul Bar Association to hold elections with nine candidates

Nine candidates, including incumbent İbrahim Kaboğlu and former president Ümit Kocasakal, will compete in the Istanbul Bar Association elections on October 24-25.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bar-association-to-hold-elections-with-nine-candidates

### 2026-10-03: Istanbul Bar Association President condemns judge in İBB case

Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu condemned the presiding judge in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality case for allegedly mistreating lawyers and undermining the right to a fair trial.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bar-association-president-condemns-judge-in-ibb-case

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Cite as: Ümit Kocasakal elected President of Istanbul Bar Association. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-bar-association-activities-and-leadership