Lawyers Group Fails 'Bar Exam' in Istanbul

türkçe  links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 19 August 2020)

              Lawyers have more fun when they belly up to the 'bar'.

The controversial building in Balmumcu, Beşiktaş-Istanbul, was 

purchased seven years ago by the Turkey Bar Association (TBB).  The 

cost of the Bosphorus-view building was $5.5 million and the right to

use it was turned over by TBB to the Istanbul Bar Association (IBA).  

In turn, the IBA  searched for a company to run the building and came to 

an agreement in January with Bhava Group Turism, which was set up 

with a capital investment of 100,000 TL (about $19,000).  Bhava

invested 4 million TL and created a 'new concept' for the venue, opening it

to customers last month.

     Perfect for interviewing prospective clients.

However (!), photographs taken at the site, now bearing the new name 'Bhava 

Paye' but also bearing a plaque that says "Property of the IBA", quickly 

aroused the ire of some lawyers, who objected to an IBA facility being used 

as a 'night club'.  The irate lawyers rained down complaints on the Beşiktaş 

municipality, the IBA and TBB.

The Beşiktaş municipality went into action and discovered that Bhava Paye

was serving alcohol without a license and playing loud music at the venue.

Municipal teams visited the site on 31 July, and again on 2 August, and 

suspended operations at Bhava Paye temporarily.   In addition, on 10 

August, TBB's Sabri Erdal Güngör sent a letter to IBA asking for an 

explanation, noting that the building was being used for purposes other

than intended (!).

Hüseyin Uğur Poyraz, an IBA member, lamented that "this building was

bought with money collected from our members with an investment of 

about 45 million TL, which is now lost.  It was supposed to be just a 

restaurant but its use for this 'concept' is beyond comprehension."

In its own defense, the IBA issued this statement: "Operations at the 

building are not yet complete, except for the top floor which is just for

lawyers to use.  Our lawyers can also use the lower floors at a 20%

discount.  There is no 'night club' aspect and none is anticipated."