Compensation for a Broken Engagement in Turkey: Requirements — 2026 Guide

Compensation for a Broken Engagement in Turkey: Requirements — 2026 Guide

Ending an engagement made with a promise to marry can have both emotional and financial consequences for the parties and their families. The Turkish Civil Code allows the party who unjustifiably breaks off the engagement, or whose fault causes it to be broken off, to be held liable to compensate the other party under certain conditions.

When Does a Broken Engagement Give Rise to a Right to Compensation?

Under Article 120 of Turkish Civil Code No. 4721, if one of the engaged parties breaks off the engagement without just cause, or is at fault for causing it to be broken off, the other party can claim compensation. For this right to arise, the engagement must have been validly formed, and the party against whom the claim is made must be at fault for the breakup.

What Does Material Compensation Cover?

The party at fault is liable to pay material compensation for the expenses the other party incurred in good faith for the purpose of marriage and any losses suffered as a result. This can include deposits paid for a wedding venue, invitation costs, trousseau preparations, and similar expenditures. The law is not limited to the engaged parties themselves — it also protects reasonable expenses incurred by the parents of the engaged parties, or by those acting in that capacity.

When Can Moral Compensation Be Claimed?

Under Article 121 of the Civil Code, a party whose personality rights are injured as a result of the broken engagement can claim moral compensation from the party at fault. The amount of moral compensation is determined by the judge based on the circumstances of the case and the parties' economic and social situation.

Can Gifts Be Reclaimed?

If the engagement ends for a reason other than marriage, under Article 122 of the Civil Code, the parties can reclaim gifts of an unusual nature (for example, jewelry or other valuables) that they gave to each other or to each other's families. Everyday gifts or small tokens are not covered by this provision.

What Is the Deadline to File a Claim?

Claims for material compensation, moral compensation, and the return of gifts arising from a broken engagement must be filed within 1 year from the date the engagement was broken off. Claims filed after this period may be barred by the statute of limitations.

Who Can File a Claim?

• The party whose engagement was unjustifiably broken off, or who was not at fault for the breakup
• The parents of the engaged parties (or those acting in that capacity) who incurred expenses for the wedding preparations
• The party seeking the return of unusual gifts they gave

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the party who breaks off the engagement always have to pay compensation?

No. The obligation to compensate applies only to the party who breaks off the engagement without just cause, or whose fault causes it to be broken off; a party who ends the engagement for a valid reason cannot be held liable for compensation.

Can the engagement ring be reclaimed?

Yes. Since an engagement ring and similar valuable jewelry are considered gifts of an unusual nature, they can be reclaimed if the engagement ends for a reason other than marriage.

How is the amount of moral compensation determined?

There is no fixed tariff for moral compensation; the judge determines an amount appropriate to the specific case, taking into account the severity of the situation, the degree of each party's fault, and their social and economic circumstances.

Can parents also file a claim?

Yes. Parents who incurred expenses for wedding preparations, or who acted in that capacity, can also claim material compensation for the reasonable expenses they incurred.

Source: Turkish Civil Code No. 4721, Arts. 118–122.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting a lawyer regarding compensation claims arising from a broken engagement.