CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
The UIA has fulfilled the procedures required for the institutional accreditation for continuous legal education in certain countries
(Please refer to the registration programme or contact the UIA for more information).

Dear colleagues and friends,

For the first time in its long history, the UIA will hold its annual congress in Istanbul.

Istanbul is a captivating city with a fascinating history. It is here that Roman civilisation and particularly Roman legal culture reached its zenith. The Corpus Juris Civilis of Emperor Justinian I is still one of the cornerstones of the world's legal culture. It was in this city that civil law, as we know it today, found its genesis. Similarly, common law also owes a great deal to Istanbul.

Istanbul was the capital of a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural Empire with a remarkable religious freedom. In fact, for centuries Turks, Armenians, Kurds, Arabs, Persians, Greeks, Slavs, Venetians, people from all over Asia, as well as Muslims, Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Jews have all lived together in Istanbul. Tolerance and co-existence of different cultures have always been a tradition and an asset for this city. It is for all these reasons that Istanbul is the ideal place to bring together the different legal cultures that are so characteristic of all UIA Congresses.

For decades, Istanbul, and all of Turkey, has been torn between their Asian identity and their desire to be a full-fledged member of Europe. Both geographically and culturally, Istanbul forms a bridge between Europe and Asia, and is a melting pot between European and Oriental cultures. And in 2010, it will be the European Capital of Culture.

So there are many good reasons to join the UIA in Istanbul, not the least of which are the fascinating subjects that will be discussed.

During the discussion on Markets - A Return to Regulation?, we shall try to understand how, in the future, we can avoid repeating the terrible world crisis from which we are presently having such great difficulty in recovering.

In the theme Human Rights and Private Enterprise, we shall attempt to find out whether the respect for human rights in industrial and commercial activities still comes at a cost, whether it can prove to be a resource and whether judicial protection can be provided, even if these activities are conducted in countries whose laws are not in line with international conventions.

And what better place than Istanbul to finally try to see whether a single international Code of Ethics for Lawyers can be established?

The UIA therefore looks forward to seeing all of you in Istanbul!

Corrado DE MARTINI, UIA President

Dear colleagues,

The 54^th congress of the Union Internationale des Avocats will be held in Istanbul between 30 October-3 November 2010. On behalf of the Istanbul Bar Association, I would like to express the pleasure we take in hosting such a great event which unites the members of the world’s legal profession.

The congress will be held in Istanbul, which holds a privileged position among the world metropolises in terms of its geographical location, natural beauty and history dating back to ancient times. Istanbul, which has long been the capital of empires, also holds a very remarkable place in the history of law. Corpus Juris Civilis, the foundation of laws, which had considerable effect on the development of Roman Law and influenced the whole of continental Europe, was compiled and practiced in this very city 1500 years ago. Along with its history, the young and dynamic population of the city provides a creative energy that makes Istanbul one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

The year 2010 will be crucial for Istanbul, since the city has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2010 by the European Parliament with the approval of the Council of Ministers of Culture of the European Union. The title “European Capital of Culture” is granted either to EU member countries or cities in EU candidate countries that contribute to Europe and add value to its culture. This contribution of the European Capitals of Culture also serves to enrich the culture of the world. Owing to all these aspects, Istanbul is becoming day by day a focal point and a center of culture and art, not only for its own residents but also for the whole world.

As the Organizing Committee of the congress, we shall do our best to create the necessary conditions to allow you to express your opinions freely and get involved in sophisticated discussions. Excursions and social programs will also be organized to introduce our guests to the ancient and modern wonders of fabulous Istanbul.

The congress will be brought to reality with the support of the Istanbul Bar Association, which was founded in 1878 and is one of the biggest Bar Associations in the world with over 25,000 registered lawyers. We are thankful in particular to Mr. Muammer Aydin, the President of the stanbul Bar Association, for the close cooperation and the support he has provided us in organizing this congress.

We are more than pleased to take this opportunity to invite you to the 54^th UIA congress in Istanbul,  truly one of the wonders of the world.

We look forward to seeing you all in Istanbul in 2010!

Dr.Hakan ONCEL, President of 54^th congress