Tutanak

Tutanak is a Turkish term for an official written record of events, statements, or decisions. It is used as a formal account that can serve as evidence in administrative, judicial, or regulatory procedures. Tutanaks are prepared by authorized personnel such as court clerks, police officers, notaries, or meeting secretaries and can be found in various domains including law, government, and business.

This document typically includes the date and place, the names of persons present, a chronological description of events, statements or actions taken, and the signatures or seals of responsible officials. Depending on context, it may also contain exhibits, references to laws, and any corrections or addenda.

Common forms include meeting minutes (toplantı tutanağı), incident or examination notes, witness statements, and notarial acts. The preparation process usually involves draft writing, review, and formal approval or ratification, after which the tutanak is archived and may be distributed to relevant parties.

Because it records facts and statements in a formal manner, a tutanak has evidentiary value in legal and regulatory proceedings. Its authenticity is often protected by stamps, seals, or notary validation, and later corrections are typically made by addenda or revised versions rather than erasing original text.

While closely related to other documents such as reports and transcripts, tutanak is distinct in its purpose as a formal record of a specific event or proceeding. In Turkish-speaking contexts it is a standard instrument in official record-keeping and administrative workflow.