Who is Akın Gürlek? This question is now central to Ankara’s political agenda. On February 10, 2026, he was appointed as Turkey’s new Minister of Justice. Replacing Yılmaz Tunç, Gürlek steps into the cabinet with a reputation for decisiveness. He previously served as the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor and a Deputy Minister of Justice.
Born in Nevşehir in 1982, Akın Gürlek has risen rapidly through the judicial ranks. His career combines high-profile courtroom experience with top-level state administration.
Education and early career
Gürlek graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Law in 2005. After graduation, he began his career as a judge.
He served in various regions across Turkey, gaining practical experience in the local court system. In 2021, he was promoted to first-class judge, a milestone that signaled his rising influence.
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However, it was his tenure in Istanbul’s Heavy Penal Courts that brought him national attention. He presided over the 14th, 26th, and 37th High Criminal Courts. During this period, he managed some of the most critical and complex cases in Turkey’s recent legal history.
Rise in the bureaucracy
Who is Akın Gürlek beyond the courtroom? He is also a seasoned administrator.
On June 2, 2022, he transitioned from the bench to the ministry. He served as Deputy Minister of Justice until October 2024. This role allowed him to navigate the administrative side of Turkey’s legal system.
Following this, the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) appointed him as the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor on October 2, 2024. He held this critical position in Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse until receiving his ministerial portfolio.
The new Minister of Justice
On February 10, 2026, a Presidential decree announced a major cabinet change. Akın Gürlek was named Minister of Justice, succeeding Yılmaz Tunç.
His appointment marks a shift toward leadership with deep roots in both heavy penal trials and ministry bureaucracy.
Observers expect him to focus on judicial efficiency and the swift implementation of legal policies. His background suggests a hands-on approach to the country’s legal challenges.
Personal life
Akın Gürlek maintains a private personal life despite his public profile. He is 44 years old and maintains close ties to his hometown of Nevşehir.
He is known within the judiciary for his discipline and work ethic. As he takes office, he represents a new generation of leadership within the Turkish legal establishment.
