193 / 521
It should be emphasized that the hearings may be held in a loca-
tion other than the place of arbitration. The arbitral tribunal may con-
sider another location more convenient for meetings and hearings, tak-
ing into account the location of the parties’ counsel, the arbitrators, the
parties and the witnesses
8
. For instance, in case all the counsels of the
parties are located in the same city, it may be preferable to hold the
hearings in the said city. On the other hand, if there would be a witness
hearing and the witnesses are all located in the same city, then the wit-
ness hearing may be held in this city.
Conclusion
A variety of factors are considered by the parties and counsels in
the choice of arbitration seat. Considering the importance and the
effects of this choice, it should be emphasized that this choice should
be made diligently. Concerning ICC arbitration, there are a number of
cities frequently selected as arbitration seat by the parties of an arbi-
tration agreement. With the opening of the Istanbul Arbitration Center,
we hope that Istanbul will be an internationally recognized arbitration
seat, and take part among the popular arbitration seats in the interna-
tional arbitration arena.
ARBITRATION LAW
177
8
Secretariat’s Guide, p. 206.