The Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC) is an independent institution of arbitration,which has been established for the purpose of providing institutional arbitration services. The Sole Arbitrator or Arbitral Tribunal may hear the parties, witnesses and others upon the request of one of the parties or on its own initiative. The Sole Arbitrator or Arbitral Tribunal may hear the experts appointed by the parties, as well as,after consulting with the parties,if it deems necessary, may appoint an expert and define the scope of duty. During the course of the proceedings, the Sole Arbitrator or Arbitral Tribunal may request the parties to submit any additional information and documents.After the declaration of closure of proceedings, no further claims or defences may be made, or evidence produced, with regard to the issues to be decided in the award. If the Sole Arbitrator or Arbitral Tribunaldeems necessary due to exceptional circumstances under therequest or authorization of the Sole Arbitrator or Arbitral Tribunal, the parties may submit new statements and documents.