Professor Dr. Hakan Karan graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law in 1989 and completed his master's degree in private law (maritime law) at the Private Law Department of the Faculty of Law of the same university. Later, continuing his academic career in London, Prof. Karan completed his doctorate in international trade law (international maritime law) at London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan University).

In addition to his academic studies, Prof. Karan currently serves as the Head of the Department of Maritime Law at Ankara University Faculty of Law. In addition, he served as a legal advisor at the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs and Aviation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey for 23 years and provided consultancy services in the field of maritime law to various public institutions and organizations such as the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of Justice and the Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs. He played an active role in the preparation of many legal regulations, primarily the Turkish Commercial Code.

Prof. Karan specializes in various branches of international trade law, and provides legal, arbitration and consultancy services, particularly in the fields of maritime, transportation, trademark and patent law. Prof. Karan is also a delegate of the Trade Facilitation and Global Customs Commission operating under the International Chamber of Commerce. As part of his academic activities, he has published numerous works in his field of expertise and strives to contribute to the academic world.