Introduction The social state principle is one of the fundamental characteristics of the Republic of Türkiye. It reflects the constitutional idea that the State is not merely a passive guardian of public order, but also an institution responsible for promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable persons, reducing inequality and creating conditions for individuals to live with […]
Introduction Freedom of religion and conscience is one of the fundamental rights protected under Turkish constitutional law. It safeguards the individual’s inner freedom to believe, not to believe, change belief, hold philosophical convictions, manifest religion through worship and practice, and live according to conscience within constitutional limits. In Türkiye, this right is especially important because […]
Introduction The right to privacy is one of the core protections under Turkish constitutional law. It protects the individual’s personal sphere, family life, private communications, personal data, reputation, identity, bodily and moral autonomy, and freedom from arbitrary interference by public authorities or private actors. In modern legal systems, privacy is not limited to the secrecy […]
Introduction Presidential decrees are one of the most important legal instruments under the current Turkish constitutional system. After the 2017 constitutional amendments, Türkiye moved from a parliamentary system to a presidential system, and executive power was vested in the President of the Republic. This transformation made presidential decrees a central part of Turkish public law, […]
Introduction The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye is one of the central institutions of Turkish constitutional law. It represents the legislative branch, exercises law-making authority, adopts the national budget, approves international treaties, participates in constitutional amendment procedures, performs parliamentary oversight and carries out other duties assigned by the Constitution. In a constitutional democracy, Parliament is […]
Introduction Judicial independence and impartiality are among the most important foundations of the Turkish constitutional system. They ensure that courts decide cases according to law, evidence and constitutional principles rather than political pressure, administrative influence, public opinion or private interests. Without independent and impartial courts, constitutional rights cannot be effectively protected, the rule of law […]
Introduction Human dignity is one of the deepest foundations of modern constitutional law. Although the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye does not frame every right under a single “human dignity” clause, the concept of dignity is strongly embedded in the constitutional protection of life, bodily and spiritual integrity, equality, freedom, fair trial, privacy, property […]
Introduction Constitutional supremacy is one of the most important principles of the Turkish legal system. It means that the Constitution is the highest legal norm and that all public authorities, legal rules and official acts must comply with it. In Türkiye, constitutional supremacy is not a theoretical concept. It is a binding legal rule that […]
Introduction Constitutional law is highly relevant for foreigners and investors in Türkiye. Foreign nationals, foreign companies, international investors, shareholders, entrepreneurs and expatriates may encounter Turkish constitutional principles in many practical areas: property ownership, company establishment, administrative permits, deportation decisions, tax measures, investment incentives, public procurement, work permits, judicial proceedings, enforcement of judgments and access to […]
Introduction Emergency powers are among the most sensitive areas of constitutional law in Türkiye. Every constitutional democracy must be able to respond to war, rebellion, widespread violence, public disorder, natural disasters, epidemics and serious economic crises. At the same time, emergency powers may create serious risks for fundamental rights, separation of powers, judicial review and […]