Turkey Vision 2023

THE SILENT
REVOLUTION
Turkeys Democratic Change and

Transformation Inventory
2002-2012
REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
PRIME MINISTRY
UNDERSECRETARIAT OF PUBLIC ORDER AND SECURITY
THE SILENT REVOLUTION

Turkeys Democratic Change and Transformation Inventory
(2002-2012)
Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security Publications: 7

3rd Edition, November 2013
ISBN: 978-975-19-5867-9
Republic of Turkey
Prime Ministry
Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security
Democratization Policies Working Group
2013
2002-2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD / Recep Tayyip ERDOAN, Prime Minister . . . . . . . . . .
FOREWORD / Beir ATALAY, Deputy Prime Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FOREWORD / Ulvi SARAN, Undersecretary of Public Order and Security .
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
13
17
21
CHAPTER ONE
DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESSES OF THE PERIOD 2002-2012 . . 27
TURKEYS DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
ADVENTURE IN THE RECENT PERIOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1961 and 1982 Constitutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issue of Tutelage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule of Law and the Judiciary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advancement of the Standard for Democracy,
Overcoming Tutelage and Civilianization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Role of the European Union in Democratization Processes . . .
SHIFTING THE SECURITY PARADIGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lifting the State of Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abolishment of the State Security Courts and SpecialAuthority Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Launch of the National Unity and Fraternity Project . . . . . . .
Establishment of the Undersecretariat of
Public Order and Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstatement of Citizenship Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facilitating Daily Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverting Place Name Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reducing Bureaucracy by Overcoming Distrust in Citizens . . .
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF CIVILIAN SUPERVISION
AND SURVEILLANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Direct Election of the President by the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paving the way for a Civilian General Secretary in
National Security Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Narrowing the Jurisdiction of Military Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annulment of the EMASYA Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinuation of the Practice of Military Members in Some
Public Institutions and Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction of Judicial Remedies against Supreme Military
Council Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
31
32
33
34
38
41
44
46
47
48
49
50
50
51
55
58
60
61
62
63
63
3
The Silent Revolution

Opening Judicial Avenues for Trial of Leaders of September 12
Coup Dtat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Establishment of Inquiry Commissions under TGNA . . . . . . . . 65
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF PROTECTION
AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy of Zero Tolerance to Torture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ending the Period of Murders by Unknown Perpetrators
(Unsolved Murders Likely to be Politically Motivated) . . . . . . .
Removing The Mafia and Gangs from the Countrys Agenda .
Abolishment of the Death Penalty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision of the New Trial Procedure on the basis of
Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights . . . . . . . . .
Adoption of the Principle that International Agreement
in the area of Fundamental Rights Prevail over Domestic Law . . .
Adoption of the Right to Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ensuring Freedom of Association in line with the European
Convention on Human Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extending the Opportunities to Advance the Right to
Assembly and Demonstration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making it Easier for Community Foundations owned by
Minorities to Acquire Possessions and extending their Freedom . .
Introduction of Procedure of Individual Application to the
Constitutional Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elimination of Restrictions on Judicial Oversight . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increasing Guarantees to Political Parties and Members of
Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Establishment of the Institution of Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . .
Establishment of the Human Rights Institute of Turkey . . . . . . .
Strengthening Childrens Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strengthening Womens Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increasing Penalties for Use of Disproportionate Force . . . . . . .
Improving Conditions for Persons in Custody (Suspects Rights) . .
Closure of Prisons that do not meet UN and Council
of Europe Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Providing Detainees and Convicts the opportunity to
Attend their Relatives Funerals and Visit them in
case of a Serious Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
72
73
74
75
76
76
77
78
79
79
81
82
83
84
85
86
86
88
89
89
90
JUDICIAL REFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
A Democratic Structure for the High Council of
Judges and Prosecutors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
4
2002-2012
Ensuring a More Democratic and Pluralist Structure for the
Constitutional Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Strengthening of Freedom of Expression and Freedom
of the Press/Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Improvements towards Ensuring a Fair and Speedy Trial . . . . . 98
Freedoms Judge to Strengthen the Right to Liberty
and Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Establishment of Family Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Extending the Scope of the Probation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF EXPANDING CULTURAL
RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIZATION OF EDUCATION . . . . . . . 101
Allowing to Learn, Promote and Publish in
Different Languages and Dialects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Enabling Convicts and Detainees in Prisons to Speak to their
Kinsmen in Their Native Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Allowing Citizens to Name Their Children as They Wish . . . . . 106
Academic Research, Establishment of Institutions and
Introduction of Elective Courses in Different Languages
in Dialects in Universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Possibility to Conduct Political Propaganda in
Different Languages and Dialects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lifting the Ban on Cinema, Video and Music Works . . . . . . . . . 108
Supporting Cultural Activities in Various Languages . . . . . . . . . 109
Employment of Kurdish Translators to Facilitate Access to Public
Services and Establishment of Call Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Employment of Mele (Local Clergymen) by the Government . . . 110
Democratization of Education System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Increasing the Number of Universities and Quota Allocated for
Higher Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Ending the Application of Different Coefficients used to Calculate
the Final Score of the University Admission Examination . . . . . . . . . 115
Freedom of Dress in Universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Abolishment of the National Security Courses Offered at Schools . . . . 117
STEPS TAKEN IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FIELD . . . . . . . . . . 119
Macroeconomic Indicators and Economic Development . . . . . 123
Initiatives Taken in Health Care Sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Steps Taken in the Social Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Increase in the Number of Airports, Airline Traffic
and Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Increase in the Number of Dual Carriageways and Easing
Traffic Congestion on Highways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Increasing the Route Length of the Railway Network
and High Speed Train Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Increasing the Reach of Mass Housing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Village Infrastructure Support Project (KYDES) . . . . . . . . . . . 135
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Project on Infrastructure Support for Municipalities (BELDES) . . 137
Social Support Programme (SODES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Development Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Inclusive Social Assistance/Support Practices
to Fight against Poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Steps taken to Address the Needs of Relatives of Martyrs,
Veterans and Terror Victims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Steps taken to Facilitate the Lives of the Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Expansion of the Scope of Positive Discrimination for
Disadvantaged Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Increasing Public Investment in Eastern and
Southeastern Anatolia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Increase in Regional Prosperity with the Southeastern
Anatolia Project (GAP) Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Return to the Village and Rehabilitation Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Compensation of the Losses of Victims of Terrorism . . . . . . . . . 152
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF STRENGTHENING
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
New and Contemporary Local Government Legislation . . . . . . 158
1. Municipality Law No: 5393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
2. Law on Metropolitan Municipalities No. 5216 . . . . . . . . . . . 159
3. Law on Special Provincial Administrations No. 5302 . . . . . 160
4. Law on Unions of Local Governments No. 5355 . . . . . . . . . 161
5. Law on the Provision of a Share of General Budget Tax Revenue
to Special Provincial Administrations and Municipalities . . . . . . . . 161
Realignment of Metropolitan Municipality Borders
to Strengthen Democracy at the Local Level
and Promote Efficiency in Municipality Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
CHAPTER TWO
TURKEYS CHANGE AND
TRANSFORMATION INVENTORY (2002-2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
169
173
181
195
203
209
215
219
223
229
239
247
257
2002-2012
ABBREVIATIONS
A
: Article
BELDES : Municipality Infrastructure Support Project

CCT
: Conditional Cash Transfer
CMK
: Criminal Procedure Code
CMUK
: Code of Criminal Trial Procedure
CoE
: Council of Europe
ECHR
: European Convention on Human Rights
ECtHR
: European Court of Human Rights
EMASYA :The Protocol on Cooperation for Security and Public

Order
EU
: European Union
HCJP
: High Council of Judges and Prosecutors
HMK
: Code of Civil Procedure
IYUK
: Code of Administrative Procedure
KDRP
: Return to the Village and Rehabilitation Project
KHK
: Decree Law
KYDES : Village Infrastructure Support Project

MoNE
: Ministry of National Education
NCS
: National Security Council
RTUK
: Radio and Television Supreme Council
SMC
: Supreme Military Council
SODES
: Social Support Programme
SSC
: State Security Court
TCK
: Turkish Penal Code
TGNA
: Grand National Assembly of Turkey
TMK
: Counterterrorism Act
TRT
: Turkish Radio and Television Corporation
UN
: United Nations
YOK
: Higher Education Council

7
2002-2012
FOREWORD BY THE PRIME MINISTER

In the last decade, we have provided extensive services, made largescale investment and undertaken radical reforms, thanks to our unfailing love and devotion to our nation and country. Undoubtedly,
democratic reforms are of unique and particular importance among
the services that we have provided to our country in the last 10 years.
The steps that we have taken to make Turkey a more democratic, free,
prosperous, peaceful and safe country have transformed the image of
our country. Steps taken towards democratization have had a direct
impact on economy, foreign policy and social life and supported the
strong growth that Turkey has achieved in all fields.
Our deep-rooted and long-time tradition is based on a very beautiful saying by Sheik Edebali: Let man flourish so that the state shall
flourish!. The State exists for mankind and to serve the people. A
state that does not value its people, excludes and marginalizes them,
discriminates among its citizens and protects itself against its citizens, cannot generate services, cannot guarantee rights and cannot
ensure economic growth and welfare. The state is not an entity which
positions itself against its citizens but an entity which has to coexist
with its people and which is responsible for providing service to its
people.
In the last decade, we have made great efforts to make the state a
servant for its people and to eliminate the problem of trust exist9

ing between state and nation, in other words ensuring that state
embraces the whole nation. In this process, we have implemented
local government reform with the understanding of democracy
and development starts at the local level. In addition, we have taken
significant steps in socio-economic fields through projects such as
KYDES, BELDES, Return to Village and Rehabilitation and SODES
programme with a view to compensating the losses borne by victims
of terrorism. Furthermore, we have significantly reduced regional
disparities thanks to incentives we have provided, and extended welfare around the whole country to cover even the smallest settlements.
In parallel to initiatives taken to boost development, we have taken significant steps in the fields of democratization, law and fight
against terrorism, each of which is deemed as the silent revolution.
We have never made concessions with regard to democracy, security
or freedom. We have embraced a paradigm-shifting approach as our
foundation in order to restore peace in the society and developed a
new security paradigm. We have ended the practice of maintaining
a state of emergency. We have abolished State Security Courts and
Special Authority Courts. We have established the Undersecretariat
of Public Order and Security. Most importantly, we have effected a
revolutionary change in the mindset through a social peace initiative
that we call the National Unity and Fraternity Process.
This revolution has introduced an understanding that recognizes differences as diversity and puts the emphasis on serving the citizens
instead of a statist approach which sees its own citizens as a threat.
We have ensured that various languages and dialects can be taught
at all levels and can be used in political propaganda and broadcasts.
We have made it possible for detainees and convicts kept in prisons
to speak their mother tongue when meeting relatives. We have employed interpreters for different languages and dialects with a view
to enabling our citizens to make more efficient use of public services.
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2002-2012
We have introduced regulations on the protection and promotion
of human rights that are based on the current criteria of the present
day world.We have followed a zero tolerance to torture policy. We
have paved the way to enable retrials on the basis of judgments of
the European Court of Human Rights. We have introduced the right
to information. We have broadened the scope of the freedom of association. We have provided safeguards for the activities of political
parties. We have established Institution of Ombudsman and Human
Rights Institute of Turkey.
Within the cope of public reforms, we have also introduced significant regulations in the area of the judiciary. We have demolished the
pro-tutelage approach dominating the judiciary and replaced it with
a more civilian and liberalist structure, which enshrines the principle
that it is not the law of the powerful but the power of the law. We
have changed the structure within the Constitutional Court and the
High Council of Judges and Prosecutors and made it more democratic. We have introduced the right to individual application to the
Constitutional Court, in addition to improvements towards fair and
speedy trials. We have raised our democracy standards, with the accompanying support of our people, through serious changes made
to the essence of the pro-tutelage articles in the 1982 Constitution,
which was the productof military intervention.
Similarly, we have undertaken reforms in the area of civilianization
such as the change in the structure of the National Security Council, narrowing the jurisdiction of military justice, annulment of the
EMASYA Protocol, discontinuation of the practice of military members in some public agencies and institutions, introduction of judicial remedies against Supreme Military Council decisions, opening
judicial avenues for trial of those responsible for September 12 Coup
dtat and establishment of inquiry commissions within TGNA.
As a consequence of all of these radical reforms as well as civilianization and democratization initiatives, we have built a country that is
11

stronger, richer, more prosperous, more democratic and more liberal. We will continue to undertake reforms with great determination
in order to ensure that Turkey achieves the objectives that it has set
for itself for the year 2023 and attains a more efficient and prestigious position in its region and in the world as well as to achieve our
ideal of Great Turkey - Again. I believe that Turkey will become a
more significant actor in its region as long as it achieves the required
transformation and change as well as the reforms and it will continue
to be a rising star in the world with its strong economy, advanced
democracy and active foreign policy.
This booklet provides you with an inventory of radical public reforms that we have undertaken between 2002 and 2012 and that are
regarded as silent revolutions. I believe that this significant study,
which can be considered as a road map for the upcoming reform
process, constitutes an important source and an important reference
point for the generations to come. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my profound thanks to those who have contributed
to preparing and implementing these reforms. I would also like to
celebrate all the institutes and people who have contributed to the
preparation of this booklet.
Hoping to bequeath a more powerful and prosperous country to
generations to come
Recep Tayyip ERDOAN
Prime Minister
12
2002-2012
FOREWORD by the DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

The period between 2002 and 2012 marks a very unique time in
history in terms of strengthening democracy and human rights in
Turkey. Indeed, the last decade has seen significant steps towards laying a permanent and solid foundation for our democracy, as well as
ensuring that citizens from all segments of society enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms in the most extensive manner. Such steps
have diminished the distance between the state and public, or in
other words, reinforced the trust that our people have in their state.
The Justice and Development Party government has lent an ear to
our citizens whose rights and freedom have been denied and whose
requests have been disregarded in the previous period due to prosecurity approach and institutions defending the tutelage. Thus a balance has been created between security and freedom and efforts have
been made to ensure that our citizens legitimate requests are granted
in the most extensive manner, without any discrimination because of
who they are.
The steps taken by Justice and Development Party governments in
this period augur a historic turning point, which will make Turkey
greater and stronger in the future. Turkey not only has ranked among
the top countries in terms of democratic standards but increased its
reputation in the region and in the world as well. This achievement
is closely related to the fact that our government maintains an equal
distance to all citizens regardless of their ethnic, cultural, religious
13

and political differences and regards all of them as equal and free
citizens of our country. Furthermore, while making arrangements
towards democratization, our government members have placed
great importance on healing old wounds.
It would be the right approach to qualify this extensive change and
transformation process that Turkey has experienced in the last ten
years as a silent revolution. This is because reforms that aim to raise
the bar for human rights and democracy were undertaken one after
the other in Turkey between 2002 and 2012. Undoubtedly, our government will sustain reforms towards democratization and political liberalization, without pausing. However, it is imperative to acknowledge
the progress that we have made in the last decade in order to define
the upcoming road map accordingly. Hence, the Undersecretariat of
Public Order and Security has conducted a study in which they have
depicted the main democratization steps between 2002 and 2012. This
study aims to demonstrate the transformation that the outlook for
Turkey that we had inherited in 2002 has undergone by 2012. In addition, this study can be qualified as an inventory that lists the reforms
undertaken in the past and as a guide explaining the ideal that our
government has for democratization and liberalization.
Why was there a need for such a study? One defect that human nature has is to forget and it is not easy especially for new generations
to know what happened in the past. In fact, just looking at this study
will help us understand how different Turkey is now when compared
to a decade ago. Furthermore, this list is so impressive that even those
who have not experienced that period can notice and understand
this striking difference. This study has been undertaken for these
reasons. Lets be fair to Turkey and ourselves. Turkey has made great
progress in its journey towards democratization and human rights.
Achieving this progress was and still is the main mission of Justice
and Development Party governments. We will continue our journey
to become a country with a free and fair society.
14
2002-2012
As someone who has experienced the previous situation in Turkey
and who knows why such efforts have been made recently, I consider that this impressive study is of great importance. I would like
to thank those who contributed to this study in the hope that it will
make it possible for the people in Turkey and abroad to better understand Turkeys progress on its democratization journey achieved in
the last decade through the Silent Revolution.
Beir ATALAY
Deputy Prime Minister
15
2002-2012
FOREWORD by the UNDERSECRETARY

There have been intense struggles to overcome problems facing our
democracy at different periods starting from the beginning of the
multi-party political system until the 2000s. However, our democratization process has been interrupted from time to time due to extraordinary interventions. Despite prospective steps taken and efforts
made to this end, it was not possible for our democracy to reach
universal standards for many years. Therefore, a kind of disconnect
between the state and society has emerged and political powers were
unable satisfactorily to meet societys demands for change.
One of the most comprehensive democratization initiatives since the
inception of our Republic has been undertaken in the last decade with
a view to resolving problems which had become evident in social and
political life. The main goal of the steps taken in the last decade is to
eliminate a system of government shaped by bureaucratic oligarchy
and special power groups and replace it with a system of democratic
government ruled by the will of the public. As required by the adopted human-oriented management approach, reforms have been
undertaken to improve fundamental rights and freedoms in every
field and in accordance with universal criteria. Many local and international observers agree that such reforms, which can be considered
a silent revolution, have helped us achieve significant progress.
17

In this period, policies that strove to eliminate the disconnect between the state and society and to put the individual at the center
were developed. In addition, certain arrangements have been introduced to ensure that our people can enjoy the fundamental rights
and freedoms in the most extensive manner with an understanding
of equal citizenship, without discrimination. Considering the sensitivities of different segments within society, we have eliminated
unjust treatment displayed in the past and those who have caused
suffering due to such treatment have started to be held accountable.
Undoubtedly, democratization and expanding individual freedoms
is a journey that will never end. To illustrate, even the countries that
are deemed to have reached the most advanced level can face problems in terms of human rights and democracy. However, the most
important point here is that the system is equipped with mechanisms
that will ensure institutionalization of democracy, safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms and preventing people from resorting to unlawful means. Our country, which has achieved significant
progress in the last decade to erase the mistakes made in the past,
should sustain its efforts towards building a democracy that is institutionalized and transformed into a life culture.
This inventory study can be qualified as a summary of practices introduced in the last decade towards democratization and strengthening fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey. This study will
also enable people living both in Turkey and in the world to directly
follow the democratization reforms undertaken in Turkey in the last
decade. I would like to thank the personnel of the Undersecretariat
and those who have contributed to this study and hope that this
study proves to be beneficial to those interested.
Ulvi SARAN
Governor
Undersecretary of Public Order and Security
18
THE SILENT
REVOLUTION
Turkeys Democratic Change and

Transformation Inventory
2002-2012
2002-2012
INTRODUCTION
When the era of empires ended at the end of 19th century, our world
was evolving towards a new model of individual, society, state and
market with the start of the 20th century. This new model was one
where states were more introverted, societies were disconnected, markets were less interrelated and the individual less evident
whereas in the 21st century, we are evolving towards a completely
different era; an order of the world with a much different structuring
of the relationships among the individual, the society and the state.
Under the intense influence of globalization processes, mass communication tools, communication and information technologies, introverted societies, states and groups continually lose their potential
to maintain their former status. In todays world where individuals,
societies and markets have become more intertwined and classical
state domination no longer carries its former meaning, it is ever
more difficult to sustain practices that contradict with democracy,
human rights and freedoms.
It is easily observed that such developments are closely influencing
our country on a multidimensional scale. Consequently, Turkey
was not indifferent to such developments to the extent that while
pro-security practices were to the fore throughout the world in the
aftermath of September 11, Turkey realized one of the most comprehensive democratization processes of its history in the period 20022012.
21

It is known that one of the most important problems faced by our
country in the past is that there was a distance between the people
and the state and that this distance gradually widened as a result of
wrongful practices and policies. This was mainly caused by relying
on a pro-security paradigm for the solution of the countrys political
and social problems. For many years, citizens most basic demands
for democracy and for the expansion of rights and freedoms have
been overlooked, and even the expression of such demands was repressed. Many painful experiences revealed that the aforementioned
security-oriented policies that kept the state at a distance from the
general public did not contribute to the solution of the problems but
on the contrary led to an expansion of them.
Significant reforms have been introduced in our recent history to
raise democratic standards. Following the transition to multi-party
political life, significant steps were taken in the areas of democratization and civilianization starting with the periods of Adnan Menderes
and Turgut zal. As to the steps taken in the recent period, the reforms undertaken between 1999-2001 within the context of European Union (EU) alignment process and those that introduced innovations in the area of fundamental rights are quite important. However, considering the intensity, scope, characteristics and the impact
of these reforms, the 2002-2012 period carries specific importance.
This period saw historical reforms in terms of civilianization, normalization, the rule of law and advancement of human rights standards, all of which can be covered under the title democratization.
In this period,which saw one of the most comprehensive civilianization and democratization processes of Turkish history, excessive
restrictions that had been introduced in almost every aspect of ordinary life under the grip of military, bureaucratic and judicial tutelage
regimes have been lifted one by one and efforts towards multifaceted
normalization of life were decisively carried out. The negative effects
of a public bureaucracy that was lagging behind its own society and
22
2002-2012
world developments on the world, and thus became an obstacle to
many changes, have been alleviated.
Democratization steps have marked in particular the first ten years of
the 21st century and also set the main agenda for debate for upcoming
years. These debates, that have concentrated on the National Unity
and Fraternity Project post-2009 significantly accelerated the democratization and civilianization of the state and also strengthened
the institution of politics. The provisions introduced under this process aimed to eliminate the barriers between the people and the state,
ultimately aiming to
reduce the impact of
These steps, that expand the
the state, expand the
area of fundamental rights and
freedoms, facilitate the daily
arena of civil society
life of people in every area and
and highlight the inreinforce
the feeling of confidence
dividual. While the
in the state have been taken not
provisions regarding
merely for a particular segment
various segments of
but for the whole of society.
society such as the
Kurds, Alawi, Roma,
non-Muslim citizens helped society to face these issues and also laid
the ground for free discussion of the problems and for acceleration
of the search for solutions. Where such ethnic, religious and cultural
diversity constituting the richness of our nation was not even spoken
of in the 1990s, the end of this period led to the emergence of a vastly
free and dynamic atmosphere of discussion. Discussing and debating its problems openly in this atmosphere, Turkey accelerated its
democratization moves.
These steps, that expand the area of fundamental rights and freedoms, facilitate the daily life of people in every area and reinforce
the feeling of confidence in the state have been taken not merely for
a particular segment but for the whole of society. All segments of
society that had been intended to be under the yoke in every field
23

benefited from the practices. With these steps, which have raised the
bar for freedom and democracy,and distinguished terrorist actions
from legitimate demands, a more sensitive and responsible approach
to all parts of society has been adopted. Suffering caused by wrongful
practices in the past has been brought to an end. Thus, Turkey was
transformed into a country that is freer and more secure, prosperous
and peaceful for each and every one of its citizens. Democratization
policies that had long been debated yet only came to be realized in
2000s ensured on one hand that the society faced its problems and on
the other hand functioned as a kind of social restoration. Considering what Turkey has achieved in the last decade as a country wishing
to be on the same wavelength with the change ongoing throughout
the world, it would not be wrong to characterize all of these steps as
a kind of silent revolution.
The aim of this study is to develop an inventory of the steps taken
in the last decade between 2002 and 2012 with a view to ensuring
democratic change and transformation process. This inventory will
help us to better see the evolution that the state has undergone in the
last decade. The steps that have been taken will be communicated
to generations to come more properly and correctly. Moreover, it is
evident that such an extensive inventory is necessary for defining a
realistic and correct roadmap for the future as the sustainability of
the steps taken and the reforms and their right targeting can be ensured through attributing the right meaning to firstly the past and
today. In this manner, it will be possible to inform the national and
international public opinion wishing to receive information on the
reform process. Therefore, the inventory constitutes a significant
source of reference for those interested in the reforms carried out in
the last ten years.
This inventory does not include all the efforts and studies carried out
in the last decade but solely steps taken in the area of democratization
and human rights as well as other factors, which facilitated such steps.
24
2002-2012
In the first chapter, the study presents an overall view aiming to indicate the progress in Turkeys democracy journey in the last decade
and thus provide an opportunity to obtain best knowledge of the
process. This chapter is based on thematic explanation rather than
chronological method.
The second chapter covers the steps taken in detail and chronologically on a year-by-year basis. To this end, all the practices and arrangements with direct or indirect impact in the field of democratization
have been addressed chronologically. Therefore, the democratization
inventory of the last decade is presented. This chapter basically covers the period between 2002 and 2012. However, democratization
steps taken in 2013 were included as also being of great importance.
However, it is evident that raising the bar for democratization, freedom and human rights is a process that is multi-faceted and longterm, maybe even never ending. Therefore, what should be done in
rapidly changing global and national conditions is not limited to
what has been done so far.
As long as this inventory constitutes a source of reference book
for studies to be carried out by local and international researchers,
experts, academicians and think-tanks aiming to analyze democratization steps taken in Turkey in the last decade with all the social,
political, legal, economic and cultural dimensions considering the
military, security and freedom aspects as well; it will achieve its purpose.
25
2002-2012
CHAPTER ONE
DEMOCRATIZATION
PROCESSES OF THE
PERIOD 2002-2012
27
TURKEYS DEMOCRACY
AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVENTURE IN
THE RECENT PERIOD
2002-2012
TURKEYS DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

ADVENTURE IN THE RECENT PERIOD
1961 and 1982 Constitutions
The transition to democracy in Turkey coincides with the transition
to multi-party political life.One of the major reasons for the transition
to multi-party political life was the developments in the international
arena after World War II. However,the democratic order established
after multi party political life did not last long and was soon interrupted by a military coup dtat. The State was reconstructed and
restructured after the military coup.While large-scale dissolutions
in the military/civilian bureaucracy and in universities took place, a
new state structure that was in line with this new construction was
rigorously established through the new Constitution.
Although the 1961 and 1982 Constitutions, adopted after transition
to the multi-party political life, included principles such as human
rights, rule of law and democratic state among the characteristics
of the Republic, they embraced a specific approach within the context of these characteristics. As a result, major issues in contradiction
with the principles of human rights, democracy and rule of law came
up in implementation during both constitutional periods, due to reasons arising from the constitution.
31

The principles of a democratic, secular, social state governed by the
rule of law based on human rights and the institutions and boards
necessitated by these principles were included among the characteristics of the Republic for the first time in the 1961 Constitution.
After 1961, the Constitutional Court and the Council of State were
established as mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of judicial review, in addition to the High Council of Judges and the High Council
of Prosecutors that were intended to ensure the independence of the
judiciary. However, these innovations, especially the Constitutional
Court, which could have been seen as positive at first glance, later
proved to bear different results in practice. From its inception, the
Constitutional Court embraced an approach protective of the state,
instead of working towards human rights and democracy and its rulings on structure and functioning of political life continuously became subject for debate.
It is seen that this problematic approach in question persisted in
the 1982 Constitution, as well. The most important difference of the
1982 Constitution from the 1961 Constitution in this respect is that
it expressed its statist/ pro-tutelage preference openly rather than implicitly; because, the state and the sanctity of the state took explicit
precedence over human rights both in the foreword and the formulation of the articles in the 1982 Constitution.
Issue of Tutelage
Tutelage is seen to be one of the striking features when considering
developments following the transition to democracy in Turkey and
the functioning of the democratic regime. The phenomenon of tutelage can be seen both in military coups and memorandums and in the
functioning of the 1961 and 1982 Constitutions. The dominance of
the actors of tutelage can be seen in the overthrow of elected parties
by military coups on May 27, 1960 and on September 12, 1980 and in
memorandums targeting the government parties on March 12, 1971
32
2002-2012
and on February 28, 1997. The power of these tutelage actors brought
along a constitutional structure that would consolidate their position
vis-a-vis the political authorities. One of the most important institutions within the context of tutelage used to be the National Security
Council (NSC). The NSC, created as a constitutional institution by
the 1961 Constitution, was introduced with the purpose of assisting
the political authorities on issues of national security. However, due
to the dominance of soldiers in the Council, decisions taken by the
NSC were virtually perceived as binding by the political authorities.
Moreover, as the concept of national security was defined broadly,
soldiers were capable of intervening in all the areas for which the
political authorities had responsibility.
Within the context of tutelage in Turkey, bureaucratic actors and
powers other than the armed forces should not be forgotten either.
Among these, the judiciary has a specific importance, as its judgments are binding and it is not subject to the review of any other
public power; thus it has a different status. The judgments of the
judiciary are binding because in a state governed by the rule of law,
the judiciary makes judgments based on law. However, where the
judiciary makes judgments outwith the law and these judgments are
still binding, then the functioning of such a regime would completely
be outwith the scope of the principle of the rule of law. As a matter
of fact, as can also be seen overtly in certain past judgments of the
Constitutional Court and the Council of State, there are many examples in which higher judicial bodies in Turkey acted and shaped
their judgments in accordance with this pro-tutelage approach.
Rule of Law and the Judiciary

The basis of the principle of the rule of law is that all people and
institutions that exercise public power are bound by the law. Legislative and executive powers within a state governed by the rule of law
can only exercise their powers within the limits set forward by law.
33

When these powers use their authority unlawfully, judicial review
steps in as a compulsory mechanism. For this reason, judicial review
and judicial power in the rule of law have a special status within the
political system. Due to its nature, the judiciary shall make judgments
based on law and on the principles of human rights. It is not possible
for the rules taken as basis in the review to be always fully clear. In
such cases, the judiciary shall demonstrate a liberalist jurisprudence
that is in line with the general principles of law in its interpretation.
The judiciary can only have a position in line with its function in a
state governed by the rule of law by doing so.
On the other hand, it is difficult to say that the judiciary in Turkey
has performed fully in line with this function in the recent period.
Especially during periods when tutelage actors are cyclically influential or in cases where a pro-tutelage approach is dominant, the
judiciary may make judgments in line with the attitude of the state
and ideological preferences, rather than of law and freedoms. Moreover, the judiciary may also make judgments that might undermine
the principle of the supremacy of law due to the fact that the legal
norm that it takes as a basis is below universal standards. Another
important issue is the training and accumulation of knowledge of the
members of the judiciary. For all these reasons, the major problems
and setbacks that were the subjects of various reports on increasing
the impact of the rule of law and ending judicial tutelage in Turkey
have arisen. In the end, as the judiciary cannot fully meet expectations in the supremacy of law, it constitutes an important pillar of the
reforms to be undertaken.
Advancement of the Standard for Democracy,

Overcoming Tutelage and Civilianization
Entering the 2000s, internal dynamics, Turkeys international legal
commitments, the EU process and regional and global developments
made change inevitable. To these developments must be added
34
2002-2012
Turkeys fast developing and dynamic private sector, its large young
population as well as their demands. Under the influence of all these
dynamics, the need arose to raise the standards of human rights, democracy and rule of law at the constitutional and judicial level.
From the perspective of democracy, it can easily be observed that
the judicial structure established by the 1982 Constitution needed
significant amendments. However, wishes alone do not suffice to
bring about structural reforms in a legal order. As it can be seen in
various examples around the world and in Turkey, strong and determined political powers are necessary to bring about changes that can
be defined as a wave of democratization. There is also a need for a
stable period in order to carry out such a reform. That is why strong
democratization initiatives during the 1982 Constitutional period
coincided with periods of stable government, as well.
The political model foreseen in the 1982 Constitution did not meet requirements and therefore, a need for constitutional and legal reforms
arose, directly related to developments. In the period since 1990, an
increasing awareness of human rights has come about in Turkey. That
the number of applications to the European Court of Human Rights
(ECtHR) has been on a gradual increase, ever since the recognition of
the right to individual application under the European Convention
of Human Rights (ECHR) up until today, and the introduction of the
right to individual application to the Constitutional Court in order
to decrease the number of ECtHR applications is directly related to
this awareness. Especially after Turkey firstly recognized the right to
individual application in the ECHR in 1987 and secondly recognized
the mandatory jurisdiction of ECtHR in 1990, the Courts judgments
on Turkey increasingly started to occupy the agenda. Moreover, since
these judgments are binding and their execution is overseen by the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, constitutional and
judicial reforms are placed on the agenda in order to take necessary
actions according to ECtHR judgments (make it possible to imple35

ment them). Indeed, it can be seen that many of the constitutional
amendments and judicial reforms that have been carried out since
the 1990s also aim at taking actions required by to ECtHR judgments
and thus making it possible to implement them. With the help of
ECtHR judgments, sensitivity for human rights started to be created
within the country and thus, individuals started to use international
petition mechanisms in order to protect their rights against the state.
It can be seen that external dynamics are more distinctive in the beginning phase of the democratization process. The fact that internal dynamics were not very effective at this phase is considered as
an explicit characteristic of the democratization process in Turkey.
However, with the reforms and political developments since the
1990s, internal dynamics started to guide the democratization process, as well. This can be observed more clearly in 2000s.
These Internal dynamics are created by various factors. Primarily, the thriving economy and the private sectors keeping up with
international developments obliged political powers to put certain
structural reforms into practice. As economic standards rose, the
sensitivity of various social groups on rights and freedoms increased.
Therefore, legislative and executive organs had to focus more on the
demands for human rights because of this sensitivity.
Moreover, people started to follow developments in the national
and international arenas more closely and to show more interest in
developments on human rights thanks to the effect of globalization
processes, diversification of mass media and improvements in communication technologies. Especially people who observed practices
in other countries and compared them to the situation in Turkey
started to ask for improvements and to criticize wrongful practices in
the country. This situation placed more pressure on political powers
to remove barriers to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
36
2002-2012
At this point, the 2002-2012 period can be deemed as a particularly
important one as regards the emergence of problems and making of constitutional and judicial reforms for the removal of these
problems. Statusquo-ist resistance standing against the reforms that
political powers tried to implement on democratization, civilianization, economy, social policy, human rights, law, etc. took place before
the public eye, because of the extent and diversity of the mass media.
The 2007 and 2010 Constitutional amendments that were made in
order to overcome this resistance also took place within a process
monitored by everyone.
In the aforementioned period, two major constitutional amendments
were made against the pro-tutelage resistance. Firstly, the Constitutional amendment that was made based on the Ruling 3671 of the
Constitutional Court introduced the election of the President of the
Republic by popular vote. With the principle of direct popular election of the President of the Republic, who is an important figure of
the pro-tutelage model set forth by the 1982 Constitution, unfavorable situations such as oppression, threats, unlawfulness, crisis etc,
which occurred at various times during Presidential elections since
1961, are to be eliminated.
In regards to the breaking of tutelage, the constitutional amendments
that took place in 2010 focused mainly on the regulations regarding
judicial tutelage. With the amendment on the establishment of the
High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HCJP), the tutelage of the
Council of State and the Court of Cassation on judicial and administrative justice has been broken. On the other hand, the composition of the Constitutional Court has been rendered more pluralistic.
Furthermore, the reforms to the military justice order can also make
a positive contribution to the elimination of tutelage.
1 2007/45 E, numbered 2007/54 K and dated 1/5/2007.
37

Both of these amendments that ensure the elimination of the protutelage structure set forth by the 1982 Constitution have been accepted by popular vote, which proves that the public is also of the
view that these structural reforms need to be carried out. Along
with these developments, as of 2000s, it can be seen that there is
strong grassroots demand for democratization in Turkey and that
democratization steps are taken based not only on external dynamics but also on internal dynamics. Following all these developments,
TGNA started a constitution making process with its own initiative
after the elections in 2011, upon the demand of the public, which is a
first in Turkish political life.
Role of the European Union in Democratization

Processes
International dynamics, primarily the EU, had a significant impact on the inception phase of the democratization processes.The
EU and EU harmonization process have an undeniable impact on
eliminating policies
EU and EU harmonization process
that are introverted,
have an undeniable impact
disconnected from
on eliminating policies that
the rest of the world
are introverted, disconnected
and fearful of its own
from the rest of the world and
people as well as esfearful of its own people as
tablishing a universal
well as establishing a universal
acknowledgement of
acknowledgement of democracy
and human rights.
democracy and human rights.
Turkeys EU journey started with the signing of the Association
Agreement with European Economic Community in 1963 and continued until its application to full membership in 1987. The accession
process, which is one of the most concrete projects realized to reach
the goal of reaching the level of contemporary civilizations shaping
38
2002-2012
the history of the Republic, followed a course riddled with ups and
downs and sometimes it has almost come to a breaking point. However, this accession process gained momentum after Turkey was
recognized as a EU candidate country in Helsinki Summit in 1999.
The steps taken since 2002 are of great importance in this process.
Thanks to these steps and the reforms undertaken, accession negotiations with EU were started in 2005. Therefore, an important phase
began in this process which started in 1963 and Turkey moved to the
status of a country holding accession negotiations with the EU from
its previous status of candidate country to EU.
The Copenhagen criteria, which need to be met as required by the
EU membership objective, have contributed greatly to raising the bar
for democratization standard for Turkey. Three important chapters
of Copenhagen criteria, namely raising human rights standards,
civil democracy and free market economy, can be considered as
absolute requisites for the democratization process in Turkey.
The Comprehensive constitutional amendments introduced between
2004 and 2010 as part of the EU harmonization process amended approximately one third of the 1982 Constitution. Therefore, significant
progress was achieved in terms of democracy, supremacy of law
and protecting and promoting human rights. These amendments,
which were introduced as required by EU Harmonization packages,
strengthened democracy and the rule of law and also ensured a more
liberal and free environment in Turkey. The fact that such changes
were embraced by all segments of society indicates that these steps
were taken not only because the EU requested them but because they
were necessary to meet social demands as well.
39
SHIFTING THE
SECURITY PARADIGM
2002-2012
SHIFTING THE SECURITY PARADIGM

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, the
search for a more democratic and a freer world at the global scale
gained pace. This wave of freedom and democracy persisted until the
September 11th attacks on the USA.
In spite of the waves of freedom and democracy around the world, the
same situation was not true for Turkey in the 1990s. On the contrary,
Turkey became more introverted in this period and these years were
marked by abnormalities such as the practice of state of emergency,
torture cases and murders by unknown perpetrators. Moreover, during the February 28 Process2 in this period, Turkey detached from
the EU process and was isolated from international developments;
and started to experience a crisis of trust with its own citizens.
While the world witnessed a period of introversion and narrowing of freedoms after 11th September 2001, Turkey witnessed just
the opposite characterized by expansion and an easing in the area
of democratization and human rights.The policies implemented in
the last decade have sought to create a radical paradigm shift in the
2 February 28 Process refers to an anti-democratic process initiated by decisions
taken in a National Security Council meeting held on 28th February 1997 and its
repercussions. This political intervention disregarding the will of the people is qualified as a post-modern coup which forced out the government in power. Following
this intervention, many practices violating the freedom of religion and conscience
as well as other fundamental rights and freedoms started to be seen.
43

established understanding of security. The approach in the security
policies that considered the nation and citizens as a threat was
ended and a new approach that relies on the common sense of the
nation, which has been passed down from the depths of history, has
been embraced. As a reflection of the transition from an authoritarian state approach to a democratic state, a multi-dimensional strategy - instead of a mere security-centric one - has been adopted for
the fight against terrorism, one of the most problematic issues for our
country. Many important steps have been taken towards normalization on security issues, especially on the fight against terrorism, by
abolishing approaches and methods that could be considered exceptional in a democratic state that respected the rule of law. These steps
towards normalization brought along judicial procedures to hold accountable the responsible actors of anti-democratic initiatives such
as military coups, post-modern coups and coup attempts.
Within this framework, the practice of maintaining a state of emergency has been abolished. The State Security Courts (SSC) and Special-Authority Courts have also been abolished. The National Unity
and Fraternity Project was launched for the purpose of ending terrorism and establishing social peace and fraternity. The Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security has been established in order
to develop policies and strategies in counter-terrorism. The Citizenship Law has been amended. Work has started to restore the former
names of settlement areas. Daily life has become easier. Bureaucracy
has been reduced following elimination of distrust towards citizens.
Some of the main steps, which are elaborated upon chronologically
in the inventory part of this study, are explained below:
Lifting State of Emergency

Procedures of emergency management are methods that the State
resorts to against emergency threats or dangers, which cannot be
44
2002-2012
overcome with ordinary rules of the legal order. The 1982 Constitution sets out two types of emergency management procedures - state
of emergency and martial law. Among these, the state of emergency is an emergency management procedure that is declared for
specific reasons and includes the temporary partial or full suspension of fundamental rights and freedoms temporarily and allows the
imposition of financial, occupational or in kind liabilities on citizens.
As for martial law, it is an emergency management procedure that is
declared due to reasons that are more serious than those necessitating a declaration of a state of emergency. It allows the temporary
partial or full suspension of fundamental rights and freedoms, permitting measures contrary to the assurances in the Constitution; and
it results in the delegation of police powers to military authorities.
The practice of mainAs the first big step toward
taining a state of
democratization, the state
emergency began to
of
emergency was ended on
be used in 1997 as an
November 30, 2002, in other
alternative to martial
words this practice was ended
law due to terrorism
twelve days after the government
in certain provinces
was formed by not taking any
in the Eastern and decision for extension.Considering
the long duration of the state of
Southeastern Regions
emergency
and martial law during
of Turkey. During the
the periods of the 1961 and 1982
state of emergency,
Constitutions, it is a very important
which was introimprovement for Turkey that the
duced temporarily on
entire country reverted back to an
July 19, 1987 and susordinary civil order in 2002.
tained continuously
until 2002 with 46 extensions in a row, the powerful authority that the administration had
and the significant limitations on human rights caused serious problems. Especially, the exceptions to judicial oversight during the state of
emergency show that these periods bear serious concerns regarding
45

human rights. These concerns were registered with a record number
of judgments against Turkey in the ECtHR. Moreover, when the additional authority granted to military authorities in this period is also
taken into account, it can be seen that the practice of maintaining a
state of emergency was one of the major obstacles to democratization.
As the first big step toward democratization, the state of emergency
was ended on November 30, 2002, in other words this practice was
ended twelve days after the government was formed by not taking
any decision for extension.Considering the long duration of the state
of emergency and martial law during the periods of the 1961 and
1982 Constitutions, it is a very important improvement for Turkey
that the entire country reverted back to an ordinary civil order in
2002. This step should also be accepted as a symbolic turning point
in the launch of the silent revolution.
Abolishment of the State Security Courts and SpecialAuthority Courts

As an indicator of the precedence of security within the securityfreedom balance, SSCs, which were included in our judicial system
with the 1973 Constitutional amendments, were continuously at the
center of criticisms. The differences in the proceedings and the fact
that one of the members of the court was a military judge aggravated
the criticisms against these courts. Because these courts decided
cases with a predominantly pro-security approach, these criticisms
were seen to be justified.
The structure of the SSCs was found to contravene the right to a fair
trial in the ECHR by the ECtHR and this resulted in a judgment against
Turkey. For this reason, first of all, the presence of a military judge within
the SSCs was ruled out with a 1999 constitutional amendment. In 2004,
these courts were fully abolished. Upon the removal of SSCs, specialauthority assize courts were established instead; and these assize courts
46
2002-2012
were given jurisdiction to hear cases on crimes against the state and organized crimes. With the third judicial reform package adopted by Law
No: 6352, dated 2/7/2012, the practice of special-authority courts was
also ceased due to the setbacks experienced in the ten-year period. With
the new regulation, it has been accepted that the lawsuits brought against
these crimes are to be
handled by the courts
called Regional Assize Courts (Regional
Heavy Penal Courts).
Thus, the adventure
of SSCs that started
Thus, the adventure of SSCs that

started in 1973 ended in 2004;
and with the removal of special
authority assize courts that were
authorized in place of SSCs in
2012, another important step has
been taken towards normalization
of the judiciary.
in 1973 ended in
2004; and with the removal of special authority assize courts that
were authorized in place of SSCs in 2012, another important step has
been taken towards normalization of the judiciary.
Launch of the National Unity and Fraternity Project

The National Unity and Fraternity Project was launched in July
2009 in order to end terrorism and to ensure social peace and fraternity. This Project aims to develop a multi-dimensional policy for
the solution of the complicated problem of terrorism that has been
encountered for years. Within this framework, the purpose is to raise
the standard of democratic standards in Turkey and to end or minimize terrorism. In order to achieve this, on the one hand there are
progressive steps taken towards democratization, and on the other
there are ongoing efforts to prevent new recruits joining the terrorist
organization and towards reintegration into society of the members
already recruited one way or another, by eliminating the resources
that feed the organization.
47

The National Unity
and Fraternity Project,
which is a continuation of the democratization and normalization process that
started in 2002 in Turkey, aims to establish a
pluralistic and liberalist environment where
all opinions can be expressed peacefully and
where proposed solutions can be discussed
with mutual tolerance, through expanding the scope of democratization
by means of raising the standards of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Through the steps taken within

the scope of the National Unity
and Fraternity Project, fears,
taboos and bans are overcome;
society and the state face their
problems; issues that continued
growing as they were ignored
are now openly mentioned and
debated. Thus, the fact that
problems are openly discussed
and the state shows such an
intensive will and search for
solution for the first time act as a
social restoration.
Through the steps taken within the scope of the National Unity and
Fraternity Project, fears, taboos and bans are overcome; society and
the state face their problems; issues that continued growing as they
were ignored are now openly mentioned and debated. Thus, the fact
that problems are openly discussed and the state shows such an intensive will and search for solution for the first time act as a social
restoration.
Steps taken within the scope of the National Unity and Fraternity
Project continue and efforts are underway to strengthen the joint
sense of belonging and to build up a common future.
Establishment of the Undersecretariat of Public Order

and Security
Turkeys lack, in its nearly 40 year-history of fighting against terrorism, of a holistic strategy for the fight against terrorism or of an
48
2002-2012
organization which addressed the terrorism problem from a civilian
and social sciences perspective has been constantly described as a
significant shortcoming. An important step has been taken on this
issue with the Law No: 5952 dated 17/2/2010, the Undersecretariat of
Public Order and Security was established in order to make analysis,
offer solutions and develop strategies based on scientific methods
and data on the fight against terrorism and in order to ensure coordination among relevant institutions and organizations, as necessitated
by a multi-dimensional and holistic approach.
Thus, in parallel with the security paradigm shift, a new approach
has been adopted which would not equate counter-terrorism solely
with security measures but handle it with its social, psychological
and legal dimensions and act based on data generated by social sciences, benefiting from international experience.
Reinstatement of Citizenship Rights

It was a frequently used method to revoke the citizenship rights of
individuals especially during and after military coups. The revocation of citizenship rights of our people for political and arbitrary
reasons caused great injustice to these individuals and their families.
In this respect, a new Citizenship Law was adopted in 2009 that enabled the Council of Ministers to reinstate citizenship rights to those
who had been stripped of their Turkish citizenship on the grounds
that they had committed an act incompatible with loyalty to the
motherland. This law paved the way for reinstatement of rights to
individuals who had to go abroad during the course of military coup
on 12thSeptember or for political reasons and whose citizenship was
revoked at that time.
49
Facilitating Daily Life

Road checkpoints and search points practiced excessively and routinely for security reasons, and which caused kilometers of queues,
used to cause our citizens to lodge valid and justified reasons. In
1990s, one of the most serious problems experienced by our citizens in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions in their daily
lives was security controls. With a circular issued at the beginning of
2010, the number of road checkpoints and search points was reduced
in order to facilitate the daily lives of our citizens.
In the past, bans on the use of pasturelands and rangelands were introduced for various security reasons in the regions that our citizens
lived. This situation had an adverse impact on the regional economy.
These bans on the use of pasturelands and rangelands, especially in
the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions, were lifted in the
beginning of 2010, in order to increase the level of employment and
welfare of our citizens.
Reverting Place Name Changes

One of the most important pillars bridging the gap between the past
and present is the names of geographical locations. Therefore, the
name of every geographical location has a historical background.
In the past, names of many regions and locations in Turkey were
changed for political and ideological reasons. It was not possible
for people to give the names that they desired to the locations where
they lived in accordance with their local language and culture. This
situation was detrimental to our citizens sense of belonging. Taking into consideration the justified requests in this respect, we have
paved the way to restore the former names of settlement areas. In this
respect, names of some settlement areas have been changed.
50
2002-2012
Reducing Bureaucracy by Overcoming Distrust in
Citizens
There is a need for a well functioning bureaucratic system in order to
provide speedy, effective, qualified and transparent public services.
Prolongation of transactions in public institutions not only results in
loss of labor and time, but it also causes a loss of confidence in the
state and discredits it in the eyes of the public. On the other hand,
detailed rules and the large number of documents demanded from
citizens are seen as an indicator of distrust of the state in its citizens.
The amount of paperwork and time consuming transactions within
this framework mostly put honest employees and innocent citizens
in a difficult position.
The aim of the activities carried out to reduce bureaucracy in the last
ten years has been to facilitate citizens access to basic public services
such as education, healthcare and finances - as citizens used to be
victims of rather slow and cumbersome functioning mechanisms of
the public services when compared to the European countries -and
to remove bureaucratic obstacles in this area to the extent possible.
Democratization efforts that have been underway since the 2000s
have expanded the scope of fundamental rights and freedoms, facilitated daily life and increased the feeling of trust in the state. In this
respect, the steps taken towards reducing bureaucracy and overcoming the distrust in citizens can be considered as part of the democratization process.
Within this framework, the procedures and principles governing administrations have been reorganized with a view to establishing an effective,
efficient, accountable and transparent public administration based on
the statements of citizens and to providing rapid, high quality simple and
low-cost public services. In this respect, the Law on Repealing Several
Pieces of Legislation which are Impossible to be Executed was adopted
51

in 2007 for the purpose of eliminating provisions which were no longer
up to date or feasible to be executed, correcting contradictory provisions, simplifying legislation and enhancWith this new regulation aiming
ing its quality. To this
at reducing bureaucracy and
end, with the Regusimplifying administrative
lation Regarding the
procedures, 421 documents have
Integration of Transbeen taken out of use and the
actions in Reducing
requirement for notary public
Bureaucracy and Proapproval has been lifted for
215 services. Furthermore, 46
cedures and Principles
delegations of authority from
to Apply in Public
the center to the rural and 26
Services Delivery, put
delegations of authority from
into force in 2009, The
governorates and regional
Prime Ministry made
directorates to lower levels have
amendments to a total
been exercised.
of 170 regulations of
Ministries and various
affiliated and relevant institutions. With this new regulation aiming at
reducing bureaucracy and simplifying administrative procedures, 421
documents have been taken out of use and the requirement for notary
public approval has been lifted for 215 services. Furthermore, 46 delegations of authority from the center to the rural and 26 delegations of authority from governorates and regional directorates to lower levels have
been exercised.
Thanks to these regulations, procedures that posed a bureaucratic barrier, increased paperwork needlessly and wasted of time and resources
have been identified and reduced; thus, an important step has been
taken towards rendering the functioning of public services simpler
and faster to make it more effective and service-oriented.This also
aims at removing regulations based on unnecessary information and
statements and at preventing uncalled-for documents through changes
such as providing certain services primarily through electronic means
52
2002-2012
as far as services delivered by central administration and by local authorities are considered. Services which used to be delivered by the
state on paper or which were cumbersome, expensive and based on
detailed formal rules are now delivered in a digital version within the
scope of e-government structure in a faster, more reliable and seamless
fashion. Public institutions and organizations are now able to deliver
services to citizens within the current technological environment and
without the barriers of bureaucracy. In official acts, it is projected to
rely on the statement of the citizen and to operate based on the identity number, residential address and id and contact information of the
citizen, instead of asking for the original document. E-government has
not only helped the acceleration of transactions between the state and
the citizens, it has also speeded up the flow of information among public institutions and increased the efficiency of public services.
Another one of the primary problems experienced in the delivery of
public services used to be the disorder in the healthcare sector and the
slow pace of access to services. The following practices and developments are some of the important work that reflect the trust in citizens
and facilitate daily life to a great extent: removal of the referral chain;
merging of the Retirement Fund, the Social Security Organization for
Artisans and Self-Employed, Social Insurance Institution for employees under the roof of Social Security Institution; patients can go to any
hospital they want; the way for the citizens to be treated in private hospitals is paved, thus the quality of service in the public sector increased.
Another issue that caused complaints from citizens in their relations
with the state was administrators who looked down on the public,
were difficult to communicate with and who reflected the authoritarian and strict mindset of the state. To solve this issue, there were serious changes in the approaches adopted. Priority is put on assigning
administrators who reflect the compassion, sympathy and changing
face of the state which is more at peace with social values, more embracing, more solution oriented and human-focused.
53
STEPS TAKEN IN THE

AREA OF CIVILIAN SUPERVISION
AND SURVEILLANCE
2002-2012
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF CIVILIAN

SUPERVISION AND SURVEILLANCE
As has been mentioned in previous sections, one of the major problems faced by Turkey is the fact that civilian and democratic oversight
was replaced occasionally by military, bureaucratic and/or judicial
oversight. These anti-democratic practices, deriving their strength
from the 1961 and 1982 Constitutions, have been a main subject
of debate in our recent history. Although a democratic political life
was embraced in 1950s; statist reflexes exercised over the position of
President, who was not elected by the people and who was equipped
with broad authority; NSC meetings, which were considered to be
more influential than the Council of Ministers; discussions over the
elected and the appointed; controversial judicial interventions including discretionary oversight as well as judgments of the Constitutional Court which could not find any equivalents or social support
constituted some of the major discussion points.
While in recent years Turkey has come to the forefront in its region as
a constitutional state respecting the rule of law, it has also sustained
efforts to keep on its current position regarding a state-centered oversight approach. Despite a deep rooted pro-tutelage mindset that sees/
tries to present certain specific conditions of Turkey as barriers to
achieving the rule of law to universal standards, major progress has
been achieved in overcoming the shortcomings in democracy through
a series of important reforms carried out on civilian oversight.
57

Within this framework, the condition that the Secretary General of
NSC should be from the military has been abolished and civilians are
now allowed to hold this position. The jurisdiction military justice
has been narrowed. The EMASYA Protocol, which allowed intervention in social events taking place in cities without a request from
the governor, has been abolished. The practice of including military
members in certain public institutions and organizations such as the
Board of Higher Education, the Supreme Board of Radio and Television and Telecom Supreme Council has been discontinued. The way
has been opened for direct election of the President of the Republic by the people in order to undermine the tutelage system and to
strengthen the national will in the country. Judicial remedies have
been made available against the decisions of the Supreme Military
Council. Trial proceedings have been started regarding the actors of
the September 12 coup dtat.
in the inventory part, are explained below:
Election of the President by the People

One of the most important reforms on democratization and raising
the level of the standards of the rule of law in 2002-2012 period is
the election of the President of the Republic by the people, which
was accepted by referendum in 2007.
As a result of the bureaucratic pro-tutelage democracy model reflecting the dominant approach in the 1961 Constitution and the 1982
Constitution, where parliamentary regime was adopted, the office of
the President of the Republic was given a special status. An office
of Presidency equipped with broad powers was established, which
was in contradiction with a representative office of Presidency with
symbolic powers in a parliamentary system. The President became a
strong and important actor in the political system, due to his strong
58
2002-2012
authority, especially in implementation, his influential position in
bureaucratic appointments and his decisive role in the judiciary. The
powers of the office of the President were increased in line with the
pro-tutelage mechanisms of the 1961 and 1982 Constitutions and
these powers were expanded to a wide spectrum including such powers as appointment based on tripartite decree or direct appointment of almost all high level bureaucrats, members of higher judicial
bodies and university rectors, as well as the veto power against parliamentary decisions.
On the other hand, the fact that the people did not have a direct say
in the election of the President, who was equipped with huge powers, prevented the
accountability of this
With the 2007 amendment, it
is stipulated that election of
office to the people.
this strong actor, who has an
Moreover, the powers
important
and decisive place
of the political parties
within the political system, is to be
that came to power
by popular vote. The importance
by popular election
of the election of the President by
were narrowed in fapopular vote is apparent in terms
vor of the Presidency of the elimination of the strongest
room for manoeuvre for the
and this created a
oligarchic tutelage
siege of tutelage over
that was formed.
the nation. That the
President, who was
granted such strong powers, did not have any responsibility contrary
to the principle of parallelism between authority and responsibility
is another issue that was not in line with the nature of a parliamentary system.
Experience shows that the Presidency was seen as a protector and
guardian of the tutelage system and as a guarantee that the pro-tutelage
understanding would remain dominant in the system. Likewise, the
experiences during the Presidential election in 2007 and the judgment
59

of the Constitutional Court, which was in line the pro-tutelage approach, revealed the role and influence of the Presidency within the
system. With the 2007 amendment, it is stipulated that election of this
strong actor, who has an important and decisive place within the political system, is to be by popular vote. The importance of the election
of the President by popular vote is apparent in terms of the elimination
of the strongest room for manoeuvre for the oligarchic tutelage that
was formed. In this way, the siege of tutelage over the people has been
broken by abolishing the dominative state mentality which was established in total disregard of the nation, the real owner of sovereignty,
and a great contribution has been made to the unfinished democratization process in Turkey that started back in the 1950s.
Paving the way for a Civilian General Secretary in

National Security Council
Civilianization of NSC, which is perceived by the public as an organization representing tutelage over the civilian administration, was
of critical importance to civilianization and democratization efforts
in our country.
Under this scope, in the Seventh EU Harmonization Package that
was passed in 2003, certain amendments, including those concerning the Secretariat General of NSC, were made. Within the framework of this amendment, the revisions made in NSC with the 2001
Constitutional amendment were harmonized to the Constitution. In
addition to this, even although there is no explicit provision on this
issue in the Constitutional amendment, with these amendments the
way was opened to abolish the stipulation that the Secretary General
of NSC should be a soldier and to allow civilians to hold this position.
Allowing civilians to be appointed as the NSC Secretary Generals
is an important step in civilianization. Thus, the NSC turned into
60
2002-2012
an advisory body of the government for national security policies,
as it is the case in contemporary democracies. Likewise, in the new
situation, the NSC Secretary General is to be appointed upon the
proposal of the Prime Minister and the approval of the President.
Moreover, the harmonization package also stipulates that the Council shall convene bimonthly, instead of every month.
As a repercussion of such changes, the seating arrangement of the
NSC has changed. The previous seating plan required the military
and civilian members to sit on opposite sides of the table which
caused a perception of contrast among the general public such as
the military side and the civilian side. However this seating order was replaced with a new one that enabled military and civilian
members of the Council to sit next to one another or according to a
mixed seating plan.
Narrowing the Jurisdiction of Military Justice

The military justice system in Turkey a product of Constitutions prepared after military coup dtats. For this reason, in military justice
systems, on the one hand provision was made to try civilians and
on the other hand, trials of soldiers for crimes that were not directly
related to military service were also placed within the jurisdiction of
military courts.
Two positive steps have been taken to change the dual judiciary system that is incompatible with the principles of a democratic rule of
law. Firstly, with Law No: :4963, the scope of application of the Military Penal Code to civilian people was narrowed. Secondly, it was
set forth that the crimes committed by military persons, especially
those regarding military coups or coup attempts, were to be tried
directly in civilian courts. However, upon the annulment of this legal regulation in question by the Constitutional Court, based on the
Law numbered 145 of the Constitution, this issue was handled at a
61

constitutional level with the 2010 Constitutional amendment. With
these latest amendments to the military justice, crimes of military
persons charged with attempting to change the constitutional order
or attempting of military coup are to be tried in civilian courts.
Annulment of the EMASYA Protocol

Law enforcement forces reporting to Ministry of Interior are in charge
of providing security services within the country. In this respect, law
enforcement forces perform their duties in a hierarchical order in
provinces under the supervision of governors and district governors.
However, the military is responsible for defending the country and
ensuring external security in all the other countries in the world.
Our legislation restricts the power that the military has to intervene
in social events for the purposes of ensuring internal security and
stipulates that the military can only intervene on the condition that
the governor requests them to intervene. However; since the effect of
the military tutelage increased following the February 28 Process, it
became possible for the military to intervene in social events taking
place in cities without a request from the governor as stipulated by
a protocol (EMASYA) which is in violation of the Constitution and
Law No: 5442 on Provincial Administration.
EMASYA, composed of the words Security Public Order Cooperation in Turkish, is the name of the protocol signed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Staff on July 7, 1997. Within
the framework of the EMASYA Protocol, even if the Governorate did
not use the authority set out in the Law for Provincial Administration
to ask for intervention, military authorities were entitled to use their
power of intervening in the events of social unrest when they deemed
necessary. The intervention of military authorities in social affairs gave
rise to major criticisms during its thirteen-year implementation. As a
result, the EMASYA Protocol was annulled with a joint protocol signed
by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Staff on 4/2/2012.
62
2002-2012
Discontinuation of the Practice of Military Members in
Some Public Institutions and Agencies
As a result of the September 12 coup dtat, a representative from the
military was placed in various institutions, regardless of their relevance to military issues. This practice made it difficult to provide
public services and created the impression that social and political
life as a whole was under the supervision and control of military
tutelage. In this respect, the presence of military representatives in
many of these institutions has been discontinued with amendments
carried out in the last ten years. In this context; provisions regarding
the selection of members to the Higher Education Council by the
General Staff and regarding the nomination of candidates to the Supreme Board of Radio and Television by NSC Secretariat have been
abolished. Moreover, the Secretary General of NSCs membership of
the Telecom Supreme Council has ceased.
Introduction of Judicial Remedies against Supreme

Military Council Decisions
Holding every act and transaction of public bodies within the scope
of judicial review is considered an important tool in the rule of law to
protect fundamental rights and freedoms. However, the Constitution
adopted in 1982 invested all the power regarding personnel rights
and promotion of the military into the Supreme Military Council
and decisions taken by this Council were held outwith the scope of
judicial review. Many officers and NCOs were discharged from the
army under decisions taken by Supreme Military Council based on
entries made on their files without allowing them a chance to defend
themselves especially during periods where tutelage was influential.
This practice caused injustice to a lot of people. This practice was
the subject matter of subjects of major criticisms at the national and
international level.
63

Although the SuAlthough the Supreme Military
preme Military CounCouncil (SMC) decisions were in
cil (SMC) decisions
the past held entirely outside
were in the past held
the scope of judicial reviews, the
entirely outside the
2010 Constitutional amendment
scope of judicial reintroduced judicial remedies
views, the 2010 Confor all discharge decisions apart
from those related to promotion
stitutional
amendprocedures or decisions to retire
ment
introduced
personnel due to lack of positions judicial remedies for
in the cadre.
all discharge decisions
apart from those related to promotion procedures or decisions to retire personnel due to
lack of positions in the cadre.Thus, the right to an effective remedy has
been guaranteed for those discharged from the army based on SMC decisions, which means that an important obstacle to the rule of law was
lifted.
Opening Judicial Avenues for Trial of Leaders of

September 12 Coup Dtat
The Constitutional amendments in 2010 abolished Provisional Article
15 of the 1982 Constitution. This provision had presented an obstacle
to the trial of National Security Council members who carried out the
12 September 1980 coup dtat. A similar provision was also present in
Provisional Article 4 of the 1961 Constitution regarding the members
of the National Unity Committee who carried out the coup dtat on 27
May 1960. As a result of this step, investigation and trial processes were
made possible regarding the members of the National Security Council who were still alive. The abolishment of the Provisional Article 15
thirty years after the 1980 coup dtat is also an important symbolic
step. This step gives a strong message that interventions eliminating or
attempting to eliminate the democratic legal order will not go unaccounted for and that such initiatives will sooner or later be tried.
64
2002-2012
Establishment of Inquiry Commissions under TGNA
The coups dtat that forced out the legitimate representatives of the
people led to the violation of many rights as they also impaired the
legal order to a large extent. In this scope, one of the main problems
in Turkey stemmed from the fact that Turkey could not have the opportunity to face up to the coups dtat staged in the past and violations of human rights were not questioned. Therefore, advancement
of the democracy culture has been prevented and the distance between state and citizens has been increased. Throughout the world,
countries undergoing a democratization process following military
governments faced practices that took place under the influence of
coups dtat and made efforts to fix the mistakes made in this period.
However, dark pages in Turkeys past were ignored for a long period
of time.
In 2012, the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission Established for the
Inquiry of all Coup dtats and Memorandums That Intervened in
Democracy and of All Attempts and Processes Disabling Democracy
in the Country and for Identification of Measures to Be Taken was
established within TGNA. All political parties are ensured to be represented in this commission and many people well known to public
have been heard.
Again in 2012, Dersim Sub-commission was established within
the Petition Commission of TGNA. This sub-commission has carried out significant work in the State archive and complied information and documents regarding Dersim events taking place in 1930s.
Within the scope of the activities of this commission, which is closely
followed by the public, the victims of the events that took place in
Dersim have also been heard.
Furthermore, a Sub Commission on Inquiry of Violation of Right
to Life in the scope of Terrorist and Violent Incidents was estab65

lished on 13th October 2011 within the Grand National Assembly of
Turkey in order to investigate the problems faced during the periods
of martial law and state of emergency. The work of this commission
is considered an important development achieved to handle the issue in all its dimensions under the auspices of the TGNA and give
chance to all parties to express their opinion.
These commissions that have been established can be regarded as a
reflection of the will of the State for uncovering mistakes and facing
itself.
66
STEPS TAKEN
IN THE AREA OF PROTECTION
AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
2002-2012
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF PROTECTION

AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights gained increasing importance at the international level
after the Second World War. Today, the issue of human rights is considered to be more than just an internal state issue. In this context,
States have become parties to international human rights conventions; have taken necessary steps in order to harmonize their domestic legal systems with these conventions and they have recognized
the right to individual application to
While these developments were
taking place around the world, it
international review
cannot be said that the situation
mechanisms.
While these developments were taking place around the
world, it cannot be
said that the situation
on human rights in
Turkey was promising before 2000s. In
these years, some of
the main issues on
the countrys agenda
were allegations of
on human rights in Turkey was

promising before 2000s. In
these years, some of the main
issues on the countrys agenda
were allegations of systematic
torture, Turkeys constantly being
one of the countries with the
highest number of applications
to the ECtHR regarding human
rights violations, abundance
of violations of right to life, illtreatment practices in prisons and
police stations and poor physical
conditions in these premises
69

systematic torture, Turkeys constantly being one of the countries
with the highest number of applications to the ECtHR regarding
human rights violations, abundance of violations of right to life, illtreatment practices in prisons and police stations and poor physical
conditions in these premises
In the last decade, significant amendments have been made to legislation in Turkey, especially with a view to carrying out the judgments
of the ECtHR, the judicial review body of the ECHR; and significant
progress has been made with regards to the protection and promotion of human rights. In addition to this progress, as individual applications to the Constitutional Court becomes effective, the number of
applications to ECtHR from Turkey will be seen to decrease further.
In this context, the policy of zero tolerance to torture has been successfully implemented. Murders by unknown perpetrators and violations of right to life have been taken off the countrys agenda. Detention conditions have been improved and police stations modernized.
The way has been paved for new trial procedures based on ECtHR
judgments. International treaties regarding fundamental rights have
been given precedence over domestic law.The Reform Monitoring
Group was set up to support implementation of the reforms undertaken in the EU harmonization process. The right to information has
been introduced to ensure transparent rule. The UN International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, known as twin Covenants,
have been ratified. The death penalty has been abolished. With regulations on facilitating the establishment of associations and their real
estate acquisition and on enlarging the scope of the right to assembly
and demonstration, the scope of the freedom of association and legal
remedies in the political and social spheres has been extended in line
with ECHR. A contemporary Press Law has been passed which ended the practice of closing down and confiscating publishing houses
and publishing tools. Protection of news sources is guaranteed for
70
2002-2012
journalists. With pieces of legislation recently adopted, the infrastructure of a contemporary criminal justice system has been laid.
The right to individual application to the Constitutional Court has
been introduced. The rights of civil servants to take legal action
have been broadened and restrictions on judicial review are abolished. Union rights of civil servants have been reinforced and public
servants have been given the opportunity for collective bargaining.
Child rights are reinforced. All children being tried below the age
of are assured of being tried at Juvenile Courts. Freedom of political
parties is given more guarantees. The Institution of Ombudsman and
the Human Rights Institute of Turkey have been established. Freedoms regarding places of worship for citizens belonging to various
religious groups have been broadened, and places of worship have
been repaired. It has become easier for minorities community foundations to acquire new real estate and upon many properties, which
were confiscated previously, have registered in the foundations
names. Publication of official advertisements in newspapers belonging to minorities has been made possible. Freedom of travel has been
broadened by narrowing the scope of the ban on leaving the country.
Personal data protection is taken under constitutional guarantee. Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code was amended as part of the legal
measures to strengthen freedom of expression, making it obligatory
to seek Ministry of Justice permission to launch investigations, and
decreasing the upper limit of penalties in this scope.
The Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of
Terrorism have been ratified. Prisons that did not meet UN and
Council of Europe standards have started to be closed down. Detainees and convicts are allowed to attend the funerals of their relatives
and to visit them in cases of serious illness. Guest students of foreign
nationalities are now allowed to study at private educational institu71

tions. Womens rights have been advanced. The Law to Protect Family and to Prevent Violence Against Women has entered into force.
Turkey has become a party to the Council of Europe Convention on
preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of
Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. Child Rights
Monitoring and Evaluation Boards and Child Surveillance Centers
have been founded in order to prevent child abuse and to intervene
consciously and effectively in cases of child abuse.
Policy of Zero Tolerance to Torture

One of the most important human rights violations that Turkey was
accused of in the past was the failure to investigate torture and claims
of ill treatment. Moreover, most of the time, penalties for such crimes
failed to be sufficient or were suspended. One of the most significant
reasons for citizens losing their trust in the state was the failure to
combat torture effectively using proper methods. Consequently, Turkey was seen as a country that was associated with torture and claims
of ill treatment and was condemned by ECHR due to incidents of
torture, which were not investigated or punished in the 1990s. Furthermore, our citizens refrained from going to law enforcement
centers to register a complaint in those years. Similarly, there were
serious problems regarding honesty and good order existing at these
centers.
The present situation that has been achieved as of today on the fight
against torture, which used to be a major problem in Turkeys scorecard on human rights, is extremely positive. Governments have displayed special sensitivity on this issue in the last decade and have
taken important steps with a zero tolerance to torture approach.
72
2002-2012
In this respect, first of all, special importance has been attached to
the training of law enforcement officers and human rights education
is highlighted in their training. The Gendarmerie Human RightsViolations Examination andEvaluation Center was set up as an organization reporting to the Ministry of Interior. Moreover, regulations
within the scope of the Second EU Harmonization Package that was
passed in 2002 stipulated that compensation paid by the State as a
result of the ECtHR judgments on crimes of torture and ill treatment
would be the liability of the personnel responsible.
As important steps towards deterrence the new Penal Code that
entered into force in 2005 increased penalties for torture and prevented the suspension or postponement of punishment for torture
and ill treatment. Accordingly, effective cooperation has been conducted with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture in
the last decade. Consequently, conditions in detention centers and
prisons have been brought in line with the recommendations of the
Committee. Moreover, the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention
Against Torture has also been ratified in this context. Thus, another
important step was taken to strengthen the oversight and prevention
aspects of the fight against torture and ill treatment.
Furthermore; physical and technological improvements have been
made in detention houses and similar premises where law enforcement officers work; police stations and headquarters which are the
first contact point between citizens and security forces have been
brought into line with human rights norms.
Ending the Period of Murders by Unknown

Perpetrators (Unsolved Murders Likely to be
Politically Motivated)
In previous periods, particularly in 1990s,murders by unknown perpetrators increased greatly. These were one of the most important weapons
73

used to reach anti democratic objectives by viciously ambitions groups
seeking to create an environment of chaos and distrust in the society.
As a consequence of efforts to enhance democratization and human
rights in the country, violations of right to life such as extrajudicial
execution and murders by unknown perpetrators are no longer on
the countrys agenda. Judicial authorities have initiated legal processes required to launch a detailed investigation against public officials involved in such illegal acts. Thus, significant progress has been
achieved in terms of unveiling the mystery, revealing dark incidents
and catching the criminals.
Removing The Mafia and Gangs from the Countrys

Agenda
Before 2002 Turkey used to be a country where organized crime organizations known to the general public as the mafia and gangs were
prevalent. The influence on the high level of organized crime group
activities in that period of uncontrolled political and management
areas, which appear as a result of legal, socio-economic, technological and other changes as well as economic instability in the country, cannot be denied.In the period before the year 2002, organized
crime organizations committing crimes such as murder, homicide,
injury, abduction, illegal trafficking of narcotics, arms and ammunition smuggling, migrant smuggling, cashing of cheques and bonds,
kidnap/ransom and extortion, coerced signature of bonds, woman
trafficking, forgery of negotiable instruments and plundering public
land have weakened central and local public administrations, rendered the criminal justice system ineffective, allowed corruption to
become rampant in the country and most importantly led to loss of
trust in political authority, security bureaucracy and judiciary.
Between 2002 and 2012 a great deal of success was achieved in the
fight against organized crime organizations thanks to security poli74
2002-2012
cies implemented with great determination. In this period, all of
the organized crime organizations in the country as a whole were
brought down as a result of operations carried out against such organized crime organizations. The mafia and other similar criminal
organizations that deeply affect the peace in the society were crippled
through operations known to the public by various different names
by the general public. The mafia and gangs were taken off the agenda
of the country thanks to the latest socio-economic developments,
stability and such operations against organized crime in Turkey.
Abolishment of the Death Penalty

Penal sanctions aim to rehabilitate criminals and reintegrate them
into the society. However; the death penalty is not in accordance
with this definition and had not been applied since 1984 although
it is stipulated in our criminal law. Therefore, the third EU Harmonization Package which was adopted in 2002 abolished the death
penalty except for acts committed in time of war or of imminent
threat of war and terrorist crimes in accordance with Additional
Protocol No. 6 to ECHR. Following this, Additional Protocol No. 6
concerning abolishment of the death penalty to ECHR was ratified
in the scope of the seventh EU Harmonization Package.The Eighth
EU Harmonization Package introduced in 2004 amended all articles
referring to this sanction in order to remove all references to death
penalty from the Constitution.
In the process that followed these developments, important conventions were signed to ensure harmonization with European standards.
In this respect, the First Additional Optional Protocol to the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on Abolishment
of Death Penalty and the Second Optional Protocol aiming to abolish the death penalty were ratified. The process to ratify Protocol No.
13 which prohibits the death penalty in all circumstances was completed in February 2006 and this protocol became effective in Turkey.
75

The removal of the death penalty from our legislation has strengthened the perspective, which supports restoration and rehabilitation
of the convicted felons. Moreover, it is an important development
not to give the state the authority to end a persons life even if the
person has committed a crime. Thus, one of Turkeys commitments
for EU harmonization has been fulfilled.
Provision of the New Trial Procedure on the basis of

Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
Until 2002, judgments of ECtHR that found Turkey to be in violation
did not constitute grounds for a retrial in domestic law. The fact that
competent courts were unable to reach a new decision on relevant
persons following a judgment ordering Turkey to pay compensationdue to a human rights violation hindered the full relief of the unjust
suffering.
Within the scope of the Third EU Harmonization Package, first
passed in 2002 , ECtHR judgments against Turkey are recognized as
grounds for a new trial procedure in civil and criminal cases. Later
on, in 2003, this regulation was broadened so as to include administrative cases, as well. Thus, violation judgments of the ECtHR against
Turkey are now recognized as grounds for a new trial, according to
the provisions of Administrative Jurisdiction Procedure Code, Civil
Procedure Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
Adoption of the Principle that International

Agreements in the area of Fundamental Rights
Prevail over Domestic Law
An important problem facing us was that human rights conventions
ratified by Turkey were not taken into consideration by judicial bodies, and provisions of the domestic law were interpreted in a manner
that restricted freedoms.
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2002-2012
Another important innovation in the protection and promotion of
human rights was introduced by the amendment to Article 90 of the
1982 Constitution in 2004. Within this framework, it was accepted
that in conflicts regarding fundamental rights and freedoms between
provisions in international agreements and in domestic law, the provisions of international agreements would prevail. With this amendment, the ambiguity regarding the normative value of agreements on
fundamental rights and freedoms was removed. As long as judicial
bodies put implement this regulation, regulations and practices incompatible with human rights will be removed in an easier and faster
manner, without the need for legislative intervention.
Adoption of the Right to Information

Up until recently, Turkey was a country where conventional confidentiality and the understanding of state secrets dominated. Official
practices by the state used to be covered with a veil of mystery using
such pretexts as reason of state or secret of state. Furthermore,
people were not able to receive information from public organizations on issues directly or indirectly related to themselves or public
benefit.
The right to information, which is of great importance in terms of
strengthening the democratic rule, was introduced by the legislation
in 2003. This regulation aims at enabling people to use their right
to information in line with the principles of equality, impartiality
and openness, which are essentials of a democratic and transparent
administration in all public institutions, organizations and public
vocational institutions; and related issues are regulated. Within this
framework, the administration is obliged to provide information to
people asking for information, and an Information and Assessment
Council has been established in order to finalize objections regarding applications for information. The right to information is also given constitutional guarantee by the 2010 Constitutional amendment.
77

This regulation aims at preventing indifference of the administration
to the demands of individuals.
Ensuring Freedom of Association in line with the

European Convention on Human Rights
The previous Law of Associations, which was a repercussion of the
coup on 12th of September,viewed organized society as a potential
danger that needed to be controlled.
The new Law of Associations was put into effect in 2004 in order to
strengthen democratic governance, to expand the area of civil society and to reinforce the freedom of association; and the limitations
to the right to association were abolished, thus a right to association
in line with ECHR was ensured as per this Law and the subsequent
legal amendments. Within this scope, bans and restrictions on being
a founder of an association and regarding the languages allowed to
be used in the scope of activities of associations were lifted. The previous permission system used for establishment of associations was
replaced by a notification system. Furthermore, obstacles to public
officials and students becoming members of associations were eliminated and the prison sentence stipulated by the previous law in the
event of breach was reduced to a penalty fine.
A new Law on Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreement
was adopted in 2012, which provided a new perspective towards labour relations. This new law included principles and procedures on
establishment of employers and employees unions, their management, functioning, and audit as well as their organization and operation. The law also includes provisions that allow employers and
employees to sign collective bargaining agreements to define their
economic and social situation as well as their working conditions, to
settle their disputes through peaceful means and to strike or use an
employers lockout.
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2002-2012
Extending the Opportunities to Advance the Right to
Assembly and Demonstration
In the past, it was possible to easily and arbitrarily prohibit rallies and
demonstrations under the Law on Assembly and Protest Marches.
The amendments to this law have introduced improvements in relation to strengthening the right to peaceful assembly and providing a
more democratic basis for the extension of this right. The maximum
time period that assemblies or demonstrations may be postponed was
reduced and penalties for prohibited acts were redefined. In addition,
it was made easier for foreigners to participate in assemblies, protest
marches and other activities held in Turkey. In this respect, the criterion of having the capacity to act and being over 18 years of age was
defined as adequate to enjoy the right to assembly and demonstration.
Making it Easier for Community Foundations owned

by Minorities to Acquire Possessions and extending
their Freedom
Like other segments of society, community foundations were adversely affected by anti democratic and introverted policies implemented in the past. Such practices restricted religious freedoms and
the property rights of minority communities.
Like other segments of society,

With a view to recommunity foundations were
solving all these
adversely affected by anti
issues, the amenddemocratic and introverted
ments enacted in the
policies implemented in the past.
Law on Foundations
Such practices restricted religious
and relevant regulafreedoms and the property rights
tions made signifiof minority communities.
cant improvements
and made it easier for
community foundations owned by minorities to acquire and dispose
of real estate as they wish. In this scope, the requirement to get per79

mission from Council of Ministers to register real estate under the
name of a community was lifted and again the application period
granted to community foundations for registering real estates identified as those that the foundation can dispose of was extended from
six months to 18 months. A significant number of properties were
registered to community foundations upon their application under
the Law on Foundations adopted in 2008.3
The Office of Prime Minister issued a circular in 2010 encouraging the protection of and respect for citizens of different religious
groups. This circular emphasized that various religious groups are an
integral part of Turkey and reminded all public organizations not to
raise difficulties for these citizens and not to prejudice their rights in
their dealings with public organizations.
In addition to returning real estate to community foundations, efforts to
restore the places of worship used by our citizens from different religious
3
With regard to property rights, Provisional Article 7 of the Law on Foundations

which became effective in 2008 ensured that 181 real estates were registered with
community foundations upon their application. In accordance with the relevant
judgment of ECtHR, Prinkipo Greek Orphanage was transferred to the Fener Greek
Patriarchate on 29 November 2010. Furthermore, under Provisional Article no.
11 added to Law on Foundations on 27 August 2011, it became possible to return
properties confiscated previously for various reasons to community foundations to
which citizens from different religious groups are affiliated. A regulation was issued on 1st October 2011 defining how to implement Provisition Article no. 11
and applications from community foundations for the return of their real estate
were received by 27 August 2012. In this respect, a total number 116 community
foundations applied for 1560 properties to be returned. As a result of an assessment
by Council of Foundations upon the applications received, 111 properties were registered to the relevant foundations and a compensation payment was awarded made
for 15 properties. The Council of Foundations assessmed 1220 properties . After
the Law on Foundations became effective, 17 properties which had been qualified
as school buildings were allowed to be converted into an income generating property. Apart from the Provisional Article no. 11., the Directorate General of Foundations redefined the status of the following and granted them the foundation status: zmir Jewish Community was granted the status of zmir Jewish Community
Foundation, Surp Ha Tbrevank High School was granted the status of Surp Ha
Tbrevank High School Foundation and Beyolu Central Greek High School for
Girls was granted the status of Foundation of Beyolu Central Greek High School
for Girls.
80
2002-2012
groups sped up as part of freedom of worship. In this respect, Surp Giragos Church in Diyarbakr was opened to worship in October 2011 after
the restoration work was completed, and Vortvoks Vorodman Church,
belonging to Kumkap Virgin Mary Church and School Foundation,
was opened to worship in December 2011 after restoration.
To further extend right to education for our citizens of different religious groups, the Ministry of National Education had textbooks
prepared in Armenian and provided Armenian schools with these
books free of charge to be used as of the 2010-2011 school year.
Furthermore, a Decision by the General Council of Press Advertising Institution taken in 2012 made it possible for newspapers owned
by minorities to publish official advertisements. This improvement is
considered as a significant step towards strengthening the economic
status of minority newspapers. To illustrate, a Greek printing house
started to operate on 4 June 2012 after an interruption of fifty years.
Introduction of Procedure of Individual Application to

the Constitutional Court
The Right to individual application to the Constitutional Court, adopted by the 2010 Constitutional amendment, introduced a new way to seek legal remedies within domestic law and it is also
The adoption of the right to
considered as a preindividual application is a
ventive measure to
reflection
of the sensitivity
decrease the number
regarding human rights. With this
of applications to
remedy, those who think that they
ECtHR from Turkey. have been wronged will be able to
This can be easily
apply to the Constitutional Court
confirmed by reviewafter the exhaustion of domestic
remedies, in order to acquire their
ing the catalogue of
rights and relieve their suffering.
rights covered within
81

the scope of right to individual application.. According to the provision in 2010 Constitutional amendment, Everyone can apply
to the Constitutional Court with the allegation that any of his/her
fundamental rights and freedoms within the scope of the European
Convention on Human Rights has been violated by the public force
(a 148/3). With later legal and other sub-regulations, this remedy is
effectively functional as of September 23, 2012.
The adoption of the right to individual application is a reflection of
the sensitivity regarding human rights. With this remedy, those who
think that they have been wronged will be able to apply to the Constitutional Court after the exhaustion of domestic remedies, in order
to acquire their rights and relieve their suffering.
Elimination of Restrictions on Judicial Oversight

One of the major constitutional problems in Turkey regarding the establishment of the rule of law is that some restrictions are placed on
judicial oversight, which may prevent individuals from enjoying fundamental rights and hinder protection of personal interests before
the legal authorities. This may result in serious wrongful treatment
in practice. The fact that this problem is rooted in the constitution is
a major problem. The injustice in this scope stems from the fact that
particularly those working for judicial and military organizations are
not allowed to take legal action against any regulation on their professional conditions and personnel rights.
With the 2010 Constitutional amendment, certain positive steps
were taken on this issue. Judicial avenues have been opened for all
discharge decisions in SMC other than promotion procedures and
retirements due to lack of positions in the cadre, and for the decisions of dismissal in the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors.
Furthermore, the way has been paved for civil servants to seek legal
recourse against punishments of warnings and reprimands
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2002-2012
Increasing Guarantees to Political Parties and
Members of Parliament
By the 1990s, Turkey had become a country where almost 20 political parties had been dissolved without any justifiable reason based
on judgments of Constitutional Court, and it had almost became a
graveyard of dissolved political parties. Dissolving political parties,
which are indispensable elements of democracy, in such an easy
manner was the most significant obstacle to institutionalizing our
democracy.
Within the Second EU Harmonization Package, passed in 2002, the
Law on Political Parties was amended; as an alternative to the closure of political parties, the option of partial or total deprivation of
State aid was offered. Moreover, in order to make the dissolution of
political parties difficult, the criterion of being the focal point (of
unconstitutional activities) was introduced.
With the 2010 Constitutional amendment, two important new steps
have been taken reWith the 2010 Constitutional
garding the freedom
amendment, two important new
of political parties.
steps have been taken regarding
Firstly, upon the dethe freedom of political parties.
cision of closure, the
Firstly, upon the decision of
parliamentarian who
closure, the parliamentarian who
gave reason for the closure of the
gave reason for the
political
party will no longer have
closure of the politihis position as a parliamentarian
cal party will no lonrevoked. Secondly, in order for
ger have his position
the Constitutional Court to give a
as a parliamentarian
ruling for the closure of political
revoked. Secondly,
parties or deprivation from state
in order for the Conaid, a two-thirds majority of the
votes will be required among the
stitutional Court to
members present in the meeting.
give a ruling for the
83

closure of political parties or deprivation from state aid, a two-thirds
majority of the votes will be required among the members present in
the meeting. As the required majority was three fifths in the previous
situation, increasing it to two thirds has made it more secure from
the point of the freedom of political parties. The importance of this
step can be understood more clearly when it is considered that the
Constitutional Court frequently gives rulings for the imposition of
sanctions on political parties.
Establishment of the Institution of Ombudsman

In todays democracies, one of the important practices in the rule of
law is the Ombudsmanship that aims to protect the citizen before
the State and guarantee the rights and freedom of the individual. To
this end, with a law passed in 2006 for the first time, an Institution
of Ombudsman, affiliated to TGNA, was established. However, the
Constitutional Court annulled this law on the grounds that it was
incompatible with Article 87 of the Constitution, which lists the
functions and powers of TGNA. Then, this issue was regulated in
2010 Constitutional amendment, by incorporating the Right to
Appeal to the Ombudsman in Article
The Institution of Ombudsman
which exists in developed
74 of the ConstituWestern democracies reports to
tion. Within this
the Presidency of TGNA and is in
framework,
the
charge of examining, investigating Institution of Omand providing proposals to public
budsman has been
organizations regarding their acts
established as an
and operations as well as their
important step in
attitude and behaviours on the
the reinforcement of
basis of compliance with the law
and equity through establishing
the principles of suan independent and efficient
premacy of law and
complaint mechanism to assess
good
governance
public services.
and in the protection
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2002-2012
of the rights of the individual. This institution started to accept applications as of 29 March 2013.
The Institution of Ombudsman which exists in developed Western
democracies reports to the Presidency of TGNA and is in charge of
examining, investigating and providing proposals to public organizations regarding their acts and operations as well as their attitude
and behaviours on the basis of compliance with the law and equity
through establishing an independent and efficient complaint mechanism to assess public services.
Establishment of the Human Rights Institute of Turkey

An independent human rights mechanism, which is entrusted with
the requisite power, was needed to institutionalize and reinforce our
countrys achievements in the field of human rights on its journey for
advanced democracy.
To meet this need, the Human Rights Institute of Turkey was established in 2012, so as to work on the protection and improvement
of human rights. This institution is authorized to carry out research
and examination with a view to working on the protection and improvement of human rights and prevention of violations thereof, to
fighting against torture and ill-treatment, to examining complaints
and applications, to following up the results, to taking initiatives regarding the solutions of problems, to carrying out training events to
this end and to investigate and evaluate the developments on human
rights.
Prior to the Human Rights Institute of Turkey, there was a Human
Rights Presidency, affiliated to the Prime Ministry, and human rights
boards in the provinces and districts. These boards used to be effective to a certain extent in terms of establishing sensitivity for human
rights and examining complaints of human rights violations; howev85

er their efforts remained insufficient. The Human Rights Institute of
Turkey is expected to make a significant contribution to the solution
of human rights issues in Turkey in the following period.
Strengthening Childrens Rights

According to the legislation previously in force, the age limit to be
considered as a child used to be defined as 15 years not 18 years of
age. Children used to be tried not in Juvenile Courts but in State
Security Courts for the relevant criminal acts.
In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we have
defined anyone who is below 18 years of age as a child. In addition,
we have lifted the restrictions as regards the jurisdiction of Juvenile
Courts; thus putting children on trial in courts other than juvenile
courts has been prevented.
An amendment to the Law on Juvenile Courts introduced a provision
stipulating that juvenile courts shall be established in all provinces that
have a population of more than 100.000. Through legal amendments,
it was made possible to try children, known to the public as stonethrowing children and involved in violent act, mostly under 18 years
old and pushed into crimes, in juvenile courts rather than in Assize
Courts with special authority under the Counterterrorism Act.
Strengthening Womens Rights

It was quite often mentioned recently that our legislation turned out
to be insufficient as far as issues such as womens right, equality of
men and women and violence against women are concerned.
The legislation on womens rights was reviewed in the last decade.
In this respect, several legal arrangements were put in place and significant improvement was achieved in terms of ensuring equality of
86
2002-2012
men and women. First of all, the Turkish Penal Code was amended
in 2003 as part of the 6th EU Harmonization Package, in the scope
of which aggravated penalties started to be imposed on perpetrators of the crime of murdering a child for honour and the article
which allowed a sentence reduction for honour killings was abolished. Again in 2003, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish
Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, one of the
Additional Protocols to United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, was approved.
As part of the constitutional amendments that became effective in
2004, article 10 of the Constitution which addresses the issue of
equality before the law was amended. In addition, a provision was
introduced stipulating that men and women shall have equal rights
and it shall be the responsibility of the State to ensure that equality
becomes a reality. Following this amendment, the provision added
to the same article in 2010 stipulating the precautions taken for this
end may not be interpreted as violating the principle of equality
clearly underlines the positive discrimination towards women.
In 2005, an investigation commission was set up within TGNA in
order to identify precautions required to be taken after investigating
reasons for honour killings and violence against children and women. A Circular from the Prime Ministers Office was issued to handle
the issue of precautions required to be taken to prevent violent acts
against children and women and honour killings, aiming to follow
up the reports produced by the Commission.
The Law on Commission on Equal Opportunities for Women and
Men was adopted in 2009. Under this law, a Commission on Equal
Opportunities for Women and Men was set up within TGNA which
is in charge of providing information and submitting its opinion to
TGNA regarding protection and promotion of womens rights and of
following the latest developments on ensuring equality between men
and women in our country and other countries.
87

The Law on Protection of Families and Prevention of Violence
against Women was adopted in 2012. The aim of this Law is to define
principles and procedures regarding precautions required to be taken
to protect women, children, family members and victims of stalking
who have been subjected to, or are at the risk of being subjected to,
violence and to prevent such violence. Furthermore, municipalities
were made responsible for providing service to women who are victims of violence by an amendment to the Municipalities Law. This
law obligates metTurkey led the efforts to draft the
ropolitan
municiCouncil of Europe Convention
palities as well as
on Preventing and Combating
municipalities with a
Violence against Women and
population of more
Domestic Violence and became
than 50.000 to open
the first country to approve this
up shelter houses for
convention as of 8 March 2012.
women and children.
Turkey led the efforts to draft the Council of Europe Convention on
Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic
Violence and became the first country to approve this convention as
of 8 March 2012.This Convention defines forced marriage and other
kinds of violent acts along with physical, sexual and psychological
violence and sanctions for such violent acts.
Increasing Penalties for Use of Disproportionate Force

One of the problems facing us was violations of rights that may occur
when law enforcement forces used disproportionate force in their
interventions as well as a lack of deterrent sanctions to avoid such
situations.
Turkish Penal Code No: 5237 stipulated that provisions for wilful and
malicious injury would apply in the event that public officials with
the right to use force used this right against people in a dispropor-
88
2002-2012
tionate manner during their assignments. Therefore the minimum
penalty, which had a lower limit of three months, was increased.
Improving Conditions for Persons in Custody

(Suspects Rights)
In the past, unfavorable physical conditions in detention houses and
interrogation rooms as well as allegations of our citizens regarding
violation of rights in those places provided valid reasons to lodge a
complaint and this situation resulted in consequences to the detriment of our country on the international arena. Furthermore, such
complaints caused our country to be penalised in the European
Court of Human Rights.
A new Regulation on Apprehension, Detention and Statement Taking was issued in 2005 and detailed provisions were made on the
mode of implementation and conditions for guarantees envisaged
under fundamental rights and freedoms such as the authority of
apprehension, informing relatives and detention room procedures.
Thus the level of protection on this issue directly related to individual
rights and freedoms was enhanced and guarantees provided for individual rights became more functional. Moreover, physical conditions in detention rooms were improved and interrogation rooms
were made compatible with human rights norms.
Closure of Prisons that do not meet UN and Council of

Europe Standards
In the past, many prisons, large and small scattered throughout the
country, were far from meeting standards in terms of physical conditions and personnel levels. This situation caused convicts and detainees to lodge complaints and waste the resources and personnel. In the
last decade, 208 penitentiary institutions that did not meet UN and
Council of Europe standards were closed down. During the same
89

period, 68 penal institutions with a total capacity of 14,509 people,
all in compliance with standards, were opened. In 2012, a total of 13
new penal institutions were opened and 7 additional buildings were
constructed.
Providing Detainees and Convicts the opportunity to

Attend their Relatives Funerals and Visit them in case
of a Serious Illness
Since convicts and detainees could not attend the funeral in the case
of the death of a family member or visit their relatives in case of a
serious illness, they experienced serious unjust suffering from a humanistic perspective.
With the amendments made in 2012, it was made possible to provide
detainees and convicts with 2 days leave excluding for travel time
to attend the funerals of a blood relatives including second degree
relatives or spouses thereof and to provide them with a 1 day leave
excluding travel time to visit first degree relatives in the case of severe
illness.
90
JUDICIAL REFORM
2002-2012
JUDICIAL REFORM
It can be said that there was a dominant elitist approach in the 1961
and 1982 Constitutions, that the preferences of the nation, the real
owner of sovereignty, were pushed back and that there was an obvious notion that the nation might make mistakes in its preferences
and in such cases, these wrongdoings were to be corrected. The
most concrete reflection of this approach was seen in the higher judiciary. The members of the higher judicial bodies such as the Constitutional Court, Council of State, Court of Cassation and the High
Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HCJP) used to be elected among
themselves, virtually in a closed circuit system in a vicious circle, or
they were appointed by the President of the Republic. And the President of the Republic was elected by TGNA. As for TGNA, the recent
history of Turkey is a witness to cases where anti-democratic centers
tried to/succeeded in dominating the TGNA at different times. The
practices and problems of the recent period caused by this vicious
circle, which is far from pluralism and only open to bureaucracy
based on appointments, are known. Problems encountered include
the closure of political parties, Ruling 3674 of the Constitutional
Court, various and judgments of higher judicial bodies perceived as
political and ideological by public opinion. This oligarchic structure
that functioned in a closed circuit system left the judiciary behind
4 The Constitutional Court accepted the number of 367 Members of Parliament, that
constitutes the two thirds majority condition for victory in the first two rounds
stipulated in the Article 102 of the 1982 Constitution regarding the election of the
President, as the quorum for meetings, as well.
93

social developments and transformations and kept it away from universal standards.
The regulations adopted in the 2010 Referendum are significant in
this respect. Thanks to these amendments, a more democratic and
pluralistic structure has been ensured in the realm of the higher judiciary and the pro-tutelage domination of the higher judiciary has
been broken, especially in HCJP.
In this framework, the democratization of the structure of HCJP has
been ensured and its decisions have been opened to judicial review.
The Constitutional Court has been provided with a more democratic
and more pluralistic structure. The Law on Establishment of Courts
of Appeal was adopted to reduce the workload of the judiciary and
enhance the standards for a fair trial. The scope of probation practice
was extended. Family Courts were established. Improvements were
introduced to reach the objective of fair and speedy trial. Freedom of
expression and freedom of press was strengthened. The Freedoms
Judge was formulated as a new practice to strengthen the right to
liberty and security of the person.
A Democratic Structure for the High Council of Judges

and Prosecutors
The High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HCJP) is the sole authorized body regarding all personnel rights of all judges and prosecutors in judicial and administrative courts of first instance, starting
from their hiring until retirement. Moreover, the Council is virtually
the only body that has any say in the formation of the higher judiciary, by electing three thirds of all members of the Court of Cassation
and the Council of State. With all these substantial powers, the HCJP
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2002-2012
turned into an institution that has occasionally been the subject of
much during prosecution processes. Especially in recent years, the
HCJP has been subject to heavy criticisms about some critical cases
and its attempts to intervene in these cases, especially in recent years.
As a result of this, the structure of HCJP was changed significantly
with the 2010 Constitutional Amendment.
Before the constitutional amendment in 2010, HCJP was composed
of seven members, including the Minister of Justice, Undersecretary
of the Ministry, three members from the Court of Cassation and two
members from the Council of State and took decisions by majority
of votes. This Council had the power to take decisions regarding the
personal rights of more than ten thousand first instance judiciary
members and it was seen as a major shortcoming that these judiciary
officials were not represented in the Council. It was possible for five
members from the higher judiciary in addition to the Minister of
Justice and the Undersecretary of the Ministry to act as a block and
take the decisions they wanted as a Council.
With the amendment in 2010, the Council is projected to be composed of twenty-two permanent members and twelve reserve members. It has been stipulated that in addition to the current seven
members of the
Council, there will be
Despite all these significant
three members from improvements, another important
among the judges and
shortcoming in the formation
prosecutors working
of HCJP is that the TGNA is not
given
any power in the selection
in the administrative
of members to the Council. In
justice courts of first
European examples, on the
instance, seven memother hand, there is no country
bers from among the
where the Parliament does not
judges and prosecuelect members to similar higher
tors working in the
judiciary boards.
judicial courts of first
95

instance, one member from among the members of the Turkish Justice Academy and four members from among the jurist academicians
and lawyers to be appointed by the President. In this new structure of
the Council, fair representation of the judges and prosecutors working in the first instance courts has been ensured. Thus, the Council
has a more democratic, diverse and pluralistic structure with its new
formation and it has a structure closer to the higher judiciary boards
in European examples. Moreover, it is also an important innovation
that the Council can continue working without the participation of
the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice.
The fact that the Minister of Justice cannot participate in the work of
the department despite staying as the chairperson of the Council and
that the Council has a separate legal entity, separate personnel, inspection board and budget has ended debate over the independence
of the Council. Despite all these significant improvements, another
important shortcoming in the formation of HCJP is that the TGNA
is not given any power in the selection of members to the Council.
In European examples, on the other hand, there is no country where
the Parliament does not elect members to similar higher judiciary
boards.
Ensuring a More Democratic and Pluralist Structure

for the Constitutional Court
There were major problems regarding the formation of the Constitutional Court in the 1982 Constitution. This formation was improved to
a certain extent with the 2010 Constitutional Amendments. The structure of the Constitutional Court, which had been composed of eleven
permanent members and four reserve members, was transformed into
a structure composed of seventeen permanent members and reserve
membership status was discontinued. Discontinuation of reserve
membership status was the right decision; because even if these reserve members were senior, they never had the opportunity to join
96
2002-2012
the delegation in the presence of permanent members. Moreover, the
practice of members working until they were 65 years old was discontinued and instead, the term of office has been limited to twelve years.
In the former structure, the President appointed the members directly
or on the nomination of various courts: three members were directly
appointed by the President from high level executive public officers and
lawyers; and the Court of Cassation and the Council of State nominated
two members each, Military Court of Cassation, Military High Administrative Court, Court of Accounts, and Higher Education Council nominated one members each. According to the 2010 amendments, TGNA
will now be able to select two members from three candidates nominated by the General Assembly of the Court of Accounts from among
its chairperson and members; and select one member from three candidates nominated by bar presidents from self-employed lawyers. The
President will be able to select four members directly from high level
executives, self-employed lawyers, first class judges and prosecutors in
addition to the rapporteurs in the Constitutional Court who have served
for at least five years; and from three candidates to be nominated by each
institution, the President will be able to select three members from the
candidates of the Court of Cassation, two from those of the Council of
State, one from those of Military Court of Cassation and one from those
of the Military High Administrative Court; the President will also select
three members from the candidates to be nominated by the Higher Education Council from among the academicians working in the faculties of
law, economics and political sciences, and three members from each of
the universities that are not members of the Higher Education Board.
The most important aspects of this new structure are: the domination
of the higher judiciary in the formation of the court is lifted; and the
President will no longer have a say in the appointment of all members
of the court. On the other hand, the fact that fourteen of the seventeen
members of the Court are selected directly or indirectly by the President indicates that the influence of the President is sustained to a sig97

nificant extent. The increase of the number of academicians from two
to three is an important step in terms of the quality of the review that
the Constitutional Court carries out. However, the fact that the TGNA
does not select any of the members directly can be deemed as the most
important shortcoming regarding the formation of the Constitutional
Court. As a matter of fact, in European examples, there is no country where the Parliament does not select members. To the contrary, in
some countries such as Germany, Poland and Hungary, all members of
the Constitutional Court are selected by the Parliament.
Strengthening of Freedom of Expression and

Freedom of the Press/Media
With the Law dated July 2012 known to the public as the Third Judicial Package, important arrangements were introduced aiming at
deepening and reinforcing human rights.
In the past, Article 6 of the Counter-Terrorism Act made it possible
to impose a progressive penalty of ceasing broadcasting. This situation led to complaints and criticisms and has been regarded as a
violation of the presumption of innocence and was the subject of
decisions against Turkey by the ECtHR.
As per the regulation adopted within this framework, in the scope of
freedom of expression and freedom of the press/media penalties progressively stopping broadcasting have been abolished. Based on this
regulation, decisions taken before December 31, 2011 for withdrawing printed media from the market are nullified and the trials and
punishments for crimes committed through press or media before
that date have been postponed.
Improvements towards Ensuring Fair and Speedy Trial

The general public had complaints regarding lengthy trial proceed98
2002-2012
ings and voiced their justified demands for measures to be taken to
resolve this issue.
Within the scope of the third judicial package, which aims at ending
complaints regarding the duration of trial proceedings, the elements
regarding the crime of influencing judicial officials have been reorganized. Penalties for petty terrorism crimes were enabled to be suspended or converted into judicial fines. Moreover, pre-trial detention limit
was increased to two years in order to reduce problems experienced
regarding pre-trial detentions, and the scope of judicial controls was expanded. Thus, the rule of trial without pre-trial detention was defined
for crimes which have an upper sentencing limit of two years and the
opportunity to decide in favor of judicial control was expanded, which
has led to progress in terms of right to liberty of the person.
Freedoms Judge to Strengthen the Right to Liberty

and Security
In the previous legislation, judges at special authority courts authorized to try a suit on the merits were able to authorize measures such
aspre-trial detention, search and phone tapping.
In the scope of third judicial package, the practice of a Freedoms Judge,
who can rule to implement measures such as pre-trial detention, search
and phone tapping, has been initiated in order to strengthen defendants
rights and the right of defence. It was stipulated that other judges who
are assigned would rule on objections to decisions taken by Freedoms
Judges. Furthermore, the obligation to justify arrest warrants with concrete facts has been brought and the custody period shortened.
Establishment of Family Courts

In 2003, Family Courts were established to give effect to the necessary
regulations to solve those family problems that are within the scope
99

of the judiciary. Family courts, where psychologists, pedagogues and
social service experts are employed, are also granted the authority to
take protective, educative and social precautions for the protection
of the family in addition to its judicial authority. In these courts the
objective is to solve the legal problems driven by family law and in
which children and spouses are also a party with peaceful methods
with the help of experts while preserving the principle of protecting
mutual respect, love and tolerance.
Extending the Scope of the Probation System

Probation is an alternative punishment and execution system which
includes the implementation of alternative punishment or measures by the court for suspects, defendants and convicts instead of
a prison sentence as well as the supervision, follow-up and rehabilitation of these people within society. In the scope of the probation
system,conditions such as working in a job of benefit to the public
without any payment, not leaving a particular house or environment are imposed. In order to widen the scope of the probation
system,legal amendments were made in 2012.
The aim of the law is to create an alternative execution system in
line with the recommendations of Council of Europe and prepare
convicts for life in society. In this regard less of the conviction time
will be spent in prisons and the convict will be prepared for the life
in the society with certain controls.
In this framework it is foreseen that the last year that is to be spent
in open prisons will be enforced with the probation system outside
of the prison walls, within the scope of this new execution system. In
addition it is now possible to monitor, observe and supervise the suspects, defendants and convicts with the use of electronic equipment.
By this means the aim is for these people to be in harmony with the
outer world and continue their bond with their family.
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STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF

EXPANDING CULTURAL RIGHTS AND
DEMOCRATIZATION OF EDUCATION
2002-2012
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF EXPANDING

CULTURAL RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIZATION
OF EDUCATION
It can be said that ungrounded fears and taboos were one of the most
important reflexes that determined the behaviours of state rulers in
recent history. Especially with the fear of separation and distrust in
people, even the most innocent and democratic of demands caused
concern and repercussions. Articles 141, 142 and 163 of the Turkish
Penal Code, which were abolished in 1991 and which had been the
grounds for the penalization of many writers from both the right and
the left wings, as they restricted the freedom of thought and expression, and such practices of the past such as the ban on speaking/singing and broadcasting in Kurdish show the magnitude of the fear and
concern. Similarly, even the most humane of practices such as broadcasting in different languages, learning mother languages, founding
university departments for different languages and dialects, and allowing detainees and convicts in prisons to speak to their kinsmen
in their native language have been brought in only through huge
reactions. Likewise, national security courses in secondary education, closure of secondary parts of vocational high schools during
the 28 February Process and mandatory and monolithic educational
practices that did not recognise different preferences were some of
the problems we faced in the recent history, stemming from fear and
distrust.
103

In the 10-year democratization period, various important steps have
been taken so as to broaden cultural rights such as removing barriers before the use of different languages and dialects and improving
these languages, and to ensure a more democratic and pluralistic
structure in the education system.
Within the abovementioned framework; the opportunity to learn, promote and publish in
different languages
and dialects has
been provided. Barriers to detainees
and convicts in prisons speaking to their
kinsmen in their native languages have been removed.Obstacles
facing our citizens in selecting whichever name they want for their
children have been lifted. Academic research, the establishment of
institutions and introduction of elective courses in different languages and dialects in relevant universities have been made possible.It has been made possible to conduct political propaganda in
different languages and dialects. Bans on cinema, video and music
works have been lifted. Cultural activities in various languages have
been supported.Practices such as employment of Kurdish translators to assist people accessing public services and establishment of
call centers have been put into effect. Mele (local clergymen) have
started to be employed by the government. The education system
has become more democratic. The number of universities and the
quotas allocated for higher education have been increased. The
use of different coefficients to calculate the final score of university
admission examinations has been abolished. Freedom of dress in
In the 10-year democratization

period, various important steps
have been taken so as to broaden
cultural rights such as removing
barriers before the use of different
languages and dialects and
improving these languages, and
to ensure a more democratic
and pluralistic structure in the
education system.
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2002-2012
universities has been ensured. National security courses have been
abolished.
in the inventory section, are explained below:
Allowing to Learn, Promote and Publish in Different

Languages and Dialects
Various dialects and languages, which are signs of cultural richness in
our country, have long been regarded as a source of danger and concern because of various taboos and policies of denial and rejection.
In this area, with the Third EU Harmonization Package passed in
2002, broadcasting in different languages and dialects that are used
daily by citizens,alongside the official language of Turkish, was made
possible. In the same year, opening up private courses for teachingdifferent languages and dialects was made possible. For this, relevant
infrastructure was laid and the opening of these courses was enabled
in 2003.
This development regarding languages was sustained in the later periods, as well. In this respect, legal barriers to broadcasting in languages
and dialects other than Turkish by both private TV channels and TRT
(Turkish Radio and Television Channel) were removed in 2003. With
the regulation prepared in this context, radio and television broadcasts
in different languages and dialects have been made possible.
Finally in 2008, this issue was given legal guarantee and all barriers
on the issue in private radios, televisions and TRT were removed.
Within this framework, a channel of TRT (TRT 6) started full time
Kurdish broadcasting. In 2009, it was made possible for private radios and televisions to broadcast in this language continuously. With
these amendments, broadcasting in different languages and dialects
105

has been provided with legal guarantees; and TRT started broadcasts
in Kurdish and Arabic.
Enabling Convicts and Detainees in Prisons to Speak

to their Kinsmen in Their Native Language
In the past, certain restrictive legislative provisions meant it was not
allowed for detainees and convicts in prison to communicate in a
language other than Turkish with their families and relatives. This
situation led to serious victimization of our citizens who cannot speak
Turkish or can better express themselves in another language. This ban
used to restrict individuals right and freedom to communicate.
With amendments made in the bylaw in 2009, convicts were allowed
to speak in languages other than Turkish on the phone, in the event
that the convict declared that s/he or the person s/he would talk to
does not speak Turkish. With a later regulation , barriers to detainees
and convicts in prisons seeing and talking to their visitors in languages other than Turkish were lifted. Thus, inhumane bans on these
issues have been abolished.
Allowing Citizens to Name Their Children as They Wish

In conflict with todays democracy and human rights, it was prohibited for citizens to name their children with non-Turkish names.
This inhumane prohibition was the subject of rightful criticisms
from many parts of the community. This ban also caused the loss of
ties with the past and damaged cultural diversity. Moreover, the fact
that citizens were not able to name their children as they wished was
against human rights.
In 2003, the related paragraph in the Law on Population Registration
was changed; allowing the citizens to name their children as they
wish and ending their suffering due to this issue.
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2002-2012
Academic Research, Establishment of Institutions
and Introduction of Elective Courses in Different
Languages in Dialects in Universities
The speaking of various languages and dialects is one of the most
significant riches that Turkey has to offer. However, a repressive attitude has been taken for many years towards languages and dialects
other than Turkish language spoken in the country, which prevented
different languages being taught and learned. Although the ban on
utilizing such languages in daily life was lifted over time, there was
no education service provided to teach these languages from an academic and scientific point of view.
Efforts made to teach and learn living languages which are currently in use in Turkey have made it possible for our universities to
conduct academic research on various languages and dialects, set up
an institute and offer elective courses.
The Institute of Living Languages in Turkey affiliated to Mardin
Artuklu University was founded in 2009 within this framework, and
is composed of the Department of Kurdish Language and Culture,
the Department of Arabic Language and Culture, the Department
of Assyrian Language and Culture, and Masters Degree courses on
Kurdish Language and Culture and Assyrian Language and Culture.
The Kurdish Language and Literature Department was established as
part of the Faculty of Letters of the same university.
In this process, another Institute of Living Languages was established in Bingl University which has the following undergraduate
and graduate programs: the Department of Kurdish Language and
Literature and Thesis/Non-thesis Masters Degree on Kurdish Language and Literature. The Kurdish Language and Literature Department was established within the Faculty of Science and Letters of
the same university. The Social Sciences Institute of Mu Alparslan
107

University has created a Kurdish Language and Literature Graduate
Degree Programand Science and Education Faculty of the same university has created the Kurdish Language and Literature Department.
The Faculty of Letters of Tunceli University created the Eastern
Language and Literature Department, the Zazaki Language and Literature Department, the Kurmanji Language and Literature Department as well as the Arabic Language and Literature Department. The
Social Sciences Institute of Dicle University in Diyarbakr created a
Kurdish Language and Culture Masters Program.
Possibility to Conduct Political Propaganda in

Different Languages and Dialects
It was forbidden to conduct propaganda during election campaigns
in a language or dialect other than Turkish.Those who violated this
ban were subject to investigation and punishable by various penalties.
This situation constituted an obstacle to our citizens freely exercising
their political rights and carrying out successful political activities by
addressing the constituency in a language that they understand.
The scope of the Law on Political Parties is broadened with an amendment in 2010 and legal obstacles to the right to conduct political propaganda, which is an element related to freedom of expression and
organization, have been removed. Hence, it was made possible for
political parties to address people in various languages and dialects
during their election efforts.
Lifting the Ban on Cinema, Video and Music Works

One of the major obstacles preventing the advance of culture and
arts in our country was the easy and arbitrary bans on various works
of art. Banning or censoring ideas and works of arts in such an easy
manner, under the pretext of national security or for arbitrary and
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2002-2012
ideological reasons was an issue harming Turkeys reputation in the
international community.
With the changes made, the extent of these bans was reduced and
now ban decisions given to the administrative departments must
be sent to a judge for approval within 24 hours. Moreover, the NSC
(National Security Council) representative was removed from the
Supervisory Council for Works of Movie, Video and Music.
Supporting Cultural Activities in Various Languages

In the past, supporting cultural activities in different languages or
dialects was something inconceivable. In fact, after the military coup
of September 12th, it was even forbidden for citizens to speak different languages or dialects that they use every day. In response to this,
as in all other fields, a change of paradigm was made in this area too
and an emancipatory point of view was adopted.
In this extent, the Ministry of Culture has started publication of some
important Kurdish language and literature works such as Mem-u
Zin. Some performance arts have also begun to be put on stage in
Kurdish by the General Directorate of National Theaters. For the
first time, the Ministry of Culture and Tourisms Council for Movie
Support provided financial support to a movie containing frequent
Kurdish dialogue (ki Dil Bir Bavul).
The national television TRT started airing a new channel called TRT
XEBER; a Kurdish news channel. With the joint efforts of TRT and
Diyarbakr Governorship, an album is produced consisting of Kurdish folk songs.
Moreover, in the guide to the 24th era members of TBMM (Turkish Parliament) the parliamentarians knowledge of the Kurdish language is included for the first time.
109
Employment of Kurdish Translators to Facilitate

Access to Public Services and Establishment of Call
Centers
Our citizens who cannot speak and understand Turkish had serious
problems in dealings with public organizations.
With a change in the mindset, facilities such as the employment of
Kurdish translators by administrative units, when needed by citizens
who dont speak Turkish in order for them to be able to benefit fully
from public services, have been provided for the purposes of solving this problem. Moreover, in call centers founded by certain governorates for the purpose of increasing the quality of public services,
Kurdish speaking personnel have been employed in order to facilitate communication with citizens who dont speak Turkish.
Employment of Mele (Local Clergymen) by the

Government
The religious leaders respected by people in Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolia were ignored by the government for many years. This issue was one of the major barriers preventing government - people
cohesion.
In 2012, the local religious leaders in Eastern and Southeastern
Turkey (called Mele) started to be employed by the government
as religious officials. This practice involving Mele, respected and
considered important by the local people, was welcomed since it
helped strengthen the bond between the people and the government.
Democratization of Education System

The improvement and expansion of education is one of the most important conditions required in order for democracy to be widely embraced. Major steps have been taken in this area in the last ten years
110
2002-2012
of the democratization process. Developments such as the expansion of education and inclusion of all citizens in education, almost
doubling of the number of classrooms, distribution of free textbooks
to students, equipping classrooms with smart systems and information technologies and removing regional disparities in all education
in general are practices which are of great value for the democratization and development of our country.
188.459 classrooms,
36.109 of which were The number of libraries in primary
built by our benevoand secondary schools (excluding
classroom libraries) was 11.945 in
lent citizens, were
the
school year of 2002-2003; this
constructed and put
increased to 21.318 in the
into service between
2012-2013 school year.
2003 and January
2013. 1058 sports
halls were constructed and put into service between 2003 and 2013 (January 2013).
Whereas in the 2002-2003 school year there were 18.853 laboratories and foreign language laboratories used by primary schools and
secondary education schools jointly in biology, science, physics,
chemistry and professional practice courses,this number increased
to 34.723 in the 2012-2013 school year. The number of libraries in
primary and secondary schools (excluding classroom libraries) was
11.945 in the school year of 2002-2003; this increased to 21.318
in the 2012-2013 school year. 880 boarding houses were opened
up to accommodate students at primary and secondary education
schools between 2002-2003 and 2012, adding 110.162 beds to the
existing capacity. Schools all around Turkey have had access to fast
internet connections. All textbooks have been distributed free of
charge at primary and secondary schools since 2003. In the scope
of the Fatih Project, training activities are planned to be completed by the end of 2015 in the following fields: placing smart boards
to all classrooms, providing teachers and students in secondary
111

schools and high schools with tablets, establishing broadband connection to all schools, preparing e-contents and making efficient
use of technology. Activities are carried out in accordance with the
schedule of the project.
One of the most important developments in the education system
is, without doubt, the legislation amended in 2012. The law, which
was adopted on 30 March 2012 in the TGNA and is known as the
Law on 4+4+4 system, introduced a 12 year obligatory multi-stage
education system replacing the previous 8 year uninterrupted obligatory education system. The 12-year peThe 12-year obligatory education
riod was divided into
system, which is a multi-stage
three levels. The new
system, constitutes a major
system lowered the
step towards ensuring equality
primary school startof opportunity in national
education among citizens. The
ing age to 60 months
most important aspect of this
(primary
school
regulation is that the citizens
starting age can be
are offered choices. Thus,
delayed at most to 66
unidimensionality in education,
months when neceswhich was introduced by the 28
sary). Primary school
February process, is removed to a
education was digreat extent.
vided into four years
of elementary school
education and four years of secondary school education. High school
education was made obligatory. School academic achievement scores
are no longer taken into consideration when calculating university
admission scores. The use of different coefficients in university entrance exams was discontinued. Elective courses, such as the Holy
Quran, the Life of the Prophet Muhammad and various other
courses, started to be offered at secondary schools. Various elective
courses were designed to support secondary school education and
high school education provided by imam-hatip schools (schools
112
2002-2012
training the Islamic clergy) in accordance with the students skills,
development and options.
The 12-year obligatory education system, which is a multi-stage system, constitutes a major step towards ensuring equality of opportunity in national education among citizens. The most important
aspect of this regulation is that the citizens are offered choices. Thus,
unidimensionality in education, which was introduced by the 28
February process, is removed to a great extent.
With elective courses to be offered at different levels, the aim is to
meet the expectations, social and cultural demands of students from
all walks of life. Within this framework, the way is paved to take elective language and dialect courses upon request. The fact that elective
courses in different languages and dialects, especially in Kurdish,
have started to be offered for the first time in the national education
curricula indicates a major paradigm shift on the issue.
Increasing the Number of Universities and Quota

Allocated for Higher Education
In 2002, Turkey had 40 cities with at least one university, with a total of 76 universities countrywide. Only 23 of these were foundation
universities. However, excluding exam free entry, while 1,540,442
candidates took the Student Selection Exam (SS), the quota for
graduate and 2-year degrees was 396,646 (including special talent
programs). This meant that only one out of four students taking the
exam was able to be placed into a university, limiting the educational
rights of the students and posing a big obstacle against students entry into a university. Being unable to enter a university was a serious socio-psychological pressure on the students and their families.
Moreover, as a result of many students preferring to study abroad,
serious economical losses were another consequence.
113
This meant that only one out of

four students taking the exam was
able to be placed into a university,
limiting the educational rights
of the students and posing a big
obstacle against students entry
into a university. Being unable to
enter a university was a serious
socio-psychological pressure on
the students and their families.
During the last 10

years, state universities have been established in all 81 cities
in Turkey, increasing
the total number of
universities to 170; 66
of which are foundation universities. This
rise in the number of
universities was also
reflected in the quotas; these rose almost 2.5 fold compared to 2002,
up to 937,676 (including special talent programs) in 2012. Considering 1,860,515 candidates (including exam free entry), applied for the
Student Selection and Placement System (SYS); it is seen that one
out of every two student applying for the exam have had the opportunity to enter a university as of 2012.
In parallel to Turkeys change and transformation, universities also
became much more accessible and within reach, enabling many
more alternatives to be offered to students moving on to higher education. Many more
It is seen that one out of every two

student applying for the exam
have had the opportunity to enter
a university as of 2012.
universities are being established each

passing day, providing important socioeconomical benefits
to the cities they are located in. With the point the Turkish higher
education system has reached, it has moved far from being an establishment offered to just one third of the university age population
(like an elite higher education) to being reachable by almost half of
that population (a universal higher education).
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2002-2012
Over the last 10 years, the support given to universities by TBTAKARDEB (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey - Head of Research Supply Programs) has increased. The total
supply budget of TBTAK-ARDEB was raised from 19.5 million
TL to 311.9 million TL, increasing 16 times higher in this 10-year period. While 548 projects were being supplied by TBTAK-ARDEB
in 2002, this rose to 1,131 in 2012. The total money spent on projects increased from 13 million TL to 168 million TL, the average
yearly payment for each project increased from 10,515 TL to 61,439
TL. Similarly, the total number of scientific people supported by
TBTAK was 1,696 in 2002, rising to 18,424 in 2012.
Ending the Application of Different Coefficients

used to Calculate the Final Score of the University
Admission Examination
During the 28 February period, freedom in education, as in many
other areas, was constricted in education. In this regard, under a decision taken by YK (Council of Higher Education) in 1998, a major
change was made in the university entrance system; changing the coefficients for same field or different field of studies for university
choices, therefore substantially reducing the chance for vocational
school graduates to enter a university.5This segregationist change ,
which contravened the principle of equality between the students,
was seen as a strategic step to preserve the current regime, against
the background of debates about secularism during the 28 February
period. Despite all the criticisms and reactions, this regulation was
used as an effective measure to reduce the communitys interest espe5 With the regulation, the placement points of students who had chosen a field of
study in university different from the one they studied in secondary school, were
reduced. For example, when a student studying in the field of science chose the same
field of study in university, the AOBP (Weighted secondary school success points)
were multiplied by 0.5, while if he chose an out of field study like law, The AOBP got
multiplied by 0.2 before being added to his/her raw points. However, in the previous regulations all candidates got the same treatment regardless of their secondary
schools.
115

cially in mam Hatip
With this regulation, vocational
schools
(schools
schools were no longer an
training the Islamic
attractive choice for students
clergy). In fact, with
wishing to proceed to higher
this different coeffieducation; thus causing a serious
cient regulation, the
shortage of qualified personnel
freedom of educain industrial sectors needing a
tion was limited for
work force with vocational and
technical education.
all students studying
in high schools, not
just the students in
mam Hatips or vocational schools.With this regulation, vocational
schools were no longer an attractive choice for students wishing
to proceed to higher education; thus causing a serious shortage of
qualified personnel in industrial sectors needing a work force with
vocational and technical education.The application of different coefficients, leaving indelible marks on the public consciousness and
individuals lives was removed by YK, equalizing the coefficients on
1st December 2011.
Freedom of Dress in Universities

The fact that a headscarf ban at universities was imposed although
there was no legal basis can be seen as an indicator of the abnormal
conditions in Turkey. This ban on headscarves, a violation of one of
the most fundamental freedoms such as freedom of religion and
conscience and right to have the control of the disposition of ones
own body, has frequently been the subject of criticism in international reports regarding the freedom of religion and conscience.
With the normalization process in Turkey, this prohibitive practice
has disappeared, parallel to the change of mindset at universities
within the framework of the universal rule of freedoms are essential, restrictions are exceptional. Although there is no provision in
116
2002-2012
our legislation stipulating that individuals cannot attend universities
while wearing a headscarf, the Disciplinary Regulation of Higher
Education Council and judgments by Constitutional Court were regarded as the legal basis for this ban. It is not possible to restrict or
eliminate fundamental rights freedoms on the basis of regulations
without any legal basis. In addition, the hierarchy of norms principle suggests that any regulation that introduces a ban without legal
reference cannot be adopted. Considering that the Constitutional
Court which was established to adjudicate legal disputes or specific
cases cannot replace the legislature or administration and function
in a way to regulate public management and public services, it is evident that the ban on wearing headscarf at universities, which was in
place for a long time,did not have a legal basis and legitimate reason.
Thus, this ban can be considered as a de facto and completely arbitrary practice.
Abolishment of National Security Courses Offered at

Schools
There have been major changes in the realm of national education
both in terms of discourse and curriculum. In this framework, national security course taught by military officials for thirty-three
years as part of secondary school curricula was abolished and the
content of this course has been reorganized within other courses.
This is an important step towards the civilianization of the education
system and curriculum.
117
STEPS TAKEN IN
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FIELD
2002-2012
STEPS TAKEN IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FIELD

Throughout the history of the Republic, one of Turkeys most important challenges has been the fact that a balanced socio-economic
development level between the regions and provinces has not been
ensured. Despite the efforts to reduce economic and social development disparities among regions and provinces by means of development plans, implemented from the 1960s onwards, there hasnt
been any substantial progress in this area. Until the 2000s, efforts to
improve infrastructure for transportation, which is the most basic
condition for ensuring a balanced development in all regions, and to
provide citizens living in rural areas with basic needs, such as roads
and drinking waThe lack of infrastructure services
ter, were neglected.
such as roads and drinking water
In addition to these
in
rural areas limited the access of
shortcomings
in
people living in these regions to
infrastructure
for
basic services such as education
transportation,
in
and health, which, together
terms of economic
with the terrorism problem in
development, industhe Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolian Region, resulted
trial operations and
in
migration from rural areas
production facilities
towards the cities in the region.
were only located in
This brought along a number of
certain regions of the
social problems that required
country due to secuurgent intervention.
rity concerns in the
121

Eastern and Southeastern Regions of the country. When it comes
to economically underdeveloped regions -Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolia primarily- a sufficient level of infrastructure for industrial
operations and production was never achieved, despite the limited
investment and incentive mechanisms put in place by the State. The
economically underdeveloped regions of the country were faced
with the problem of being socially underdeveloped, as well. The lack
of infrastructure services such as roads and drinking water in rural areas limited the access of people living in these regions to basic
services such as education and health, which, together with the terrorism problem in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian Region,
resulted in migration from rural areas towards the cities in the region. This brought along a number of social problems that required
urgent intervention.
In this respect, economic investment has accelerated, primarily in
the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian Regions; parallel to the democratization process that has taken place during the last decade.
In addition, intensive investment initiatives in many areas ranging
from economy to social life, education to health, infrastructure to
energy have taken place with the aim of reducing regional development disparities. During this last decade, the total amount of public
investment in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian Region has
exceeded 37 billion Turkish Liras.
In this framework economic development has been achieved. Fundamental reforms were carried out in the fields of health care and
social security. The number of airports and airline passengers as well
as the volume of airway traffic increased. The number of dual carriageways increased, which eased the traffic congestion on highways.
Mass housing projects became widespread. In order to stimulate
socio-economic development in less developed regions through
providing citizens living in rural areas with basic services, such as
roads and drinking water, the Village Infrastructure Support Proj122
2002-2012
ect (KYDES) and Municipalities Infrastructure Support Project
(BELDES) were initiated. The Social Support Program was introduced with the aim of ensuring social development of provinces
in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian Region. Development
agencies started to function in order to enhance cooperation among
public sector, private sector and non-governmental organizations
and to mobilize local potential. Comprehensive and innovative social aid and social support programs were designed to meet the specific needs of every household. Social aid funds were increased to a
great extent to be spent especially for the poor, needy and dependent.
Social policies started to be implemented which aimed to facilitate
the lives of the disabled, relatives of the martyrs and veterans and
the scope of positive discrimination toward disadvantaged groups
was further broadened. The Action Plan on Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) contributed to enhancing welfare in the region.
TheReturn to the Village and Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) was
initiated for the settlement of the families who had left their villages
for various reasons and who were willing to go back. Victims of terrorist activities have started to be compensated.
Macroeconomic Indicators and Economic

Development
The reforms that Turkey has implemented in the last ten years in the
field of democratization and human rights have been carried out alongside highly positive macroeconomic indicators and social development.
In spite of the world crisis and the negative developments in our region,
the economic and social development indicators that our country has
demonstrated has facilitated reforms in the field of democratization and
human rights in Turkey, in so far as it would be much more difficult
to realize fundamental changes and transformational reforms in an
123

environment where the economic indicators were not positive. In this
framework, the major macro-economic developments that have facilitated the change and transformation are set out below.
In the period before 2002, Turkey was a country where domestic
and foreign investment had nearly come to a halt, where capital was
lost to other countries, where unemployment had reached its peak,
where the biggest economic contraction in recent history was witnessed and each day a different company was shut down.
As for the period after 2002, the Turkish economy underwent a big
transformation and structural reforms have been realized in many
different fields. In this framework, discipline has been brought to
public finance, starting from financial markets in agriculture, social
security, energy and communication sectors many important reforms have been brought. Thanks to these reforms, the infrastructure
of economic institutions has been strengthened and with the establishment of independent institutions the economy has become much
more resilient against any fluctuations that may occur in the international markets. The capital markets have been rearranged according
to the understanding of the modern age and many bureaucratic obstacles have been eliminated. In 2005, six zeros were erased from the
Turkish Lira thereby facilitating accounting in banking transactions
and the daily expenditures of the citizens; the national currency has
become more prestigious with these efforts.
The structural reforms that have been decisively carried out in the
economic field have led to the creation of a strong and sustainable
economy and particularly in gathering very positive results in macroeconomic indicators. The economy of the county that was shrinking at a rate of 5.7% as a result of the economic crisis in 2001 had
started to grow gradually by 2002. In the Turkish economy in the
period between 2002-2012 an average annual growth rate of 5.2 has
been realized.
124
2002-2012
In a period where there has been shrinkage in many of the worlds
economies due to the global financial crisis, the Turkish economy,
after economic stagnation in 2008 and the shrinkage in 2009, has
enjoyed a growth rate of 9.2 and 8.8 percent in the years of 2010
and 2011 respectively and has therefore become the country with the
second-fastest growing economy in the world, after China, and the
fastest growing economy in Europe.
This growth performance demonstrated in the countrys economy
has also been reflected in the national income. The national income,
which was 230 billion dollars at the end of 2002, more than tripled
over the ten year period and reached 786 billion dollars. The national
income per capita, which was $3.500 in 2002, had reached $10.504 at
the end of 2012.
The annual inflation rate, which was at 30 percent in 2002, has decreased to 6.16 for the consumer price index and 2.45 for producer
price index. Therefore according to the CPI data the lowest inflation
rate of the last 29 years and according to the PPI the lowest inflation
rate of the last 45 years is witnessed.
The Central Bank overnight borrowing rate of interest had reached
44 percent in 2002 and in 2012 it decreased to nearly 5 percent.
Therefore 10 years ago 86 liras of every 100 liras that the government
collected used to be used to pay interest on debts, but now only 16.6
liras are used to service government debt. In addition, the foreign
exchange reserves of the central bank, that were 26.7 in 2002, have
increased four fold to reach 100.3 billion dollars by the end of 2012.
Thus with the gold reserves the total reserve of the Central Bank has
reached 120.3 billion dollars.
During its history with the International Money Fund (IMF), which
started in 1961, Turkeys largest debt has been in the years of 2000,
2001 and 2002: that is to say before and after the economic crisis of
125

2001. This situation led Turkey to become the country with highest
debt among the countries who have a relationship with the IMF. In
2002 the IMF credit
debt had reached 23.5
As of May 2013 the credit debt to
billion dollars, and
IMF has been reduced to zero.
this had decreased to
900 million dollars
by December 2012 as a result of economic stability and the discipline
in public finances during the last ten years. As of May 2013 the credit
debt to IMF has been reduced to zero.
Turkey is continuing to open up to the world with the visa agreements that have been reached in the last period. Turkey is widening
its economic geography each day with visa-free entry to 63 countries
and with the possibility of obtaining a visa at the border gates of 11
countries. As a consequence of this,exports which were 36 billion
dollars in 2002 have increased four fold to reach 152 billion dollars
in 2012.
Our construction and contracting sector is playing a leading role in
foreign investments. By the end of 2012 the sector had reached 5
continents including Central Asia, from Russia to Middle East and
Africa as well as undertaking approximately 7000 projects costing
242 billion dollars in a total of 100 countries. As of 2012 Turkey is
listed second after China with 33 companies among the biggest 225
construction and contracting countries in the world.
As one of the G-20 countries which represent the strongest economies in the world, Turkey which is the 17th largest economy in the
world and 6th largest in Europe, has become one of the foremost investment centers in the world since bureaucratic obstacles have been
largely removed, the tax system has been improved, profit transfers
have been supported and successful privatization programs are being implemented. What makes Turkey unique as far as commercial
126
2002-2012
activities and direct foreign investments are concerned is Turkeys
role as a gateway to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. To illustrate, it is possible to reach more than 50 countries
and to have access to a large market that constitutes one fourth of
the economy in the world with a flight of four hours or less from
Istanbul.
Table: 1.Turkish Economy (2002 / 2012)
Economic Indicators
2002
2012
Total National Income
230 Billion Dollars
786 Billion Dollars
3. 500 Dollars
10. 504 Dollars
30%
6. 16%
44%
5%
23. 5 Billion
900 Million Dollars
Dollars
(December 2012)*
Central Bank Foreign Cur-
26. 7 Billion
100. 3 Billion
rency Reserves
Dollars
Dollars
Export Figures
36 Billion Dollars
152 Billion Dollars
National Income Per

Capita
Inflation
Central Bank Debt Interest
Rates Overnight
IMF Debts
*(As of 14.05.2013, the credit debt to the IMF has been reduced to
zero)
Initiatives Taken in Health Care Sector

The state and SSK (Social Security Institution) hospitals in Turkey
have been brought together under the roof of the Ministry of Health.
By this means, the problems stemming from the fact that citizens
who were formally under the Retirement Fund, the Social Insurance
Institution and the Social Security Organization for Artisans and the
Self-employed benefited from different institutions and had different
standards have been eliminated.
127

With the realization of the family practitioner system, all citizens
have started to enjoy the constant guidance of doctors free of charge.
At state hospitals Patient Rights Departments have been established. To protect public health, smoking in closed environments has
been prohibited.
Bureaucracy in the health system has been minimized and therefore
paperwork has been eliminated; all citizens can now access all health
institutions with their Turkish Republic identity number. In addition
to this,a new system of making an appointment online or by telephone has been initiated. Regardless of whether citizens come under
the Retirement Fund, the Social Insurance Institution and the Social
Security Organization for Artisans and the Self-employed, it is now
possible for everyone to receive their medicine from any pharmacy
they wish and there has been a discount of 80 percent in the prices
of all medicines. For the hospitalized patients a new system where
medicines are covered from the hospital has been realized.
During the period of 2002-2012, 2134 new health establishments
have been constructed, 611 of which are hospitals and 1523 are
primary level health institutions. In Turkey during 2002 there were
256.000 health personnel in the Ministry Of Health, this figure has
nearly doubled in 2012 reaching 507.000. In 2002, the difference between the provinces with the highest amount of patients per specialized doctors and lowest was 1/13, this rate had decreased to 1/3 by
the end of 2012. Over the last 10 years the quota for medical faculty
students has doubled and the quota for nursing schools has tripled.
In 2002 in Turkey health expenditures per capita was 330 dollars, or
3.8 % as a share of GDP; as for 2012, the expenditure per capita has
reached 789 dollars and its share of GDP has increased to 4.4 %.
Emergency and intensive care services are now provided free of
charge in private hospitals as well as in state hospitals. The examina128
2002-2012
tion time per patient has more than doubled, reaching 9.5 minutes
up from 4.5 minutes. A quality room system has been implemented
instead of the ward system in hospitals. At 2002 the quality bed rate
was only 6,6 %, at the end of 2012 this rate had reached 34%.
In rural areas, mobile hospital and mobile pharmacy services have
been initiated. Each day 126 thousand citizens have benefited from
mobile health services and 20 thousand citizens enjoy the services
provided by the moWhile in 2002 one clinic room
bile pharmacies.
could be provided for every

5000 people in the first, second,
&third level institutions under the
Ministry of Health, as of 2012 one
clinic room for every 1.500 people
can be provided.
As a result of all these

developments, while
in 2002 one clinic
room could be provided for every 5000
people in the first,
second, &third level institutions under the Ministry of Health, as of
2012 one clinic room for every 1.500 people can be provided.
Without any discrimination among citizens who are insured under
the Retirement Fund, the Social Insurance Institution and the Social
Security Organization for Artisans and the Self-employed, it is now
possible for each one of them to access private health institutions. In
2002 there were 271 private hospitals, at the end of 2012 this figure
had increased to 541. During this ten-year period, the bed capacity
of private hospitals has increased threefold and had reached 35.000.
The number of ambulances reached 3346 in 2012, up from 618 in
2002; the number of emergency treatment stations, which was 481,
increased to 1863. As of 2012 in order to respond quickly to emergency situations, service continues to be provided by 17 helicopters,
4 airplane ambulances, 4 sea ambulances and 291 snow ambulances.
129

In the last ten years
In the last ten years the maternal
the maternal mormortality rate has decreased to
tality rate has de15.6 in a hundred thousand births, creased to 15.6 in a
down from 64/100.000; the infant
hundred thousand
mortality rate has decreased to
births, down from
7.5 in a thousand down from
64/100.000; the in31.5/1000 births. While the life
fant mortality rate
expectancy of countries with the
same income level as Turkey has
has decreased to 7.5
increased by 2 years, in Turkey it
in a thousand down
has increased by 5 years.
from
31.5/1000
births. While the life
expectancy of countries with the same income level as Turkey has increased by 2 years,
in Turkey it has increased by 5 years.
Steps Taken in the Field of Social Security

In the last 10 years many important steps have been taken in the field
of social security. In this regard the most important reform that has
been realized is the establishment of the Social Security Institution
which brought all the social security institutions (the Retirement
Fund, the Social Insurance Institution and the Social Security Organization for Artisans and the Self-employed) under the same roof.
There has been a transfer to a universal health insurance system
which covers 18% of the world population, and which only states
that are developed in the health care sector apply. After the universal health insurance income test, the government paid the premium
of more than 9 million citizens, whose income per capita within a
household is below 1/3 of the gross minimum wage. In this field with
a percentage over that of most of the countries, 98% of citizens have
been included within the scope of the universal health insurance.
Again in a way that finds no other example in any country around
130
2002-2012
the world, every individual under the age of 18 has been provided
with health care free of charge regardless of whether their parent is
insured or not. In addition the health rights of the poor have been
raised to the same level with the insured.
The premium rate of farmers and artisans has been decreased to 33.5
% from 40%; Just like workers, farmers and artisans who have had
a work accident are
In a way that finds no other
entitled to a monthly
example
in any country around
payment as well as
the world, every individual under
compensation for bethe age of 18 has been provided
ing temporarily unwith health care free of charge
able to work,a dowry regardless of whether their parent
equal to the pay of
is insured or not.
twenty four months
is provided to the orphan daughter of a deceased farmer or artisan and instead of denying an artisan who already has a credit debt the right to obtain new
credit, a new system whereby the premium debt is taken from the
credit that is given to the artisan has been implemented. In addition,
as a precaution against natural disasters to protect the farmers for
the first time agriculture insurance has been introduced; it has also
been made possible for parents of those with agriculture insurance
and agricultural retirees to enjoy from the health services provided.
Instead of collective bargaining, a right of collective agreement right
has been introduced. Therefore for the first time a right to collective agreement has been given to public servants. The Public Trade
Unions Law has been passed and has brought the public trade
unionism up to modern norms.
In 2012 the Adaptation Law has been implemented to eliminate the
injustice among the retirement salaries in regards to the monthly salary system. In total 1.783.708 people have benefited from this law.
131
Increase in the Number of Airports, Airline Traffic and

Passengers
While in 2003 the number of active airports was 26, this number increased to 49 in 2012. Existing airports have been renewed and have
become more modern.
At the beginning of 2000,Turkish Airlines made domestic scheduled
flights from two centers to 26 different destination, with the start of
private sector scheduled domestic flights, by the end of 2012, 6 different airlines were flying to 49 different destinations from 7 centers.
While in 2002, 8.5 million people

used domestic airlines, this figure
reached 64.7 million in 2012.
As for international flights the
amount of passengers, which was
around 24 million, has increased
to 65.6 million. Therefore in total
the amount of citizens who have
travelled with plane passed 130
million people in 2012 while it was
32.5 million in 2002.
The number of countries with which

Turkey has an Air
Transport Agreement
has increased to 143
from 81 in the last
ten years; the number
of flight destinations
abroad from Turkey
has reached 192, up
from 60.
According to data
provided by the Ministry of Transportation, Maritime and Information; the airplane traffic has increased by 160% over the last 10 years
and at the end of 2012 the number of flights reached 1 million 376
thousand 486.
While in 2002, 8.5 million people used domestic airlines, this figure
reached 64.7 million in 2012. As for international flights the amount
of passengers, which was around 24 million, has increased to 65.6
million. Therefore in total the amount of citizens who have travelled
132
2002-2012
with plane passed 130 million people in 2012 while it was 32.5 million in 2002. Plus in the last ten years more than 10 million citizens
have travelled by plane for the first time.
The increase in Eastern and South Eastern Anatolia is particularly
interesting. In these regions, while the domestic and internationalflights in total were previously 16.724 this number reached 73.987
in 2012. In parallel to the increase in the number of domestic flights,
the incoming and outgoing number of passengers has increased to
7.864.785 in the provinces in the region up from 883.675 and the
number of international incoming and outgoing passengers has
reached 273.476 in 2012 up from 66.392 in 2002.
Increase in the Number of Dual Carriageways and

Easing Traffic Congestion on Highways
In order to minimize traffic accidents and particularly to increase the
service quality that had fallen due to insufficient capacity, in the last
ten years 16,152 km of dual carriageways have been built at an investment of 85 billion TL.
Therefore the length
In the last ten there has been
of dual carriageways
a decrease of 41 % in traffic
that was 6.101 km in
accidents deaths per hundred
million vehicle kilometers.
2002 had increased
to 22.253 in 2012.
The number of cities
connected to one another with dual carriageways have increased to
74 from 6. Again in the same period, Turkey, that serves as a bridge
in international transportation, has completed 8,823 km of the 11,749
km at the north south axis that connects the border gates.
This increase in the dual carriageways has made auto traffic much
safer, faster, healthier and more environmentally friendly. In the last
ten there has been a decrease of 41 % in traffic accidents deaths per
133

hundred million vehicle kilometers. In parallel to the decrease in fuel
consumption and the time lost on the road, there has been a saving
of around 10, 6 million TL. In addition there has been a decrease in
the emission of carbon dioxide by 2.33 million tons.
Increasing the Route Length of the Railway Network

and High Speed Train Projects
Many important steps have been taken in the last decade. In relation
to these, on March 13, 2009 with the Ankara-Eskisehir leg, Turkey has
introduced for the first time in history the high speed train, first been
used in 1957 in Japan and 1965 in Europe. By 2011 the Ankara-Konya
high-speed railway line had been completed and started to provide
service. Between 2003 and today, 888 km of high-speed railway line
has been constructed. Therefore Turkey has become the 8th biggest
high-speed train (YHT) manager in the world and 6th in Europe.
The railroad network that was 8845km in 2003 has reached to 9,931
km. In addition to this, 7,261 km of railway lines including AdanaMersin, Eskisehir-Ktahya, Gaziantep-Karkam-Nusaybin lines
have been renewed.
The high-speed train sets and modern metro tools have started to be
produced in our country. At plants established in Sakarya, Konya,
Afyon, Erzincan, Karabk, Sivas and ankr high-speed train engines and carriages are produced in our country.
Increasing the Reach of Mass Housing Projects

During the nineteen-year period between 1984 and 2002, the Housing Development Administration (TOK), which has given credit
support to more than 1 million houses and constructed 43.145 houses, has reached a total housing figure of 582,895 with an increase
of fourteen fold over the last ten-year period. 85% of these housing
134
2002-2012
establishments, constructed in eighty-one provinces and eight hundred districts, are considered social housing. More than 800 thousand people have found direct or indirect employment with these
projects that are in the scope of TOK.
Within the scope of urban transformation; in 174 different regions
there have been tendering processes for 86.441 houses, for 151 projects the tendering process has been completed. The construction
of 71.681 houses has started and in 89 regions the construction of
51.246 houses has been completed with delivery to their owners. In
addition, the practice of reconstructing and returning to their owners the houses of citizens that were damaged due to natural disasters
within ten to twelve months was started.
In the scope of social infrastructure; 907 schools with 20,329 classrooms, 934 gyms, 135 dorms and pensions with a capacity of 46,828,
94 community health centers, 200 hospitals, 41 libraries,481 commercial centers, 462 mosques, 27 affection homes, 20 centers to for
the disabled, 84 public service buildings and 9 stadiums have been
constructed. In the framework of environmental planning, 42 million squares metres of parks have been made, 15 million trees have
been planted and bush landscaping has been made. Out of 341 police
stations to be constructed within the scope of TOK, 275 have started
construction and 66 of them are still in the tender phase.
In addition, in the last ten years there has been an investment of 650
million TL for sewer system projects and 440 million TL for drinking water facility construction for the Eastern and South Eastern
Anatolian regions by The Bank of Provinces (LBANK).
Village Infrastructure Support Project (KYDES)

The KYDES project, which is one of the largest rural development projects in the history of the Republic, realized significant
135

and result oriented investments to facilitate life for our citizens
living in rural areas, primarily in the Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolian Regions. The KYDES project started in 2005 with the
aim of providing villages and communities without drinking water
and road access with sufficient amount of healthy water and raising
the standards of road connections to villages. The objective of the
KYDES project is to end the unjust suffering of our villages that
have long been neglected and deprived of the services that they
deserve, increase the quality of life and ensure economic and social
development in villages. Thanks to the activities undertaken with
an allowance of 8 billion 428 million 49 thousand Turkish Liras
allocated between 2005 and 2013, there is no village or community
left without healthy drinking water or roads.
Within the scope of the KYDES Project, the following works were
undertaken on village roads: 98.975,2 km of asphalt road (43.894
km of ground level asphalt and 55.081,2 km of second layer asphalt), 2.478,7 km of concrete road, 74.546,6 km of stabilized road,
1721,5 km of raw road, 5284,9 km of grading, 32.953,5 km of repair
and 10.831.629 m of paving stone were set into roads. As for engineering works, 34.242 culverts and 1248 bridges were constructed.
When it comes to drinking water, drinking water facilities were
constructed with connection to the water supply network for 4175
villages and communities which were not previously provided with
drinking water whereas drinking water facilities were renovated for
43.952 villages and communities which lacked sufficient drinking
water. A total number of 13.301.682 citizens live in 48.127 villages
and communities for whom either new drinking water facilities
were constructed or current facilities renovated. As far as the small
scale irrigation sector is concerned, 13 ponds, 34 pond irrigation
facilities, 370 ground irrigation facilities, 59 underground irrigation facilities and 6 ponds providing drinking water to animals
were constructed. In other words, a total area of 54592 hectares was
136
2002-2012
provided with service and 58042 farmer families started to benefit
from this service.
Project on Infrastructure Support for Municipalities

(BELDES)
The BELDES Project, which was implemented in 2007 and 2008 in order to support municipalities with fewer than 10.000 inhabitants with
drinking water and road infrastructure investments, ensured that a
total amount of 633.5 million TL was allocated to 2507 municipalities.
With these allocated funds, the following works were undertaken
in the road construction sector: 24.120.181 m of key stones, 2.880
km of asphalt roads, 2.652 km of stabilized road, 312 km of concrete
road, 61.252 m of stone walls, 133 bridges and 478 culverts. When
it comes to the drinking water sector, the following works were completed: 775 new facilities, 399 facility improvement, 165 repair and
maintenance works were completed, which resulted in 1339 municipalities to be provided with drinking water. In other words, a total
number of 3.267.932 was provided with service.
Social Support Programme (SODES)

The SODES Program (Social Support Programme) was introduced in
2008 in order to enhance human capital in provinces of the Eastern
and Southeastern Anatolian Regions, to meet needs associated with
the problems such as migration, poverty, and unemployment in these
regions, and to support the social integration process.
The SODES programme, implemented in 30 provinces between 2008
and 2012, ensured that various projects in fields such as employment,
social inclusion, culture, arts and sports were implemented with a
total budget of 674 million TL. The number of provinces covered by
the programme increased to 34 in 2013.
137
Development Agencies
Development Agencies, which have been functional since 2006 and
completed their establishment process to reach twenty six in number
as of 2009, were established in order to improve cooperation among
public sector, private sector and civil society organizations, and to
mobilize local potential. Thanks to these agencies, substantial progress has been made to reduce interregional and intraregional development disparities.
Development agencies currently employ a total number of 955 staff
members, 795 of whom are qualified experts. These agencies received
26.000 project applications between 2008 and 2013 from public organizations, local governments, universities, civil society organizations
and enterprises. As a result of independent and objective evaluations
of the project applications received, 4670 projects were granted financial support and a total amount of 900 million TL was allocated
to these projects. The total amount of funds allocated for development projects reaches approximately 1.8 billion TL including the cofinancing allocated by the beneficiaries. Development agencies have
been able to yield very positive outcomes in terms of attracting local
and foreign investors to the regions where they are located.
A total amount of 338.677.000 TL was allocated to a total number
of seven development agencies located in Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolia between 2009 and 2012.
Inclusive Social Assistance/Support Practices to Fight

against Poverty
The social aid and support projects that were carried out in the past
periods were far from reaching the targeted results due to the narrowness of their target group as well as the fact that their effect to
decrease poverty was not sufficient. Moreover the social aid and
support projects targeted at social groups that need special attention
138
2002-2012
(children, elderly, handicapped etc.). As required by a social state,
were not at a sufficient level.
In the last ten year period, significant improvements in the fight
against poverty including social aid/support projects as well as social
justice, enhancing the distribution of income, ameliorating the socioeconomic
situation
of our citizens who

are poor/in need and
who are mostly left
outside of the employment
market,
While in 2002, 30.3% of the total

population had to manage with a
daily income below 4.3 dollars,
in 2011 this figure has
decreased to 2.79%.
and also preventing

them being left below the poverty threshold have been made. Also
many important steps have been taken in terms of realizing programs
as required by a social state for children, the elderly, disabled, widows
and orphans of war and duty martyrs as well as disabled persons and
veterans in order to sustain social justice and public balance.
As a result of stabilized economic policies, investments and social aid
programs; while in 2002, 30.3% of the total population had to manage with a daily income below 4.3 dollars, in 2011 this figure has decreased to 2.79%. In addition, while the resources used in the area of
social aid and services was 1.3 billion TL, at the end of 2012 this has
increased by approximately 15 fold to 20 billion TL. Therefore while
the percentage of GNP spent for social aid and service was 0.5% in
2002 by the end of 2012 this figure had reached 1.4%. As a result of
all these developments there has been a considerable decrease in the
figures related to poverty and Turkeys struggle against poverty has
been directed towards the human development index which most
OECD countries use,from absolute struggle against poverty.
139

In line with the necessity of the service and need, new and inclusive
social aid and social support programs have been initiated and nearly
all our citizens who are in need of these programs have been included. Within these concrete programs the following can be included;

Free course books have been given to all primary school and
middle school students.
For nearly 3 million children regular cash support has been

given to their mothers with the conditional education and conditional health aid programs.
In mobile education, lunch expenses of approximately 600 thousand students have been covered annually.
On average 43 thousand disabled students annually have been

transported to their schools free of charge.
State housing has been provided for poor families, in cooperation with TOK.
Fuel aid has been regularly made each year for more than 2 million families.
Regular cash aid has been made for nearly 240 thousand women
who have lost their husbands.
On average social and economic support has been provided for

40 thousand childrens families annually.
Through the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution

scholarships have been given to children of poor families who
continue their higher education.
140
2002-2012

Citizens who have applied for social aid and who are able to work
have been registered to the database of the Turkish Employment
Agency (KUR). (In this scope in 2012, 23 thousand people have
been employed, 69 thousand people have been given training and
39 people have benefited from the unemployment insurance)
On average monthly cash aids, ranging from 125 to 375 TL have

been provided to 1.2 million disabled and elderly citizens annually.
In order to cover the house care expenses of nearly 410 thousand heavily disabled citizens, a program to deliver a monthly
pay equal to the minimum pay has been started.
Special education expenses for disabled citizens have been covered.
Service is delivered to 14 thousand children, 11 thousand elderly,

5 thousand disabled and two thousand women at institutional
care centers.
A program to deliver cash to military families who are in need

has been initiated.
With income generating social purpose projects, our citizens

have received sustainable income.
With the transfer to the universal health insurance which

many European countries and USA could not adapt, the health
insurance scope has been enlarged and more than 9 million
citizens universal health insurance premiums are paid by the
government.
Similar social aid and social support programs in the last ten year
period has been realized or its scope has been enlarged. 90% of the
aid programs are based on entitlement.
141

In addition to these programs, in order for our citizens to reach sustainable income, project support is given through the Social Aid
and Solidarity Foundations founded in every province and district
to cover any need of citizens who are poor and in need. By the end of
2012 in 2.101.611 families, 6.370.100 people in total have benefited
from the social aid programs of 973 Social Aid and Solidarity Foundations.
To facilitate citizens access to these services and to render the social
aid system more effective, the following projects have been realized;

Social Aid Information System (SOYBS),
Social Aid Hot Line (144),
A points system to identify those who will benefit from the social aid has been developed,
The number of qualified personnel working in the Social Aid

and Solidarity Foundations around the country has increased to
approximately 9000,
With the Integrated Social Aid Service Information System in

the field of social aid, a central database (poverty inventory) has
been created.
With these projects, the chronic problems that have been often underlined of not having an integrated database in the social aid system, not using objective criteria in identifying poverty and the fact
that access to services is a long and exhausting process have been
eliminated. With these works and projects, now public spending
with a social purpose is more effective, accountable and has access to
the target group in the fastest manner.
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2002-2012
Steps taken to Address the Needs of Relatives of
Martyrs, Veterans and Terror Victims
For the relatives of martyrs and our veterans to carry on an honorable life, all kinds of spiritual and material support has been given. In
this scope; the employment right given to the relatives of martyrs has
been doubled; mothers and fathers have been included in those who
may benefit from this right in addition to the wives, children and
siblings. The condition of disability and being in need of assistance
has been lifted for mothers and fathers of non-commissioned officers
and private soldiers. A lower limit (the net amount of the minimum
pay) has been put on the paid to the parents of our martyrs, and there
has been an increase in the allowances.
As far as the allowances paid to the relatives of martyrs and to veterans using the similar salary system are concerned, all inequities
and defects have
been eliminated. An
Civilian citizens who have lost
increase to the allowtheir lives or have become
ance of non-commisincapacitated due to their active
sioned officers and
role in revealing terror activities,
private soldiers and
minimizing or excluding their
their relatives who
effects have also been brought
under the same law case that
have died as a martyr
grants rights to martyrs
or become a veteran
and veterans.
due to terrorism has
been made regardless
of their education level. By this means in calculating the monthly
allowance of non-commissioned officers and private soldiers who
have died as martyr or become a veteran due to terrorism positive
discrimination has been made and an increase has been brought.
Exemptions have been applied to donations real estate donation
made to those who have died as a martyr and veterans as well as
143

their relatives due to terrorism and also regulations have been made
to solve defects regarding free public transportation for martyrs and
veterans as well as their relatives due to terrorism.
Civilian citizens who have lost their lives or have become incapacitated due to their active role in revealing terror activities, minimizing or excluding their effects have also been brought under the same
law case that grants rights to martyrs and veterans. With the aim to
compensate their loses, for civilians who have become incapacitated
due to terror activities or due to the struggle against terrorism and
for relatives of those who have lost their lives a monthly payment
is given. Similarly the care support provided to our veterans who
have become incapacitated to an extent that renders them incapable
to survive without aid and support has also been granted to village
guards and civilians and this support has been increased to double
the minimum wage.
For public servants and civilians who have been injured on duty in the
struggle against terrorism it has been targeted for them to receive all
kinds of health and treatment services without paying any share until
their incapacity is certain. For our veterans other than our terror veterans any kind of orthosis / prosthesis as well as curative and rehabilitative
equipment that they might need during their treatment are provided
without any co-pay or surcharge by the Social Security Institution.
The scope of the aid for the relatives of martyrs and veterans has been
widened; regardless of their social security and income, it has been
made possible to deliver social aid to victims of natural disaster, relatives of martyrs and veterans.
Steps taken to Facilitate the Lives of the Disabled

In the last 10 year period many important regulations have been introduced to improve the rights of the disabled and the resources that the
144
2002-2012
government has provided for the services of the disabled has increased
drastically. In 2005, the law on the amendment that is to be made to the
disabled and other laws and the decrees of provisions of laws has been
passed. Therefore on the basis of the inviolability of human honor and
dignity, social policies for the disabled and against the exploitation of
the disabled have been developed, the struggle against discrimination
has been enhanced and participation of the disabled in decision-making
mechanisms have been developed and the rights of the disabled have
been rendered more visible. In 2008, Turkey signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that foresees equal and
full enjoyment of rights and freedom of disabled people and requires
to the signatory countries to eliminate any discrimination against the
disabled and increase their life standards has been signed.
Incentives and measures have been put into place to increase disabled
employment. Instead of having separate examinations for public foundations and institutions with the legal changes in 2011, a separate and
central examination
for the disabled has
At the end of 2002 the number of
been stipulated. Acemployed disabled civil servants
cording to the examiwithin quotas increased to 27.443
nation results of 2012
by March 2013 while it was 5.777
2174 middle school
at the end of 2002.
graduates, 1093 twoyear degree graduates and 614 university graduates have received the
right to become public servants. In addition in 2012, 988 disabled, in
2013, 519 disabled have been placed to civil servant posts with drawing
lots. By this means at the end of 2002 the number of employed disabled
civil servants within quotas increased to 27.443 by March 2013 while
it was 5.777 at the end of 2002. This figure constitutes 40% of the civil
servant placement only in the last two years.
The monthly payment for those disabled persons who are incapable
of working or for those who cannot find employment has been in145

creased 300% and the scope of people who have the right to receive
monthly pay has been increased. Disabled civil servants have become exempt from night duty and shifts, and given the possibility
to set different shift and period times. A right to early retirement has
been given to working disabled people and mothers with disabled
children.
In addition to this, a possibility to pay monthly allowances to the
elderly over 65 years old, to the disabled older than 18 years old, to
those who have the responsibility of taking care of a disabled person
younger than 18 years old (with the condition of actively taking care
their disabled relative) according to the social security legislation.
In this framework at the end of 2012 a monthly allowance has been
assigned to 1.228.355 people and in the same year the total amount
of payment reached 2.911.191.180 TL.
For the first time, all disabled people who need care are taken under
the scope of a care service, and care provided at home or at private
care centers is covered by the government. All disabled individuals
who require it have the possibility to benefit from all special education and rehabilitation centers free of charge. In 2006, 83.000 disabled
students have benefited from this service and this figure reached
256.000 by the end of 2012.The resources allocated for this service
reached 1.263 billion TL in 2012 up from 263 million in 2006.
The number of disabled people who benefit from homecare services reached 398.335 people by the end of 2012 and this figure
had increased to 408.165 by February 2013. By the end of 2012,
2,944 billion TL had been spent on this service. In 2012 97 official
in-patient care and rehabilitation service centers delivered service
to 5112 people and 7 day centers delivered service to 460 disabled
people. By the end of 2012, the care expenses of 9.328 disabled
people who have received care in 148 private care and rehabilitation centers for the disabled have been covered by the government
146
2002-2012
and 137 million TL have been spent for this service. While in 2002
there was one care worker per 30 disabled; now there is one care
worker per six disabled.
In 2002 there were 308 schools for our disabled students and this
figure had risen to 814 by the end of 2012. The number of teachers in
these schools rose to 7.607 from 2.834. The number of students who
receive education in
special education inWhile in 2002 there was one care
stitutions, in special
worker per 30 disabled;
education classrooms
now there is one care worker
and inclusive educaper six disabled.
tion (These schools
are public schools
under MoNE) has increased to 220 thousand from 53 thousand. Free
of charge school services have been provided for the transportation
of disabled children. The number of people benefiting from education projects involving the transportation of the disabled reached
46.095 in 2012-2013 school year.
In order to eliminate obstacles to the participation of the disabled in
the public life it has been made obligatory to adapt all public roads,
pavements, pedestrian crossroads, open and green areas, sports areas
and similar social and cultural infrastructure, areas and buildings as
well as in city public transportation that the municipality provides or
inspects according to the needs of the disabled. Regulation of physical condition of buildings according to the needs of the disabled has
been facilitated. Criminal sanctions have been brought for discriminative actions against the disabled.
In relation to all social aid and support projects targeting our disabled citizens as of 2012, the amount of resources used has reached
7.27 billion TL and the GDP rate of the public source spent in this
scope has been increased to 0.51%.
147
Expansion of the Scope of Positive Discrimination for

Disadvantaged Groups
Positive discrimination, which allows different treatment towards
disadvantaged groups to ensure that the principle of equality serves
its purpose and provides more support to these groups, was for the
first time stipulated at the constitutional level in 2004 as follows:
Women and men have equal rights. The State shall be liable for putting this equality into practice.
Positive discrimination towards women was further clarified with
the following sentence added to the paragraph in question in 2010:
The measures to be taken in that respect may not be interpreted as
being against the principle of equality. The constitutional amendment in 2010 has stipulated similar regulations for different groups
as well: Measures to be taken in favor of children, the elderly, the
disabled, widows and orphans of martyrs of war and work, and the
wounded and veterans shall not be interpreted as against the principle of equality.
This way, it has been constitutionally stipulated that children, the elderly, the disabled, widows and orphans of martyrs of war and work,
and the wounded and veterans, in addition to women, could benefit
from positive discrimination. In this respect, the creation of a constitutional basis for regulations aiming to eliminate the unjust suffering
of disadvantaged groups for the sake of the principle of equality can
be seen as a positive step. However, what is more important is that
the State implements effective policies and measures for these groups
based on the principle of social state.
Increasing Public Investment in Eastern and

Southeastern Anatolia
In the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions there has been a
considerable increase in public investments between 2002-2012. In
148
2002-2012
this ten-year period, investments made to the mentioned regions exceeded 37 billion TL.
According to the data provided by the Ministry of Development,
while in 2002 the total share provided to the Eastern and Southeastern
Anatolian regions from the development programs was 7%, this
figure has reached 12% in 2012. While the total program grant to
Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian regions was 2.198.065,00 TL
in 2002,in 2012 this figure reached 6.5 billion TL including the investments made within the scope of the Village Infrastructure Support Project (KYDES). In 2012 for the provinces within the East
Anatolia Project the share was 8.9% and for the provinces within the
Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP) the share was 14.6%.
Increase in Regional Prosperity with the Southeastern

Anatolia Project (GAP) Action Plan
The Southeastern Anatolia Project, that aims to increase the income
level and living standards in this region and eliminate the gap among
the level of development as well as increasing the fertility in the rural
areas and the employment possibilities in the Southeast Anatolia Region, is a multi-sectoral, integrated and sustainable regional development project that acts with the aim of development. Within the scope
of GAP there are nine provinces (Adyaman, Batman, Diyarbakr,
Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, anlurfa and rnak) that correspond
to 10% of Turkey in terms of the size of its landscape and population.
In the scope of the GAP project that has been in implementation since
1989. 48 billion TL had been spent by the end of 2012. In this process,
very successful results were observed in terms of hydroelectric power
plants, one of the most important subheadings of the project, and ten
hydroelectric power plants were completed and put into operation.
According to the 2012 data, power plants within the scope of GAP
provide half of the hydroelectric energy produced in the country.
149

GAP, which is a highly important and comprehensive project that has
led to our country become a brand in the international arena, initiated the GAP Action Plan in 2008 to cover fundamental infrastructure needs starting with irrigation, and to accelerate economic and
social development. Within the GAP action plan, there are seventythree main actions gathered under four main headings of Realizing
Economic Development, Realizing Social Development, Developing the Infrastructure and Developing Institutional Capacity.
Increasing the employment rate, decreasing unemployment, increasing the quality of the work force and creating social integration and
particularly providing employment for women and youth are listed
at the head of these actions. In this scope, investment in transportation, housing, education, health, culture, tourism, and organized
industrial zones have been initiated.
Between 2008 and 2012, more than 18 billion TL were transferred to
related institutions for more than 300 projects and activities within
the GAP Action Plan, of which 15 billion has been spent. Thus, the
percentage of the GAP Region investments in the central budget
doubled from 7 percent to 14 percent. In parallel with these rises, the
unemployment rate, which was 17.4 percent in 2009, dropped to 11.7
percent in 2011.
In the year 2002, total exports worth 600 million US Dollars was made
from the GAP Region, this number has raised approximately 14 fold,
reaching 8.1 billion US Dollars in 2012. While Turkeys totals export
increased by 42.2% between 2007 and 2012, the GAP Regions total export increased approximately 1.5 times more during the same period.
During the last 10 years, the schooling rates in the GAP region
increased; from 3 % to 55 % for pre-school education, from 94 %
to 99 % for primary education and from 27 % to 50 % for secondary education. Moreover, the number of universities in the region
increased from 3 to 9 with the establishment of 6 new universities.
150
2002-2012
Return to the Village and Rehabilitation Project
The Return to the Village and Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) was
initiated with the objective of facilitating resettlement of families
who had to migrate from their villages for reasons related to security and terrorism, but who were willing to return to their villages,
establishing social and economic infrastructure in villages which
might be needed when they returned and restoring sustainable life
conditions in those villages. When it comes to those who are not
willing to return to villages, the project aims to increase their adaptation to life in the provinces where they are settled and improve
their economic and social status. This project is implemented in
fourteen provinces (namely Adyaman, Ar, Batman, Bingl, Bitlis, Diyarbakr, Elaz, Hakkri, Mardin, Mu, Siirt, rnak, Tunceli,
Van). This project includes various activities. To illustrate, the following activities and projects were carried out: activities aiming at
providing the infrastructure in villages to restart life there and make
it permanent, activities aiming to develop agriculture, animal husbandry and handicrafts in villages, vocational courses to make sure
that those who prefer to live in cities are employed, projects to improve employment rates and social projects and activities targeting
particularly the women, young people and children.
A total of 386.360 people from 62.448 households migrated for security reasons during the 1990s. Thanks to this project, out of those
people, a total number of 187.861 people from 28.384 households
returned to their villages. This project used upa total amount of
146.015.000,00 TL till the end of 2012. Using these funds, social and
rehabilitation projects were implemented to establish social centres, sports centres and training centres for the youth, women and
children. In addition, vocational courses were provided and employment projects were carried out. Projects to construct student dormitories, infrastructure projects to support road, water, electricity
and sewage systems, projects to repair school, hospital buildings as
151

well as other facilities which were damaged, projects to allow citizens
returning to their villages to construct their own houses as well as
agriculture and animal husbandry projects were also realized.
Compensation of the Losses of Victims of Terrorism

In 2004, The Law on Compensating Losses Due to Terrorism and
Counter-Terrorism became effective in order to amicably remedy
the losses of our citizens who suffer as a result of terrorism and counter terrorism activities in a speedy, efficient and fair manner. Within
the framework of this law, losses from death, injury and disability,
damaged real estate and assets, adversely affected the agricultural
and animal breeding activities, as well as losses suffered by our citizens who had to migrate because of terror and therefore cannot access their assets shall be compensated.
The ECtHR, which previously accepted applications regarding claims
of village evacuation regardless of requirement for exhaustion of domestic remedies, has ruled in a decision which was taken after this
law became effective that the applications in this regard are inadmissible emphasizing that this new law is an effective domestic remedy.
This ruling also referred the applicants to the commissions set up to
determine the losses.
This law stipulated that Loss Determination Commissions should
be set up in provinces to compensate for the losses. Sixty-six of these
commissions completed their work whereas 21 of them in various
provinces are still working on the received applications.
By the end of April 2013, a total number of 361.322 applications had
been received by the Loss Determination Commissions set up under this law. For 320.196 of these applications, a final decision has
been made. It was concluded that compensation should be paid in
172.129 of the applications for which a final decision was made. As
152
2002-2012
of April 2013, the total amount of compensation requested to be
paid to our citizens whose claims were found to be valid and with
whom a negotiated settlement was signed as a result of evaluation
was 2.967.760.380 TL. The whole amount has already been paid to
these persons.
153
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA

OF STRENGTHENING LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS
2002-2012
STEPS TAKEN IN THE AREA OF

STRENGTHENING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
For many years, Turkeys public administration had a strictly centralist
outlook in terms of public service provision. This structure resulted
in the central governments holding the decision-making processes
relating to the performance of many tasks assigned to municipalities and special provincial administrations, which are local government units, and the central government bodies performing relevant
services. On the other hand, when the central government bodies
provided public services that were of a local nature, this hampered
effective, efficient, high quality and fast service provision. Most of the
time, the services provided were far from meeting local demands.
Furthermore, a comprehensive local government reform became a
requirement due to the fact that the central government kept the
municipalities and special provincial administrations, which already
had limited powers, under strict tutelage and because of problems
such as lack of financing faced by these administrations in the performance of their duties.
The local government reform, which had been on the national agenda for many years, was initiated within the framework of the above
mentioned circumstances in order to strengthen local democracy,
to reorganize the share of duties between the central and local
governments, to redefine local governments as autonomous in administrative and financial terms and to provide local services for
157

citizens in the closest vicinity (principle of locality in provision of
services). Throughout the decade-long process of democratic change
and transformation and as a result of the steps taken with respect to
the local government units which are significant in local democracy
context, local governments were further strengthened in terms of
administrative and financial autonomy; municipalities and special
provincial administrations were enabled to perform more efficiently
in the framework of the principle of decentralization.
In this framework, a contemporary legislation on local governments
was formed with new laws issued in regard to local government
units. Metropolitan municipal boundaries were reassigned in order
to strengthen democracy on a local level and to ensure that public
services are provided in a more effective and efficient manner.
in the inventory part, are explained below.
A New and Contemporary Local Government

Legislation
One of the most significant indicators regarding the level of development for a country is the extent of responsibilities and powers granted to local governments as well as whether or not sufficient resources
are allocated to them. The power granted to local governments had
been restricted in Turkey for a long time due to an ultra-centralized
structure and there was no legal amendment introduced into the legislation to fix this issue. One of the most obvious examples of this
situation was the fact that Municipalities Law dating back to 1930s
remained in force until the new Municipalities Law became effective in 2005. Thus, such a perspective, which was outdated, defended
over-centralized power and restrained the room for manoeuvre provided to local governments without granting them much power remained dominant for a long time.
158
2002-2012
As is required by democratization and decentralization, municipalities and special provincial administrations were reassessed in the
framework of the principle of decentralization as embodied in our
Constitution and the European Charter of Local Self-Government
and basic laws in this field underwent a complete renewal over the
last decade. These laws brought about important changes and overhauled local government units in line with the requirements of the
contemporary age. Reduction of the tutelage of the central government on local governments and transition towards a structure in
compliance with the requirements of local democracy are the main
features that come to the forefront in the context of local democracy.
Important changes brought about by these laws are as follows:
1. Municipality Law No: 5393: The duty, power and
responsibility, organization structure and organs of
municipalities were redefined and municipality administrations were granted administrative and financial
autonomy so as to provide services in the framework of
principle of locality. Moreover, tutelage over the decisions of the municipal assemblies was limited; all common local needs within municipal boundaries were reassigned as duties of municipalities; City Councils were
granted legal status in order to ensure participation in
the provision of municipal services; municipalities were
enabled to implement joint service projects with other
public bodies and organizations, professional organizations with public institution status, non-governmental
and international organizations; and municipalities
were enabled to recruit contracted employees.
2. Law on Metropolitan Municipalities No. 5216:
This law extends the boundaries of Metropolitan Municipalities on the basis of the size of their population
and puts an end to the conflict of duties and powers
159

between Metropolitan Municipality and metropolitan
district municipalities. Furthermore, in the scope of this
law, which allows for coordination of the investments
within Metropolitan Municipalities from a single center, Metropolitan Municipalities are enabled to perform
inspections on the development plans and implementations of the district municipalities in an effort to prevent
unplanned and irregular urbanization, illegal housing
and squatting.
3. Law on Special Provincial Administrations No.
5302: The Law redefines the duties, powers and responsibilities, organization and organs of the Special Provincial Administrations; and grants the Special Provincial
Administrations the administrative and financial autonomy so as to enable them to provide services in the
framework of the principle of locality. The Provincial
Council has been established as the decision-making
body of the Special Provincial Administration. It has
been decided that the head of the provincial council
is to be elected from among the council members. Tutelage over the decisions of the provincial council has
been limited. The establishment of the special provincial administration has been reorganized as general
secretariat. In addition to the tasks regarding the rural
infrastructure outside the municipal boundaries, special provincial administrations have been set to perform
numerous other tasks of local and joint nature relevant
to the environmental plan of the province, public works
and settlement, soil conservation, erosion prevention,
culture, arts, tourism, social services and aids and education. Recruitment of contracted personnel by the
special provincial administrations has been made possible for the performance of such tasks. Therefore, the
160
2002-2012
principle of service provision for citizens at their closest
vicinity and by the most suitable methods has been adopted; and the new provisions aimed to establish a more
democratic and citizen-oriented understanding in the
Special Provincial Administrations.
4. Law on Unions of Local Governments No. 5355: For
the first time since their establishment the Law granted
legal status to the Unions of Local Governments, which
were previously set up for the local governments to
jointly perform some local services,; and set out the legal
status, establishment, organs, administration, duties,
powers and responsibilities of the unions of local governments which are to be established. Unions of Service
Delivery for Villages have also been granted legal status;
and institutional infrastructure has been laid down for
implementation of KYDES projects, whose main goal
is to provide citizens, who live in rural areas, with access
to basic infrastructure services, primarily potable water
and transportation. Accordingly, the aim is to increase
cooperation between local governments, to make it
easier for them to jointly provide services, and to ensure
that joint local services are provided in a more productive, efficient manner and with better quality.
5. Law on the Provision of a Share of General Budget
Tax Revenue to Special Provincial Administrations
and Municipalities:This law has both increased the
total resources in the central budget allocated to local
governments and changed the system by which such resources are distributed to local governments. In 2002, a
total amount of 4.7 billion TL was allocated whereas this
number increased to 27 billion 713 million TL in 2012
thanks to this amendment.
161
Realignment of Metropolitan Municipality Borders

to Strengthen Democracy at the Local Level and
Promote Efficiency in Municipality Services
The regulation that came into effect in 2012 redefined the boundaries
of the metropolitan municipalities in order to carry out public services
in a more efficient and effective manner. The Law aims to strengthen
democracy in Turkey at a local level, to ensure productivity in municipal services and to provide better services. In this framework, the
number of Metropolitan Municipalities, which had previously been
16, increased to 29. Responsibilities and duties of the Metropolitan
Municipalities have been extended to cover the provincial administrative boundaries. Furthermore, the aforementioned law increased
the Metropolitan Municipalities sources of income. Legal entities of
the special provincial administrations have been abolished in Metropolitan Municipalities; towns and villages have been transformed
into neighborhoods. The new regulation transfers Special Provincial
Administrations local services-related duties to municipalities. This
change aims to ensure the shift towards a more efficient local government structure so as to further strengthen local democracy.
162
CONCLUSION
2002-2012
CONCLUSION
This study does not cover all the steps taken in the last decade.
Instead, it covers the steps taken particularly in the field of democratization and human rights as well as the main factors that made it
possible to take such steps.
This process, which started in 2002 with what could be considered the
most important step, the lifting of the state of emergency, transformed
into a sort of silent
revolution
which
A new approach has been
brought multi-faceted
adopted in the last decade to
resolve the problems faced from
ease to Turkey with its
past to present. This approach
citizens and institureflects
a perspective which steps
tions and normalized
beyond the conventional security
daily life.
paradigm and places universal

democratic values to the forefront
in the resolution of the countrys
problems. Turkey has switched
gears, so to speak, in terms of
democratization within the last
decade and made grand reforms
by abandoning the flawed
policies of the past.
A new approach has

been adopted in the
last decade to resolve
the problems faced
from past to present. This approach
reflects a perspective
which steps beyond
the conventional security paradigm and places universal democratic
values to the forefront in the resolution of the countrys problems.
165

Turkey has switched gears, so to speak, in terms of democratization
within the last decade and made grand reforms by abandoning the
flawed policies of the past.
The National Union and Fraternity Project, which started in 2009,
helped make the aforementioned paradigm shift cover all of the pertinent problems Turkey faces. An atmosphere was created in which
everything can be discussed and policies of denial were completely left
behind. The process of the National Union and Fraternity Project contributed to the normalization of the country by bringing many issues
that were suppressed and ignored for decade to the agenda. Hence,
there were almost no issues or taboos left unaddressed or untreated.
All of the steps taken made major contributions to resolving Turkeys
chronic problems. Some of the major steps include; making daily
lives of citizens living in a large part of Turkey easier by lifting the
state of emergency; beginning a comprehensive confrontation with
the past; surpassing any kind of tutelage imposed on peoples will;
broadening cultural rights; establishing a libertarian understanding
in many areas starting in the use of Kurdish.
It is beyond any doubt that this process came into being as a result
of a long and arduous journey. The legislation underwent a comprehensive screening within this period and anti-democratic and
anti-freedom provisions that were inserted into the legal system at
different times were sorted out. Consequently, many arrangements
whose effects had been felt in the daily life were removed from the
legal system. Bearing in mind that democratization is a never-ending
process, it becomes evident that it is important to multiply such work
and avoid easing up on the acceleration of this process.
Reforms in the fields of democracy, human rights and rule of law,
when considered in the light of contributions made by the developments in the economic field, also increased Turkeys self-confidence.
The atmosphere of despair, caused by instability, anti-democratic
166
2002-2012
interventions and other similar problems prior to 2002, disappeared
thanks to the implementations of the decade that followed; people
have had more hope for the future since then. Steps towards democratization received great social support since they were realized
in line with the expectations of the society and aimed at meeting
genuine needs. This is the main reason for the stability and economic
developments Turkey has achieved in the last decade.
In conclusion, between 2002-2012 Turkey negotiated some steep curves
and took firm steps on the journey to democratization and freedom.
However, what remains to be done in a constantly changing Turkey and
the world is undoubtedly not limited to what has been accomplished.
Reforms should be pursued with the same determination in order to
meet demands of our citizens such as more freedom, security, democracy and peace; and for a public bureaucracy that does not lag behind
world developments.
Adopting an approach
In conclusion, between 2002-2012
based on justice and
Turkey negotiated some steep
social peace and
curves and took firm steps on
considering its histhe journey to democratization
torical, cultural and
and freedom. However, what
geographical depth remains to be done in a constantly
changing Turkey and the world
and differences as
is undoubtedly not limited to
richness, Turkey will
what
has been accomplished.
become a country of
Reforms should be pursued with
more peace and welthe
same determination in order
fare and it will also
to meet demands of our citizens
strengthen its position
such as more freedom, security,
as a country whose
democracy and peace; and for a
citizens are happier,
public bureaucracy that does not
freer and safer. Turkey,
lag behind world developments.
described as such, will
contribute more to
the stability in its region and in the world as a major playmaker with its
democratic regime, peaceful foreign policy, strong and stable economy.
167
168
2002-2012
CHAPTER TWO
TURKEYS CHANGE AND
TRANSFORMATION
INVENTORY (2002-2012)
169
2002-2012
Efforts for democratization in recent years gained speed

following Turkeys candidacy for EU in Helsinki in 1999.
In this field, significant steps were taken, in particular the
constitutional amendments enacted in 2001. Therefore,
this inventory study, entitled as Turkeys Change and
Transformation Inventory, consists of activities performed
in the last ten years covering the period of 2002-2012,
which is of specific importance in terms of intensity, scope,
characteristics and impact of the reforms. In addition, steps
taken towards democratization in the first ten months of the
year 2013 were also included due to their significance.
171
2002
2002-2012
2002
THE FIRST EUROPEAN UNION (EU) HARMONIZATION
PACKAGE6

Amendments to the Turkish Penal Code No. 765: With the

amendment to the first paragraph of Article 159 of the Turkish
Penal Code, the penalty for defamation and derision of state and
bodies thereof was reduced from the range of 1-6 years imprisonment to the range of 1-3 years. With the amendment to Article 312 of Turkish Penal Code, fines were removed from the
text of the article (Articles 1 and 2 of Law No: 4744).
Amendments to the Counterterrorism Act: With the amendments to Articles 7 and 8 of Law No: 3713, limitations against
freedom of thought and expression were extenuated (Articles 3
and 4 of Law No: 4744).
Reduction in Detention Periods: The provision indicating that

the detention period for collective crimes may be extended up
to 7 days, which was specified in the second paragraph of Article
16 of the Law on Establishment and Rules of Procedure of State
Security Courts, was removed from the text of the article. With
the amendment to the third paragraph, the detention period in
State of Emergency Regions was reduced from 7 days to 4 days
and the upper limit for this period was reduced from 10 days to
6 Law No: 4744 dated 6/2/2002 (Official Gazette:19/2/2002, 24676).
175

7 days. In the same context, the second sentence in the second
paragraph of Article 128 of Criminal Procedure Codewas deleted from the text of the article and the maximum detention
period for collective crimes was reduced from 7 days to 4 days
(Articles 5 and 6 of Law No: 4744).

Extension of Suspects Right to Legal Advice: With the

amendment to Article 16/4 of the Law on Establishment and
Rules of Procedure of State Security Courts, a suspects right
to legal advice while under detention was extended to cover
crimes under the jurisdiction of State Security Courts (Article
5 of Law No: 4744).
Extension of Facility for Notification of Relatives about the

Condition of Arrested or Detained People: With the amendment to the third paragraph of Article 107 of Code on Criminal Trials Procedure, it was stipulated that a relative or a person
specified by the arrested person would be immediately informed
about arrest and order for extension of the arrest period upon a
decision by Public Prosecutor (Article 7 of Law No: 4744).
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Strengthening Freedom of Press: With the amendments to

the Press Law, the scope of press crimes was narrowed and the
period of the ban which could be imposed on the press entity
which published the offending article was amended to 1-15
days instead of 3 days-1 month. In addition, the sentence of
imprisonment of 1-6 monthsenvisaged for those responsible
for the related crime was turned into imprisonment of 1-3
months. Fines were removed from the text of the article (Article 2 of Law No: 4748).
Law No: 4748 and dated 26/3/2002 (Official Gazette: 9/4/2002, 24721).
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Securing Freedom of Association: With the amendments to

Articles 4, 5, 6, 34, 38 and 43 of Law of Associations, bans and
limitations on who could found associations and the languages
to be used in associations activities were abolished and the permission system for the establishment of associations was transformed into a notification system (Article 5 of Law No: 4748).
Extension of the Right to Peaceful Assembly: With amendments to Articles 9, 17 and 19 of Law No: 2911 on Meetings
and Protest Marches, having the capacity to act and being 18
years old was deemed to be sufficient to exercise the right to
assembly and restrictive provisions on organization boards were
abolished. In addition, reasons for limitation on prohibition or
postponement of assemblies were reduced and an arrangement
was made to postpone rather than prohibit assemblies in provinces or districts (Articles 6 and 7 of Law No: 4748).
Extension of Freedom of Organization concerning Political

Parties: With the amendments to Articles 101 and 102 of Law
No: 2820 on Political Parties, as an alternative to the option of
closing down political parties, a provision on Partial or complete divestiture of state aid was enacted. With the amendment
to Article 103 of the Law, a criterion for being a focal point was
enacted in order to make it difficult for political parties to be
closed down (Article 4 of Law No: 4748).
Effective Implementation of ECtHR judgments: With the

amendment to Article 13 of the Law on Trial of Civil Servants
and Other Public Officials, a rule of recourse was enacted making personnel responsible for the crimes of torture and ill-treatment liable for the compensation paid by the state as a result of
ECtHR verdicts on these crimes (Article 3 of Law No: 4748).
177

Strengthening the Right of Defence: In order to ensure that

a person who is apprehended or arrested for crimes under the
jurisdiction of the State Security Courts is able to talk to defence counsel alone, thereby and strengthening his/her right of
defence in this way, the last paragraph of Article 16 of the Law
on the Establishment and Rules of Procedure of State Security
Courts was abolished (Article 7 of Law No: 4748).
Taking Steps Towards Civilianization: Article 9 of the Law on

Organization, Duties and Authorities of the Gendarmerie was
abolished and it was made impossible for gendarmerie officers
to act as proxy for governors and district governors. Further,
with the amendment to Article 29 of the Provincial Administration Law, it was adjudicated that only local authorities may act as
proxy for district governors (Article 7 of Law No: 4748).
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Abolishment of the Death Penalty: The death penalty, which

had not been carried out in Turkey since 1984, was abolished in
accordance with the 6th Additional Protocol to ECHR except for
war, immediate danger of war and terror crimes (Article 1 of Law
No: 4771).
Providing a the New Trial Procedure in Light of ECtHR judgments: Civil Procedure Code No: 1086 and Criminal Procedure
Code No: 1412 were amended to allow for a new trial in criminal
and civil cases in accordance with judgments made by ECtHR
(Articles 6 and 7 of Law No: 4771).
Extension of Freedom of Press: Upon abolishment of Article

31 and Additional Article 3 of the Press Law, all imprisonment
Law No: 4771 and dated 3/8/2002 (Official Gazette: 9.8.2002, 24841)
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2002-2012
penalties defined for crimes committed through the press were
abolished and freedom of expression and press was extended
(Article 12 of Law No: 4771).

Strengthening Freedom of Association: With amendments to

Articles 11, 12, 45, 47 and 62 of the Law of Associations, provisions that facilitated activities of associations were enacted. With
amendments to Articles 39 and 56 of the Law, restrictions on
public officials and students becoming members of associations
were abolished (Articles 3 and 12 of Law No: 4771).
Providing Facility for Broadcasting and Opening Private

Courses in Different Languages and Dialects: With the amendments to the Law on Foreign Language Education and Training
and the Law on Establishment and Broadcasting of Radios and
Televisions, limitations on the right of Turkish citizens to broadcast and provide training in different languages and dialects that
they use in their daily lives were abolished (Articles 8 and 11 of
Law No: 4771).
Strengthening the Right to Peaceful Assembly: With the

amendments to the Law on Assembly and Protest Marches, it
was made easier for foreigners to participate in assemblies and
protest marches and events in Turkey, the notification period for
organization of meetings was reduced from seventy two hours
to forty eight hours and freedoms about assemblies and protest
marches were extended (Article 5 of Law No: 4771).
Elimination of Property Problems for Community Foundations: With the amendment to Article 1 of the Law of Foundations, improvements were made for community foundations to
acquire and dispose of real estates (Article 4 of Law No: 4771).
179
LIFTING OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY

On 30 November 2002, twelve days after the formation of the new
government on 18 November 2002, a new extension decision was
not made and practice of maintaining a State of Emergency was abolished. Thus, the regime of continuous State of Emergency, which had
been extended 46 times from 19 July 1987 to its date of abolition,
came to an end.
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Extension of Fields of Activities for Associations: With the

amendments to the Law of Associations; associations were allowed to use any language in their non-formal correspondence,
legal persons as well as real persons were allowed to become
members of associations and associations were allowed to open
branches in other countries. Limitations on publication of notices and broadcasting were alleviated. The obligation to submit
one copy of these documents to the related authorities including
the Office of Public Prosecutor prior to its circulation was also
abolished (Art. 20 of Law No: 4778).
Amendment of the Press Law: With the amendment to Article

15 of the Press Law; provisions were enacted in order to ensure
that owners, managing directors of periodicals and writers of the
articles are not forced to reveal their news sources and to provide
protection for them to this end (Art. 4 of Law No: 4778).
Amendment as Regards Crimes of Torture and Ill-Treatment:

In order to ensure that verdicts of imprisonment for crimes of
torture and ill-treatment are not suspended or converted into
fines, Articles 243 (torture) and 245 (ill-treatment) of the Turkish Penal Code were amended. In this context, the definition of
Law No: 4778 and dated 2/1/2003 (Official Gazette: 11/1/2003, 24990).
183

the crime of torture and ill-treatment was extended, penalties
for these crimes were increased and it was prohibited to suspend
or convert these penalties into fines (Law No: 4778, Art.1).

Making it More Difficult to Close Down Political Parties:

More democratic rules were enacted for membership in political parties and operation of parties. In this context, it was made
more difficult to close down political parties (Amendments to the
Law No: 2820 on Political Parties made with the Law No: 4778).
Amendment of the Law on the Human Rights Review Committee: Article 7/2 of the Law on Human Rights Review Committee was amended, in the scope of which a provision was enacted in order to ensure that the Committee informs applicants
about result of the applications or the related procedures within
sixty days (Amendments to Article 29 of Law No: 4778).
Amendment of the Law on Trials of Civil Servants and Other

Public Officials: Article 2 of the Law on Trials of Civil Servants
and Other Public Officials was amended. In accordance with
this amendment, a paragraph was added into Article 2 of the
above-stated law and it was envisaged that provisions in the
Law No: 4483 would not apply for the system of permission for
investigations and prosecutions to be initiated in line with Articles 243 and 245 of Turkish Penal Code No: 765 and the fourth
paragraph of Article 154 of Code on Criminal Trials Procedure.
With an amendment, it was made possible to initiate ex-officio
investigations about claims of torture and ill-treatment and investigations about public officials that do not fulfil the legal requirements of the office of public prosecutor (Amendments to
Article 33 of Law No: 4778).
Amendment of the Decree Law No: 430: Article 3/c of the Decree Law on Regional State of Emergency Governors Office and
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Additional Measures to be Taken During a State of Emergency
was amended.10 With this amendment, it was envisaged that the
period of ten days specified in (c) sub-paragraph of Article 3
of the Decree Law No: 430 would be reduced to four days in
accordance with the Constitutional amendments and the Law
on Amendment of Some Laws no: 4744. The same amendment
was aimed at ensuring that a judge should hear a convict or detainee before making a verdict each time, that detainees may
only be taken from penal institutions or prison for statementtaking, showing a place, confrontation, identification and medical examination, that a convict or detainee should make use of
the rights s/he has in line with his/her legal status and that his/
her medical condition should be determined through a medical
report when s/he leaves and return to the penal institution or
prison. Hence, guarantees for rights of convicts and detainees
were strengthened (Amendments to Article 32 of Law No: 4778).
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Initiating New Criminal and Civil Remedies Based on ECtHR

judgments: In Turkey, facility of new trial based on ECtHR judgments was initiated with the Law dated 3/8/2002 with no: 4771.
However, provisions of the Law on new trial were amended with
10 Article 32. The first paragraph of (c) sub-paragraph of Article 3 of the Decree Law
dated 15/12/1990 with no: 430 on Regional State of Emergency Governors Office
and Additional Measures to be Taken During State of Emergency was amended as
follows:
Upon proposal of the Regional State of Emergency Governor, request of the authorized Public Prosecutor and verdict of the judge, convicts or detainees may be
taken from the penal institution or prison for a maximum period of four days for
interrogation, showing a place, confrontation, identification and medical examination in interrogation of crimes that result in violations of a state of emergency.
This period shall be deemed to be completed under conviction or imprisonment.
A Judge shall hear a convict or detainee before s/he makes a verdict each time. The
Convict or detainee shall make use of rights in line with his/her legal status after s/
he leaves the penal institution or prison. The medical condition of the convict or
detainee shall be determined through a medical report when s/he leaves and returns
to the penal institution or prison.
11 Law No: 4793 and dated 23/1/2003 (Official Gazette: 4/2/2003, 25014).
185

the Law with no. 4793 and remedy of new trial based on the
judgments of violation made by ECtHR were re-arranged with
Articles 1, 2, 3 and 5 of this Law. With this arrangement, judgments of violation made by ECtHR were deemed to be a reason
for a new trial in civil and criminal trials. Similarly, with Provisional Article 5 added into the Law No: 4928 as well as the Law
on Administrative Trials Procedure, final judgments of violation
made by ECtHR were deemed to be a reason for new trial under
the Law on Administrative Trial Procedure. In the new Criminal
Procedure Code and new Civil Procedure Code, which entered
into force on 1/6/2005, previous arrangements were basically
adopted. In this way, ECtHR violations arising from judicial decisions were eliminated and the legal basis was created to implement ECtHR judgments about this issue (Criminal Procedure
Code No: 5271, Art. 311/1-f; Civil Procedure Code No: 6100, Art.
375/1-i).

Amendment of the Law of Associations: The penalty of imprisonment, stipulated for cases of failure to comply with the
provisions of acquisition of property, necessary permission procedure and supervision as specified in the Law of Associations,
was reduced to a fine. Thus, it was ensured that people would not
face any punishment restricting freedom because of violation of
these provisions in the Law (Amendment of Art. 82 of Law No:
2908 made with Art. 4 of Law No: 4793).
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Allowing for Broadcasting in Different Languages and Dialects: Legal limitations against broadcasting in different languages and dialects were eliminated for TRT as well as private
television channels (Amendment to Art. 4/1-4 of Law No: 3984
made with Article 14 of Law No: 4928).
12 Law No: 4928 dated 15/7/2003 (Official Gazette: 19/7/2003, 25173).
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2002-2012

Amendment of the Counterterrorism Act: Article 8 of Counterterrorism Act regarding Propaganda against indivisibility of
state, which constituted an impediment for freedom of expression and resulted in Turkeys conviction before the ECtHR, was
abolished (Law No: 4928, Art. 19/b). In addition, an amendment
was made to Article 1 of Counterterrorism Act and a condition
of violence and force was stipulated for committing a terror
crime (Law No: 4928, Art. 20).
Amendment of the Law on Cinema, Video and Music Works:

The scope of bans on these works was reduced and limited to
contradiction to main characteristics of Republic and indivisibility of State with its country and nation. It was made obligatory to submit prohibition decisions made by administrative
authorities in this field to a judge for approval within 24 hours.
Moreover, the representative of the National Security Council
was removed from the Board of Inspection for Cinema, Video
and Music Works (Articles 10, 11 and 12 of Law No: 4928).
Abolishment of Legal Regulations that Envisage a Reduction

in Penalty for Honour Killings: With an amendment, Article
462 of Turkish Penal Code No: 765, which envisaged a sentencing reduction for honour killings, was abolished. As for justification of the article, it was specified that this correction be made
in order to prevent the article on sentence reductions being used
for cases of honour killings. In addition, with an amendment
made to Article 453 of the Turkish Penal Code No: 765, penalties
for murders committed in the name of moral laws were aggravated (Articles 1 and 19/a of Law No: 4928).
Extension of Period for Application of Community Foundations for Registration of Real Estates: With the amendment
made to the Law of Associations; the period of 6 months envisaged for applications to be made on behalf of community foun187

dations to register on their behalf real estate, at the Foundations
disposal, increased to 18 months (Provisional article added into
the Law of associations No: 2762 with Article 2 of Law No: 4928).

Elimination of Barriers Against Our Citizens Naming Their

Children with Names of Their Choice: Through the Law No:
4928 on Amendment of Various Laws, Article 16 of the Law on
Population Registration was amended and our citizens were allowed to name their children with names of their choice (Amendment of Art. 2 of Law No: 1587 made with Art. 5 of Law No: 4928).
Extension of Freedoms on Prayer Areas of Our Citizens with

Different Religions and Beliefs: In order to extend freedoms on
prayer areas of our citizens with different religions and beliefs,
amendments were made to the Zoning Law. This amendment
replaced the word mosque mentioned in the Zoning Law with
the word Prayer Area. Thus, prayer areas other than mosques
were included in this law. In addition, this amendment provided
that when drawing up development plans, enough space will
be set aside for prayer areas considering the needs of the district
and region covered by the plan. In this regard, it was stipulated
places of worship may be constructed on the condition that
permission is granted from the local authority and the regulations on development is observed. This stipulation had the aim
of eliminating complaints regarding construction of places of
worship to be used by believers of other religions (Amendment
made in Additional Article 2 of the Zoning Law No: 3194 with
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Civilianization of the National Security Council: In terms of

democratization, in order to harmonize the duties and operation
13 Law No: 4963 dated 30/7/2003, (Official Gazette: 7/8/2003, 25192).
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2002-2012
of the Secretariat General for the National Security Council with
Article 118 of the Constitution, a procedure was initiated for
appointment of the Secretary General of the National Security
Council upon the proposal of the Prime Minister and approval
of the President. The duties and authorities of Secretary General
of National Security Council were rearranged and it was made
possible for the Secretary General to be a civilian. Moreover, it
was decided that National Security Council would assemble every two months (Amendments made in the Law No: 2945 with
Articles 25 and 27 of Law No: 4963).

Amendment of the Law on Establishment and Trial Procedure

of Military Courts: With the related amendment, the scope of
the implementation of Military Penal Code to civilians was narrowed (Amendment made in Art. 11 of Law No: 353 with Art. 6 of
Law No: 4963).
Legal Amendment on Cases of Torture: With the related

amendment; it was foreseen that trials would be made in an urgent manner and on priority basis, that trials would not be
postponed for a period longer than 30 days and that trials would
continue during judiciary recess. These amendments were aimed
at preventing delays in cases as regards claims of torture (Additional Article 7 of Criminal Procedure CodeNo: 1412 added with
Enabling the Organization of Private Courses for Learning

Different Languages and Dialects: An amendment was made
to the Law on Foreign Language Education and Training and
Learning of Different Languages and Dialects by Turkish Citizens to make it possible to organize private courses for learning
different languages and dialects, which were traditionally used
in daily life (Amendment made in Article 2 of Law No: 2923 with
189

Amendments to the Turkish Penal Code: The lower limit of

the imprisonment for defamation of state and bodies thereof
and threat to the indivisibility of the Turkish Republic specified in Article 159 of Turkish Penal Code was reduced from
one year to six months. Besides, the provision for punishment
of the act of facilitating activities of terrorism organizations for
any reason was abolished and Article 169 of the Turkish Penal
Code regulating the crime supporting and acting as accessory
to a terror organizations was restrained (Amendment made with
Art. 1 and 2 of Law No: 4963).
Amendment of Conditions for Establishment of Associations

and Membership in Associations: Limitations on convicts of
any crime being founders of associations and limitations on
members of associations or parties which had been closed down
by a court judgment, were diminished. Higher education students were allowed to establish associations in the fields of art,
culture and science as well as education, training, morale and
recreation (Amendment made with Art. 11-17 of Law No: 4963).
Extension of Facilities for Exercising Right to Assembly and

Demonstrations: With the amendments to the Law on Assembly and Protest Marches, periods of postponement for assemblies
and protest marches were shortened, penalties in relation to illegal
practices were rearranged and use of the right for organization
of assemblies and protest marches was put on a more democratic
foundation (Amendments made with Art. 18-22 of Law No: 4963).
Strengthening Childrens Rights: In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, everyone under 18 years old
was considered to be a child and exceptions to the jurisdiction of
Juvenile Courts were abolished. Thus trial of children in courts
other than juvenile courts was prevented (Amendments made in
Law No: 4963 and Article 6 of Law No: 2253).
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2002-2012
Setting up Family Courts: The Law on Establishment, Roles
and Trial Procedures of Family Courts paved the way for the
establishment of family courts, which employ one psychologist,
pedagogue and social services expert. In addition, these courts
were authorized with trial and taking protective, educational and
social precautions as well (Law No: 4787 and dated 9/1/2003, Official Gazette: 18/1/2003, 24997).
Making it Easier for Community Foundations to Acquire Real
Estates: With the amendment to the regulation, it was made easier for community foundations to acquire and dispose of real estate. The obligation to receiving permission from the Council of
Ministers for registration of real estate on behalf of a foundation
was abolished and it was provided that this permission would be
given by the General Directorate of Foundations (Regulation on
Acquisition of Real Estates by Community Foundations Official
Gazette: 24/1/2003, 25003).
Enhancing International Cooperation to Ensure Efficient Fight
Against Transnational Organized Crime:United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and Additional
Protocols to UN Convention against Transnational Organized
Crime (Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking
in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the
United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized
Crime and Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by
Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime), which aim to fight
against transnational crimes such as smuggling of drugs, migrants
and arms and human trafficking, were ratified (Laws No: 4800,
4803 and 4804 dated 30/1/2003, Official Gazette: 4/2/2003, 25014).
Setting up European Union Harmonization Commission
within TGNA: The European Union Harmonization Com191

mission was set up with a view to monitoring and negotiating
Turkeys EU harmonization process, monitor the latest developments in the EU, inform the TGNA of the latest developments
and present an opinion, when necessary, to the specialization
commissions on the regulatory compliance of draft laws, legislative proposals and decrees with EU legislation (Law No: 4847
dated 15/4/2003, Official Gazette: 18/04/2003, 25084).
Ratification of the Civil Law Convention on Corruption:
Civil Law Convention on Corruption, drafted by the Council
of Europe, which aims to eliminate problems caused by corruption facing individuals, government bodies, international organizations and corporations, was ratified. This convention has the
purpose of preventing acts of corruption which may appear in
civil law relations, through rules and sanctions defined in the
framework of civil law rather than criminal sanctions (Law No:
4852 dated17/4/2003, Official Gazette: 24/4/2003, 25088).
Ratification of the Universal Conventions on Human Rights:
UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (1966), which are known as the twin covenants and
which constitute two of the most important universal documents in the field of human rights, were ratified in 2003. Upon
ratification of these covenants, one of the political criteria for
Turkey to be an EU member was fulfilled (Law No: 4868 dated
4/6/2003 on Due Ratification of International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights; Law No: 4867 dated 4/6/2003 on Due Ratification of International Covenant on Economic, Civil and Cultural
Rights, Official Gazette: 18/6/2003, 25142).
Establishment of Reform Monitoring Group: The Reform
Monitoring Group was set up on 10th September 2003 to
monitor implementation of EU harmonization laws. In addi192
2002-2012
tion, the EU Communication Group was set up to promote
Turkey in Europe.
Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in
Armed Conflict: The Optional Protocol to the Convention
on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children
in Armed Conflict, which aims to implement the provisions
in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibiting
inclusion of children under the age of 15 years in hostilities
and to apply rules of humanitarian law to children in armed
conflicts, was ratified (Law No: 4991 dated 16/10/2003, Official
Gazette:21/10/2003, 25266).
Right to Information: The Right to information, which had
existed in the democratic rule of law for a long time as a prerequisite for open, transparent and accountable government
mentality, was reflected in our legislation through Right to Information Law (Law No: 4982 dated 9/10/2003, Official Gazette:
24/10/2003, 25269).
Abolishment of the Death Penalty: Turkey ratified the Protocol
on abolishment of the death penalty on 12/11/2003 (Additional
Protocol 6 to European Convention on Human Rights).
Excluding Law Enforcement Forces from Human Rights
Boards in Provinces and Districts: The relevant regulation was
amended in order to enhance civil participation in human rights
boards in provinces and districts and strengthen human rights.
Consequently, law enforcement forces were excluded from
membership in the boards (Official Gazette: 23/11/2003, 25298).
193

Organizing Courses for Teaching Different Languages and
Dialects: It was made possible to organize courses in order to
teach different languages and dialects. Legal arrangements were
made on this issue and regulation and curriculum were prepared
(Official Gazette: 5/12/2003, 25307).
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Amendment of the Higher Education Law: Provision for the

election of a member to the Council of Higher Education by the
Turkish General Staff was abolished (Provision stipulated in Art.
6/b-3 of Law No: 2547 was abolished with the provision stipulated
in Art. 2/B of Law No: 5218).
Amendment of the Law on Establishment and Broadcasting

of Radio and Television Channels: With the amendment, provision for nomination of Radio and Television Supreme Council membership by the Secretariat General of National Security
Council was abolished (Art. 6/1-d of Law No: 3984 was abolished
with Art. 2/D of Law No: 5218).
Amendment of the Wireless Law: With the amendment, the

Secretary General of the National Security Council was excluded
from membership of the Supreme Council of Communication
(Amendment made in Art. 6/1 of the Law with Art. 2/C of Law
No: 5218).
Complete Exclusion of the Death Penalty from Legislation:

All articles which referred to death penalty, were amended to
bring them into harmony with the complete exclusion of death
14 Law No: 5218 dated14/7/2004, (Official Gazette: 21/7/2004, 25529).
197

penalty from the constitution with the Law No: 5170 (Law No:
5218, Art.1).
Becoming a Member of Group of States against Corruption
(GRECO): On 1st January 2004 Turkey became a member of
Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), which is part of
Council of Europe. GRECO is a flexible and effective mechanism
used in the fight against corruption. The condition to be met to
become a full member of GRECO is to unconditionally agree with
an evaluation to be carried out by GRECO and participate in mutual evaluation stages without limitation. The aim of GRECO is to
observe the systems used in member states to fight against corruption and help them enhance their capacity for this end.
Ratification of the Convention concerning Occupational
Safety and Health and the Working Environment and the
Convention concerning Occupational Health Services: Aiming to meet international standards concerning labour and social security and improve its current situation by implementing
these standards, Turkey ratified Convention no. 155 concerning
Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment
and Convention no. 161 concerning Occupational Health Services, which shows its determination to become a party to international regulations and implement them (Laws No: 5038 and
5039 dated 7/1/2004, Official Gazette: 13/1/2004, 25345).
Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in
respect of Inter-country Adoption: The Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Inter-country
Adoption was ratified aiming to find a family for orphaned and
abandoned children and ensure that inter-country adoption
takes place in accordance with the best interest of the child and
childs rights recognized in international law. This convention
has the purpose of preventing undesired events such as child ab198
2002-2012
duction and traffic in children (Law No: 5049 dated 14/1/2004,
Official Gazette: 20/1/2004, 25352).
Ratification of the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption:
As a proof of its determination in its fight against corruption,
our country ratified Criminal Law Convention on Corruption
drafted by Council of Europe which criminalizes acts of corruption and foresees establishing a strong and effective cooperation
and follow up mechanism to be employed when such criminal
acts are prosecuted (Law No: 5065 dated 14/1/2004, Official Gazette: 20/1/2004, 25352).
Acting in accordance with the Principle of Equality in Recruiting Personnel: A circular issued by Prime Ministers Office requested all public organizations to determine application
criteria in accordance with service requirements and act in a
manner that would allow an impression of favoritism among
citizens to be created when they recruit new personnel (Circular
no. 2004/7, Official Gazette: 22/1/2004, 25354).
Facilities for Radio and Television Broadcasting in Different
Languages and Dialects: The Regulation on Radio and Television Broadcasting in Different Languages and Dialects, which
are Traditionally Spoken by Turkish Citizens in Their Daily
Lives was prepared and entered into force. Thus, any and all
obstacles were eliminated to radio and television broadcasting
in different languages and dialects (Official Gazette: 25/1/2004,
25357).
Transferring International Agreements on Fundamental
Rights to a Superior Position in Our National Legal System:
International agreements on fundamental rights were provided with superiority when compared to national legislation.
It was stipulated that provisions of international agreements
199

on fundamental rights and freedoms, which had been duly put
into effect, would prevail in the case of conflicts between international agreements and national laws arising out of different provisions on the same matter, and the following provision
was added into Article 90 of the Constitution: In the case of a
conflict between international agreements in the area of fundamental rights and freedoms duly put into effect and the domestic laws due to differences in provisions on the same matter,
the provisions of international agreements shall prevail. This
amendment was aimed at harmonizing the national law with
international law on human rights (Amendments introduced
into Law No: 5170 dated 7/5/2004).
Ratification of the European Agreement Relating to Persons
Participating in Proceedings of TheEuropean Court of Human Rights: This agreement which was drafted with the idea
that it would be proper to provide certain immunities and facilities to persons participating in proceedings of the European
Court of Human Rights was signed by Turkey on 3rd July 2002.
The provisions of this agreement are applicable to all persons,
their representatives and consultants participating in judicial
proceedings of ECtHR, witnesses and experts invited by ECtHR
to participate in the judicial proceedings as well as other persons
invited by the head of ECtHR (Law No: 5166 dated 5/5/2004,
Setting up the Ethics Board for Public Servants: Law on Establishment of an Ethics Board for Public Servants and Amending Certain Legislative Acts was adopted to define principles
of ethical conduct such as transparency, impartiality, honesty,
accountability and public benefit which need to be followed by
public servants and to supervise their implementation (Law No:
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Ratification of the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime: The Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of
the Proceeds from Crime, which aims to prevent the laundering of illegal proceeds from drug smuggling, arms smuggling,
human trafficking and terror, was ratified (Law No: 5191 dated
16/6/2004, Official Gazette: 22/6/2004, 25500).
Enactment of a Modern Press Law: In 2004, a new Press Law
No: 5187 was enacted in order to ensure that the freedom of
press would be a freedom for users of press as well as a fundamental right for individuals and target groups. This law ended
the practice of closing down and confiscating publishing houses
and press tools (Official Gazette: 26/6/2004, 25504).
Abolishment of State Security Courts: The State Security
Courts, which were reminiscent of periods of state of emergency
and caused discussion and criticism in terms of right to a fair
trial, were abolished in 2004. Ending the State of Emergency
and abolishing the State Security Courts became one of the most
concrete indicators showing that an era had been brought to an
end and a new era started for democratization in Turkey (the
Law dated 16/6/2004 with no: 5190 on Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Codeand Abolishment of State Security Courts, Official Gazette: 30/6/2004, 25508).
Abolishment of Authority of the Minister of Justice to Instruct Public Prosecutors to File a Lawsuit: Authority of the
Minister of Justice to instruct Public Prosecutors to file a criminal case stipulated in Article 148 of the former Criminal Procedure Codewas abolished with the Law No: 5219. Moreover,
such authority was not envisaged for the Minister of Justice in
the new Criminal Procedure Code that replaced the Code on
Criminal Trials Procedure, which was abolished in line with the
201

reform of basic criminal codes (Law No: 5219 dated 14/7/2004,
Strengthening Local Governments: In order to regulate the legal status of metropolitan municipalities, to ensure that services
are provided in a more planned, programmed, effective, efficient
and harmonized way and to strengthen local governments at
metropolitan municipality level, the Law on Metropolitan Municipalities entered into force (Law No: 5216 dated 10/7/2004,
Compensation for Damages of Terror Victims: In order to
compensate our citizenswho sustain any damage out of terrorismor counterterrorism activities, in a fast, effective and fair manner, the Law on Compensation of Damages arising out of Terror
and Counterterrorism Activities entered into effect. This law,
which has been effectively implemented, enabled our citizens
to be compensated against death, injury and disability, damages
to their movable and immovable property and damages arising out of failure to gain access to their property (the Law dated
17/7/2004 no: 5233, Official Gazette: 27/7/2004, 25535).
Establishment of Courts of First Instance: Law on Establishment, Duties and Authorities of Court of Original Jurisdiction
and Regional Courts of Justice was adopted to reduce the workload of the judiciary and enhance fair trial standards (Law No:
Ensuring Freedom of Association in Accordance with ECHR
Standards: In order to have a democratic management in place
to strengthen civil society and to ensure freedom of association;
the Law of Associations entered into force, limitations on the
right to establish associations were abolished and freedom of
association was constituted in line with ECHR (Law No: 5253
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2005

Ratification of the Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism: Turkey ratified the Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression
of Terrorism as an indication of the importance placed on fight
against terrorism. This protocol increases the categories of terror
crimes listed in European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism adopted in 1977 and new conventions were added to the
list of crimes that cannot be regarded as political crimes (Law
No: 5288 dated 13/1/2005, Official Gazette: 18/1/2005, 25704).
Establishment of Parliamentary Investigation Commissions

to Investigate Motives for Honour Killings and Violence
against Women and Children and to Determine Precautions
to be taken: It was decided to set up a parliamentary investigation commission and launch a parliamentary investigation
to investigate the motives for honour killings and violence
against women and children and identify necessary preventative
measures. (Decision No: 849 dated 18/5/2005, Official Gazette:
26/5/2005, 25826).
Creating the Basis for a Modern Criminal Justice System through

New Basic Laws: In order to establish a criminal justice system with
a liberal character based on respect for human dignity, the Turkish
Penal Code No: 5237, the Criminal Procedure Code No: 5271, the
Law of Offences No: 5326, Law No: 5275 on Execution of Criminal
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and Security Measures and Law No: 5402 on Establishment of the
Probation and Help Centres and Protection Boards were enacted.

Extension of Definition of Torture and Aggravating its Penalty: The definition of torture was extended and its penalty was
increased in Turkish Penal Code No: 5237, which entered into
force on 1 June 2005.
Aggravation of Penalty for Use of Disproportionate Force: In

Article 256 of Turkish Penal Code; it was adjudicated that provisions for wilful and malicious injury would apply in the event
that public officials with the right to use force exercised this right
against people in a disproportionate manner during their assignments. Thus, the lower limit for this penalty which three months
was increased (Amendment introduced into Turkish Penal Code
No: 5237 which became effective on 1/6/2005).
Improvement of Detention Conditions: A new Regulation on

Apprehension, Detention and Statement Taking was published
and the mode of implementation and conditions for guarantees
envisaged under basic rights and freedoms such as the power
of arrest, informing detainee relatives and detention room procedures were rearranged in a detailed way. Moreover, detention
rooms and rooms for taking statement were made compatible
with human rights norms (The former regulation was published
in 1998 and the new regulation was published in the Official Gazette dated 1/6/2005 with No: 25832).
Adoption of Law on People with Disabilities: Law on People

with Disabilities Amending Certain Legislative Acts and Decrees was adopted to protect and improve the rights of the disabled and guarantee the right to not to be discriminated against
to be enjoyed by the disabled. (Law No: 5378 dated 1/7/2005,
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Strengthening Local Governments

o Special Provincial Administration Law: Through the Special Provincial Administration Law the duties, authorities,
responsibilities, organization and bodies of Special Provincial Administrations were rearranged and administrative
and financial autonomy was provided to Special Provincial
Administrations to provide services in line with the principle of locality of service (Law No: 5302 dated 22/2/2005,
Official Gazette: 4/3/2005,25745).
o Law on Unions of Local Governments: Through the Law
No: 5355 on Unions of Local Governments; Unions of Local
Governments, which were previously formed in order for
local governments to perform some local services together,
were given a legal status for the first time and legal status,
establishment, administration, duties, authorities and responsibilities of potential regional administration unions
were adjudicated (Law No: 5355 dated 26/5/2005, Official
Gazette: 11/6/2005, 25842).
o Municipality Law: Through the Municipality Law the duties, authorities, responsibilities, organization and bodies
of municipalities were rearranged and administrative and
financial autonomy was provided to municipal administrations to provide services in line with the principle of locality of service (Law No: 5393 dated 3/7/2005, Official Gazette:
13/7/2005, 25874).
Adoption of Child Protection Law: The Child Protection Law

was adopted with a view to protecting children in need of special
protection or children pushed into crime and guaranteeing their
rights. This Law, which is prepared with specific emphasis on
protective and supportive measures, authorized Juvenile Courts
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not only to deal with the crime committed by the child but to
consider any neglect or abuse that the child might have faced as
well (Law No: 5395 dated 3/7/2005, Official Gazette: 15/7/2005,
25876).

Adoption of the Law on Probation and Help Centre and Protection Boards: The Law on Probation and Help Centres and
Protection Boards was ratified in order to eliminate problems
caused by releasing long-term convicts who after the end of their
sentences which may affect the whole society including the convicts and their families (Law No: 5402 dated 3/7/2005, Official
Gazette: 20/7/2005, 25881).
Ratification of Universal Conventions on Human Rights: The

Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolishment of the death
penalty and the First Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolishment of the death penalty were ratified (Law No: 5415 dated
28/10/2005, Official Gazette: 2/11/2005, 25984; Law No: 5468
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2006

Ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the

Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was ratified. The
Convention has the following purposes: to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage, to ensure respect for the tangible cultural
heritage of communities, groups and individuals concerned, to
raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of
the importance of the intangible cultural heritage and to ensure
mutual appreciation thereof (Law No: 5448 dated 19/1/2006, Official Gazette: 21/01/2006, 26056).
Establishment and Operation of Development Agencies:

Through the Law on Establishment, Coordination and Duties
of Development Agencies, it was envisaged that Development
Agencies would be established in order to reduce development
disparities between regions and within regions so as to develop
cooperation among the public sector, private sector and nongovernmental organizations and to stimulate local potential.
Following the adoption of this law, two development agencies
began to function as per the Council of Ministers decision No:
2006/10550, eight with the decision No: 2008/14306 and sixteen
with the decision no. 2009/15236, which makes a total number
of twenty six development agencies functioning as a result of
these Cabinet decisions (Law No: 5449 dated 25/1/2006, Official
Gazette: 8/2/2006, 26074).
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Ratification of Additional Protocol No. 13 to ECHR: Procedures for ratification of the Protocol No. 13 to the ECHR concerning the abolishment of the death penalty in all circumstances were completed in February 2006 and this Protocol entered
into force in our country. Thus, an important step was taken for
our country to harmonize with European standards (Additional
Protocol no. 13 to ECHR)
Ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption: As an indication of its determination to fight corruption, Turkey ratified the UN Convention against Corruption in
2003 which is the first and the most comprehensive document
handling this issue on the international level (Law No: 5506 dated 18/5/2006, Official Gazette: 24/5/2006, 26177).
Ratification of Additional Protocol No. 14 to ECHR: Additional Protocol no. 14 which aims to change the control system
developed by ECHR was ratified. This protocol amends certain
provision of ECHR in order to ensure and improve efficiency of
the control system in the long run considering the ever increasing workload of ECHR and Committee of Ministers of Council of Europe (Law No: 5512 dated 1/6/2006, Official Gazette:
6/6/2006, 26190).
Strengthening the Measures to be taken to Prevent Violent

Acts against Children and Women and Honour Killings: A
circular issued by Prime Ministers Office listed the suggested
precautions to be taken to handle this issue and organizations
which would be held responsible for coordinating such precautions. The practice on this issue is monitored by quarterly reports produced by the relevant Ministries (Circular No: 2006/17,
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Adopting a New Settlement Law: The new settlement law that

abolishes the Settlement Law No: 2510 annuls provisions, which
caused discrimination against Roma citizens (Law No: 5543
Ratification of European Social Charter: It was deemed appropriate to ratify the Revised European Social Charter, adopted in 1996 by the Council of Europe, to replace the European
Social Charter dated 1961 to which Turkey was a party (Law No:
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2007
2002-2012
2007

Repealing the Laws that can no longer be implemented: Law

on Repealing Certain Laws which can no longer be implemented
was adopted in order to eliminate provisions which were outdated
and could no longer be implemented, correct contradictory provisions, simplify the legislation and enhance its quality (Law No:
Election of President by the People: Through the constitutional

amendment ratified through referendum organized on 21 October 200715, it was stipulated the Public would elect the president. It was also specified that one person may only be elected as
President for twice at most (5 years + 5 years) and a democratic
method was adopted for nomination of President. According to
this method; it will be possible to nominate a President among
members of Turkish Grand National Assembly or other people
through written proposal of 20 deputies. Besides, it was made
possible for political parties, whose total valid votes exceeded
10 per cent in the most recent general elections for deputies, to
nominate a common President.
15 In line with the Law dated 23/5/1987 with no: 3376 on Submission of Constitutional Amendments to Referendum, the Law dated 31/5/2007 with no: 5678 on
Amendment of Some Articles in the Constitution of Turkish Republic as amended by the Law dated 16/10/2007 with no: 5697, which was published in the Official
Gazette dated 16/6/2007 with no: 26554 for submission to referendum, was ratified
as a result of the referendum organized on 21/10/2007 and the Decision of Supreme
Committee of Elections on this issue was published in the Official Gazette dated
31/10/2007 with no: 26686.
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Reducing the Period for General Elections to Four Years:

Through the same constitutional amendment, it was decided
that general elections for deputies, which were previously organized every five years, would be held every four years.
Rearrangement of Quorum for Meetings and Resolutions of

Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA): Through the related constitutional amendment, it was adjudicated that TGNA
would assemble with a quorum of at least one third of total
number of members in all procedures including elections. This
amendment was aimed at preventing uncertainty and legal instability arising out of the 367 Ruling of Constitutional Court
during the Presidential election process for in 2007.
Adoption of the Law on the Civil Aspects of International

Child Abduction: The Law on Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction was adopted in order to implement the Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
which concerns return of a child retained in a state party or taken from a state party to another signatory country in violation of
custody rights to the state of his/her habitual residence as well as
childs right to maintain personal relations (Law No: 5717 dated
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2008

Adoption of Witness Protection Act: The Witness Protection

Act was adopted in order to help secure justice by taking precautions to protect witnesses who are asked for information at
any stage of trial, and their relatives. This legislative act includes
provisions which regulate those for whom witness protection
orders need to be issued since their life, physical integrity or
financial assets are under serious threat, for which crimes this
order should be granted, the duration of the protection order,
conditions to amend or withdraw the protection order, execution of witness protection orders and international cooperation
in this regard (Law No: 5726 dated 27/12/2007, Official Gazette:
5/1/2008, 26747).
Enactment of the New Law of Associations: As an important

step for strengthening civil society, a new Law of Associations
was enacted. Under Provisional Article no. 7 of this law, which
introduces important improvements regarding property rights,
one hundred eighty one real properties were registered on behalf
of community foundations at their application (Law No: 5737
Amending Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code: Article 301 of

the Turkish Penal Code was amended in order to strengthen
freedom of expression. According to this amendment, it became
necessary to get approval from Minister of Justice to launch an
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investigation and the upper limit for penalties was lowered (Law

Providing Legal Guarantee for Broadcasting in Different

Languages and Dialects: A legal guarantee was provided for
broadcasting in different languages and dialects, which are traditionally spoken by Turkish citizens in their daily lives, through
both public and private radio and television organizations; thus,
legal obstacles against broadcasting in this area were eliminated
for private television channels and TRT and right of broadcasting was secured (the Law dated 11/6/2008 with no: 5767, Official
Gazette: 26/6/2008, 26918).
Strengthening Local Governments: In order to strengthen the

financial structure and autonomy of local governments, the Law
on Giving a Share of General Budgetary Tax Revenues to Special Provincial Administration and Municipalities entered into
force (Law No: 5779 dated 2/7/2008, Official Gazette: 15/7/2008,
26937).
Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, which introduces obligations to state parties
to eliminate all forms of discrimination against the disabled and
raise their standard of living, was ratified (Law No: 5825 dated
Establishment of the Child Rights Monitoring Committees:

The Child Rights Monitoring Committee was established with
the representation of all political party groups in order to create
an institutional structure for all child rights interventions.
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2009
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2009

Advertising in Different Languages and Dialects: An amendment introduced into Regulation on Advertising by Turkish
Radio and Television Corporation made it possible for channels broadcasting in different dialects and languages to advertise in the broadcasting dialect and languages (Official Gazette:
31/1/2009, 27127).
Adoption of the Law on Commission for Equality of Opportunity between Men and Women: The Law on Commission
for Equality of Opportunity between Men and Women was adopted in order to protect and improve womens rights, monitor
national and international developments to ensure equality between men and women, inform TGNA on such developments,
discuss all the primary and secondary tasks assigned to the commission and submit its opinion to specialization commissions
on decrees, draft laws and proposals presented to TGNA (Law
Declaration of May 1 as the Labour and Solidarity Day: Law

on Amending the Law on National Festivals and Public Holidays
declared May 1 as Labour and Solidarity Holiday and added
this day as a holiday to public holidays. (Law No: 5892 dated
225

Adopting a new Citizenship Law: Citizenship Law No: 403

was annulled when the new Turkish Citizenship Law was adopted. This new law stipulates that Council of Ministers could
restore the right of citizenship for those who lost their Turkish
nationalities on the grounds that they had committed actions
incompatible with loyalty to the motherland. Thus, the way has
been cleared for the re-acquisition of this right for those who
had to go abroad and who were deprived of their citizenship
rights due to political reasons during or after the September 12
military coup (Law No: 5901 dated 29/5/2009, Official Gazette:
12/6/2009, 27256).
Simplification of Bureaucratic Procedures: Procedures and

principles to be followed by administrations have been reorganized with a view to establishing an efficient, effective, accountable and transparent public administration which relies on the
statements of citizens and provides rapid, high quality, simple
and low-cost public services. To this end, the Prime Ministry has
made amendments to a total of 170 regulations of Ministries and
various affiliated and relevant institutions (Regulation Regarding
the Integration of Transactions in Cutting Red Tape and Procedures and Principles to Apply in Public Services Delivery, Official
Gazette: 31/7/2009, 27305).
Enabling Convicts and Detainees in Prisons to Speak to their

Kinsmen in Their Native Language: Regulation Amending the
Regulation on Management of Prisons and Execution of Penal
and Security Measures dated 15/6/2009 stipulates that a convict
shall be able to speak in languages other than Turkish on the
phone, in the event that the convict himself/herself or the person
s/he will talk to does not speak Turkish. With a following regulation that was later issued, obstacles to detainees and convicts in
prisons seeing and talking to their visitors in languages other
than Turkish were lifted (Regulation Amending the Regulation
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on Visits to be Paid to Convicts and Detainees, Official Gazette:
6/11/2009, 27398).

Allowing Private Television and Radio Organizations to

Broadcast in Different Languages and Dialects 24 hours a
day: Through provisions stipulated in the Regulation on Radio
and Television Broadcasting to be Made in Different Languages
and Dialects, which are Traditionally Spoken by Turkish Citizens in Their Daily Lives prepared by Radio and Television Supreme Council, private television and radio organizations were
allowed to broadcast in different languages and dialects twenty
four hours a day (Official Gazette: 13/11/2009, 27405).
Enabling for Academic Research, the Establishment of Institutes and Organization of Elective Courses in Different Languages and Dialects in Universities: It was made possible to
carry out academic research, establish institutes and offer elective courses related to different languages and dialects spoken
in the daily lives of our citizens. As for this issue; in line with
the Decision on establishment of Institute of Living Languages
in Turkey affiliated under the Rectorship of Mardin Artuklu
University taken by the Council of Ministers dated 12/10/2009;
Institute of Living Languages in Turkey composed of Departments of Kurdish Language and Culture, Assyrian Language and
Culture and Arab Language and Culture was established under Mardin Artuklu University. In this institute; post-graduate
training is provided in Kurdish, Arabic and Assyrian languages
Supporting Cultural Activities in Various Languages: The

Movie Support Council of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism provided financial support to a movie with frequent Kurdish dialogue (On the Way to School) for the first time. Besides,
General Directorate of State Theatres started to stage Kurdish
227

theatre plays in various provinces. TRT 6, which broadcasts in
Kurdish, began to broadcast a Kurdish mawlid (observance of
the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad) on religious nights.

Call Centres: Personnel who can speak Kurdish and Zaza language, were assigned to the call centre established by Diyarbakr
Governors Office in order to ensure communication with citizens who cannot speak Turkish.
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2010

Reducing Road Checkpoints and Search Points: in order to facilitate the daily lives of our citizens, the number of road checkpoints and search points was reduced (Circular of the Ministry
of Interior No: 2010/4 on Road Checkpoints and Search Points,
dated 15/1/2010).
Enabling the Reuse of Rangelands and Pastures:In order to

increase the employment and welfare level of our citizens, bans
on rangelands and pastures, in particular in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions were eliminated (Directive of the Ministry of Interior No: 2010/5 on Rangelands and Pastures dated
15/1/2010 with).
Restoring the Former Names of Settlement Areas: It was made

possible to restore former names of settlement areas, in the
scope of which names of certain settlement areas have already
been changed.
Abolition of EMASYA (the Protocol on Cooperation for Security and Public Order): As a reflection of a new security mentality and the strengthening roots of a democratic rule of law, the
Protocol on Common Measures to be Taken in accordance with
Article 11/D of the Special Provincial Administration Law No:
5442 between Turkish General Staff and the Ministry of Interior,
which is also known as EMASYA Protocol, was abolished with a
231

new Protocol dated 4/2/2010. The protocol, which is in conflict
with principles of the rule of law and paved the way for nondemocratic interventions, was abolished and civil government
and democratic rule of law were strengthened.

Issuing a Circular on Human Rights of Women and Girls: The

Ministry of Interior issued a circular to protect human rights of
women and girls and rolled out practices which help to promote
these rights (Circular No: 2010/10 dated 19/02/2010).
Enhancing Transparency and Reinforcing the Fight against

Corruption: As an indication of its determination to fight corruption, the Council of Ministers in Turkey adopted the Strategy to Enhance Transparency and Reinforce Fight Against Corruption (2010-2014) with a view to developing a management
understanding which is fairer and more accountable, transparent and reliable by eliminating the factors preventing transparency and nurturing corruption.The action plan relevant to this
strategy was approved on 12th April 2010 by the Commission
for Enhancing Transparency and Reinforcing Fight against
Corruption in Turkey (Decision taken by Council of Ministers
dated1/2/2010 No: 2010/56, Official Gazette: 22/2/2010, 27501).
Establishment of a Coordination Board for Fight against Illegal Immigration: The Coordination Board for Fight against
Illegal Immigration was set up within the Ministry of Interior
in order to monitor measures taken to combat illegal immigration, develop new measures and follow up implementation of
decisions taken in this regard (Letter of Approval from Ministry
of Interior dated 24/2/2010).
Establishment of the Undersecretariat of Public Order and

Security: Through the Law No: 5952 dated 17/2/2010 the Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security was established to
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use scientific methods and data in counterterrorism, to increase
the number of analyses, to develop suggestions for solutions,
policies and strategies and to ensure coordination among the related institutions and organizations in this area as a requirement
of a multi-dimensional approach in counterterrorism (Official
Gazette: 4/3/2010, 27511).16

Allowing Political Propaganda in Different Languages and

Dialects: The scope of the law of political parties was extended
and legal obstacles against the right to political propaganda,
which is a requirement for freedom of expression and association, were eliminated. Thus, it was ensured that political parties
could make speeches in different languages and dialects spoken
by our citizens during their election campaigns (The Law dated
8/4/2010 No: 5980, Official Gazette: 10/4/2010, 27548).
Encouragement of Civil Society: In order to encourage civil society, the Directive on Supporting Associations from the Budget
of the Ministry of Interior entered into force on 30/4/2010 and
in this way, grant support was provided to associations in return
for projects through an allocation included in the budget of the
Ministry of Interior.
Protecting Citizens from Different Religious Backgrounds:

The Prime Ministers Office issued a circular to encourage protection of and respect towards citizens from different religious
backgrounds. This circular emphasized that various religious
groups are integral parts of Turkey and reminded all public organizations not to raise difficulties for these citizens and not to
16 Our Undersecretariat prepared a book called Human Rights and Counterterrorism based on Principles and Reference Texts about Human Rights and Counterterrorism of the Council of Europe as an important reference text for preserving
balance of security and freedom in counterterrorism, and published it in Turkish
and English. 5,000 copies were prepared as the first publication of our Undersecretariat and distributed to the related units including security institutions.
233

prejudice their rights in their dealings with public organizations
(Circular No: 2010/13, Official Gazette: 13/5/2010, 27580).

High Council for Female Employment established to increase

womens employment and ensure equality of opportunities:
A circular issued by Prime Ministers Office stipulated that the
High Council for Female Employment should be established
with a view to empowering the social and economic status of
women, ensuring equality between men and women in business
and social life and increase female employment. This council is
in charge of identifying current problems in terms of female employment, monitoring and evaluating all the efforts made by the
parties working towards eliminating these problems and ensuring coordination and cooperation (Circular No: 2010/14, Official
Gazette: 25/5/ 2010, 27591).
Ensuring that All Children Under 18 Years of Age Are Tried

in Juvenile Courts: Through the Law on Amendment of Counterterrorism Act and Some Laws, it was made possible to hear
cases of those children known to the public as stone-throwing
children, who are mostly under 18 years old and pushed into
crimes, in juvenile courts rather than Assize Courts with Special Authorities under the Counterterrorism Act (Law No: 6008
Enhancing the Right to Education for Different Religious

Groups: Ministry of National Education prepared textbooks in
the Armenian language in order to enhance the right to education for our citizens from different religious backgrounds. These
textbooks started to be distributed at Armenian schools as of
2010-2011 school year.
Translation and Publication of Important Kurdish Works

by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Important works of
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2002-2012
Kurdish language and literature such as Mem-u Zin, which was
published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on 1 December 2010, were translated, published in the same way and published with new copyrights.
Adoption of the New Law on Court of Accounts: A new
Law on the Court of Accounts was adopted which replaced
the previous Law on Court of Accounts dated 1967 no. 832,
for the purpose of rearranging functions and institutional
structure of the state in accordance with citizen-oriented
management understanding. This law regulates the establishment, functions, auditing and trial procedures, qualifications
and promotion of its personnel, duties and powers, rights and
obligations as well as other personnel issues of the Court of
Accounts. In addition, this law has the objective of making
sure that the new Court of Accounts functions in accordance
with international audit standards, acts in a manner to improve our democracy and to meet the expectations of the
society, performs its duties in a way to put the emphasis on
content rather than document audits, makes better use of the
technological opportunities and possesses more functional
judicial powers (Law No: 6085 dated 3/12/2010, Official Gazette: 19/12/2010, 27790).

Starting a Kurdish Language and Literature Department: In

accordance with a decision made by High Education Council
(YK) in its General Assembly Meeting on 23rd December
2010, a Kurdish Language and Literature Department, which
was the first of its kind in Turkey, was founded as a four year
Bachelors degree program within the Science and Literature
Faculty of Mu Alparslan University.
235
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON 12 SEPTEMBER

2010 17
Positive Discrimination: Women, children, elderly, disabled
people, widows and orphans of war martyrs, service-disabled
people and war veterans were considered to be subject to positive discrimination (Art. 10 of the Constitution).
Extension of Freedom of Travel: The scope of the ban on going
abroad was restrained in line with extension of freedom of travel
(Art. 23 of the Constitution).
Childrens Rights: International fundamental principles about
childrens rights were given constitutional guarantee (Art. 41 of
the Constitution).
Strengthening Union Rights: In this context, public servants
were allowed to make collective agreements and the Law No: 6289
on Amendment of the Law on Unions of Public Servants, which is
the implementing law about this issue, entered into force (Official
Gazette: 11/4/2012, 28261, Art. 53 of the Constitution).
Ombudsmanship: The Institution of Ombudsman was provided with a constitutional basis (Art. 74 of the Constitution).
Abolishment of Seat Loss by Deputies Due to Closing of Political Parties: Provision for removing the seats of deputies in
the case of closure of a political party was abolished (Art. 84 of
the Constitution).
Amendment of the Quorum for Closing Political Parties
and Financial Sanctions: A criterion for a two-thirds majority
within the Constitutional Court was approved for closing down
17 Law No: 5982 dated 7/5/2010 (Official Gazette: 13/5/2010, 27580).
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political parties and other financial sanctions (Art. 149 of the
Constitution).
Decision of Supreme Military Council: Those expelled from
the army due to decision of Supreme Military Council were allowed to take the case to court (Art. 125 of the Constitution).
Jurisdiction of Military Courts: Civilians cannot be tried by
military courts any more. Soldiers were allowed to be tried by
civil courts for crimes other than military crimes (Art. 145 of the
Constitution).
Democratization of the Structure of High Council of Judges
and Prosecutors (HCJP): HCJP was provided with a more democratic structure. In this context, the Law on High Council of
Judges and Prosecutors, which is the implementing law about
this issue, entered into force (Law No: 6087 dated 11/12/2010,
Official Gazette: 18/12/2010, 27789). Besides, decisions of HCJP
for dismissal of judges and prosecutors were subjected to judicial control (Art. 159 of the Constitution).
Extension of Public Servants Rights to Apply to Courts: Public servants were allowed to apply to courts against warning and
reprimand penalties (Amendment made in Article 129/3 of the
Constitution with Article 13 of Law No: 5982).
Democratization of the Structure of the Constitutional Court:
The membership structure of the Constitutional Court was provided with a more democratic and pluralistic structure and the
tenure of its members was limited to 12 years (Art. 146 of the
Constitution).
Extension of the Jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court under the title of Supreme Court: The Constitutional Court was
237

endowed with the authority to judge President of TGNA, Chief
of Turkish General Staff and Force Commanders (Art. 148 of the
Constitution).
Securing independence of military judges (Art. 145 of the Constitution).
Enabling the trial of September 12 coup leaders (Through abolishment of Provisional Article 15 of the Constitution).
Bestowing the Right to Individual Application to the Constitutional Court: In order to realize a rule of law with respect
for human rights, the right to individual application to the Constitutional Court was provided as a new remedy (Art. 148 of the
Constitution).
Providing a Constitutional Guarantee for Protection of Personal Data: This statement was added into Article 20 of the
Constitution: Everyone has the right to request protection of
his/her personal data. This right includes being informed of,
having access to and requesting the correction and deletion
of his/her personal data and to be informed whether these are
used in a manner consistent with envisaged objectives. Personal
data can be processed only in cases envisaged by law or by the
persons own consent. The principles and procedures regarding
protection of personal data are laid down in law (Art. 20 of the
Constitution).
Inclusion of Economic and Social Council in the Constitution: The Economic and Social Council, which was established
in 2001, was provided with a constitutional guarantee and became functional (Art. 166 of the Constitution).
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2011
2002-2012
2011

Removing Discriminatory Provisions from the Act regarding

Residence and Travel of Foreigners in Turkey: The expression
gypsy was removed from the legal text following an amendment introduced into Act regarding Residence and Travel of
Foreigners in Turkey since it has a discriminatory connotation
(Amendments introduced into Law No: 6097 dated 5/1/2011, Official Gazette: 19/1/2011, 27820).
Council of Europe on the Prevention of Terrorism Becomes

Effective: It was deemed appropriate to ratify the Council of
Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism which was
opened for signature in Warsaw on 16th May 2005 and signed by
Turkey on 19/1/2006. This convention came into effect in Turkey
on 1/7/2012 (Law No: 6135 dated 23/2/2011, Official Gazette:
12/3/2011, 27872).18
Ratification of TheOptional Protocolto theUN Convention

against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatmentor Punishment: In the framework of its policy defined as zero tolerance to torture, Turkey ratified the Optional
Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel,
18 In this framework, this convention which is supposed to contribute to current accumulation of knowledge in terms of fight against terrorism is published by the
Undersecretariat under the name of European Convention on Terrorism with all
its aspects to promote the convention and this document has been distributed to all
the relevant units.
241

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The objective of this protocol is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to
detention centres, in order to prevent torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. As a party to
the Protocol, Turkey entered into the obligation to ensure that
the Sub Committee for Prevention of Torture pays visits to police stations, custodial prisons and detention centres (Law No:

Prevention of psychological harassment (mobbing) at work:

The Prime Ministers Office promulgated a circular guiding how
to prevent psychological harassment (mobbing) at work in order
to protect employees from psychological harassment. This circular has the objective of preventing psychological harassment
which covers a wide range of behaviours such as humiliating,
underestimating, isolating, tarnishing the prestige and honour,
treating badly, intimidating the other person in addition to various other forms. Furthermore, the circular foresees to improve
both occupational health and safety conditions and ensure labor
peace (Circular No: 2011/2, Official Gazette: 19/3/2011, 27879).
Entry Into Force of Remedy for Individual Application: The

Law onEstablishment and Adjudicatory Procedures of the Constitutional Court was adopted to harmonize with constitutional
amendments. As per this law, Constitutional Court started receiving individual applications as of 23 September 2012. In this
context, 1,615 individual applications had been lodged with the
Constitutional Court as of December 2012 (Law No: 6216 dated
Regulations Introduced to Make Judicial Services more Efficient: Law Amending Certain Acts to Speed up Judicial Services was adopted for the purposes of reducing the work load of
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2002-2012
higher judicial bodies, decreasing the number of disputes taken
to the court, converting some crimes into misdemeanors and
making sure that higher judicial bodies work more efficiently
(Law No: 6217 dated 31/3/2011, Official Gazette: 14/4/2011,
27905).

Adoption of the Law on Prevention of Violence and Disorder

at Sports Events: The Law on Prevention of Violence and Disorder at Sports Events was adopted with a view to preventing
violence, racism and discrimination at sports events (Law No:
Institutes and Departments Established by our Universities to

Study Various Languages and Dialects: The Institute of Living
Languages in Turkey was set up to carry out academic research
on various languages and dialects spoken by our citizens in their
daily lives (Official Gazette: 03/07/2011, 27983). Furthermore,
Zazaki Language and Literature, Kurmanji Language and
Literature and Arabic Language and Literature departments
were opened up in December 2011 within Tunceli University
upon approval from Higher Education Council.
Establishing a Human Rights Department within the Ministry of Justice: Law Amending the Decree on Organization and
Duties of Ministry of Justice and Decree Amending Certain Decrees stipulated that the Ministry of Justice should establish a
Human Rights Department in order to efficiently pursue cases
heard by European Court of Human Rights (Decree No: 650, Official Gazette: 26/8/2011, 28037).
Being a Party to Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual
Abuse: Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of
Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse was
243

signed on 25/10/2007, and entered into force on 1 April 2012 after the ratification procedures were completed (Official Gazette:
10/9/2011, 28050).

Establishing Investigation Commissions under TGNA: Sub

Commission on Examination of Human Rights Violations committed during Terrorist and Violent Incidents was established
on 13th October 2011 to report to the Human Rights Commission in TGNA with a view to identifying problems faced during
the fight against terrorism particularly during a state of emergency or state of martial law.
Investigation about Incidents in Diyarbakr Prison: Diyarbakr

Chief Public Prosecutors Office initiated an investigation about
incidents in Diyarbakr Prison, in which many violations of human rights occurred following the September 12 coup.
Inclusion of Kurdish in the TGNA Guide for the First Time:

In the guide, which was prepared in order to introduce members
of the 24th term of the TGNA, Kurdish was included for the first
time into the part giving information about the languages that
the deputy members can speak in addition to other languages.
Changing the Name of Mustafa Mulal Barracks: The name of

the General Mustafa Mulal Barracks in Van was changed.
Repair of Prayer Areas Used by Citizens with Different Beliefs: In line with freedom of worship, real estate properties
were returned to community foundations and prayer areas
used by citizens with different beliefs were repaired. In this
context, Surp Giragos Church, whose restoration activities
were completed, was opened to prayer in October 2011 in
Diyarbakr. Kumkap Meryemana Church and Vortvoks Vorodman Church and School Foundation were opened to prayer
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2002-2012
with a ceremony organized in December 2011 following restoration activities.

Facilitation of Use of Freedom of Worship: The Ministry

of Culture and Tourism granted permission to hold religious
ceremonies in Trabzon Smela Monastery and Van Akdamar
Church.
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2012
2002-2012
2012

Exclusion of National Security Knowledge Course from Curriculum: The Regulation on Education of National Security
Knowledge was abolished. Thus, the National Security Knowledge Course, which had been included in curriculum of secondary education for 33 years and instructed by military personnel, was excluded from the curriculum with effect from the
2012-2013 education year (Official Gazette: 25/1/2012, 28184).
Adoption of the Law on Presidential Elections: Law on Presidential Elections, which regulates principles and procedures
regarding how to elect the president, qualifications required for
presidential candidates, operations needed to be carried out before the elections, on the day of elections and after elections, was
adopted in order to be harmonized to the constitutional amendments regarding the presidential elections (Law No: 6271 dated
Allowing the Publication of Official Advertisements by Newspapers of Minorities: In line with the Decision of the General
Assembly of Press Notice Institution dated 17 February 2012
with no: 195, it was made possible for newspapers of minorities, which were identified in accordance with Lausanne Treaty,
to publish official advertisements upon written application. This
development is considered to be an important step for strengthening economic status of minority newspapers. Indeed, a Greek
249

publisher became operational on 4 June 2012 after an interruption of fifty years (Official Gazette: 28/2/2012, 28218).

Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic
Violence: Turkey became a party to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women
and Domestic Violence on 14 March 2012. This Convention is of
great importance because it is the first regulation that creates a
legal framework in this area and it is binding at international level. Besides, the Convention defines forced marriage and different types of violence along with physical, sexual, psychological
violence and imposes sanctions on these issues. Turkey became
a pioneer for preparation of this Convention and Turkey is the
first country to have ratified the Convention (Official Gazette:
8/3/2012, repeated number: 28227).
Continuing Steps for Protection of the Family and Prevention

of Violence against Women: Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence against Women was adopted. In line with
this Law, police protection was provided for 4,634 women and
preventive measures had been taken for 29,624 women as of
December 2012 (Law No: 6284 dated 8/3/2012, Official Gazette:
20/3/2012, 28239).
Continuing Positive Steps Towards Different Belief Groups

in Education and Culture: Through Article 51/5 of the Regulation on Private Education Institutions published by the Ministry
of National Education, it was made possible for foreign guest
students to receive education at private educational institutions
Formation of the Childrens Rights Monitoring and Review

Council: With a Prime Ministry Circular, the Childrens Rights
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2002-2012
Monitoring and Review Council was formed. This Council
was assigned to carry out activities for administrative and legal
regulations on the protection, use and development of childrens
rights, to provide suggestions, to evaluate activities aimed at informing the public about the related developments, to provide
recommendations about measures to be taken about childrens
rights, to commission strategy paper and action plans on this
issue and approve these papers and plans and to ensure cooperation and coordination among institutions as regards childrens
rights (Official Gazette: 4/4/2012, 28254).

Extension of the scope of Probation Practice: The Law which

was drafted in order to extend the scope of probation practice
envisaged a new execution regime, which would ensure that detainees would be outside during the last year of their imprisonment in open prisons through implementation of the probation
measure. Furthermore, article no. 15/A added to Law No: 5402
made it possible to use electronic devices for monitoring, surveillance and supervision of the suspects, defendants and convicts in public (Law dated 5/4/2012 No: 6291, Official Gazette:
11/4/2012, Number: 28261).
Democratization of the Education System: Through the Law

Amending Primary Education Law and Some Laws, a gradual
system was initiated in education and our citizens were allowed
to have education according to their free choices. In this context,
this legal amendment paved the way for choosing Kurdish as an
elective course. In 2012-2013 Education year, elective courses
started to be offered and course materials were prepared (Law
Allowing Detainees and Convicts to attend their Relatives

Funerals and to Visits to Them in Case of Severe Illness: With
the amendments introduced into Law on Execution of Penal and
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Security Precautions, it was made possible to provide detainees
and convicts with a leave for two days excluding travel time to
take part in funerals of blood or in-laws including second degree
relatives or spouses thereof and to provide them with a leave for
one day excluding travel time to pay visit to first degree relatives in case of severe diseases (Law No: 6301, Official Gazette:
10/5/2012, 28288).

Kurdish Language and Literature Departments: Higher Education Council opened up Kurdish Language and Literature
Department within Dicle University in Diyarbakr in June 2012
upon approval.
Adoption of the Mediation Law on the Legal Disputes: Mediation Law on Legal Disputes was adopted in order to define
principles and procedures to be applied when legal disputes
are settled through mediation. Thus, this law paved the way for
settling civil law disputes through mediation which the parties
can resort to whenever they wish without being referred to state
courts (Law No: 6325 dated 7/6/2012, Official Gazette: 22/6/2012,
28331).
Providing a Legal Basis for the Ombudsmanship: As an important step towards establishment of principles of rule of law
and good governance and towards protection of individual
rights, Institution of Ombudsmanwas established to report to
Presidency of TGNA (Law dated 14/6/2012 with no: 6328, Official Gazette: 29/6/2012, 28338).
Adoption of Occupational Health and Safety: A new Occupational Health and Safety Law, which will be applicable to
all employees in all workplaces of public and private sector, was
adopted in order to define duties, authorities, responsibilities,
rights and obligations of employees and employers to achieve
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2002-2012
safe and healthy conditions and improve current health and
safety conditions at workplaces (Law No: 6331 dated 20/6/2012,

Establishment of the Human Rights Institute in Turkey: The

Human Rights Institute in Turkey was established with the
aim of carrying out studies and research on protection and promotion of human rights (Law No: 6332 dated 21/6/2012, Official
Gazette: 30/6/2012, 28339).
Third Judicial Package: Through the Law on Amendment of

Some Laws for Making Judicial Services More Effective and Suspension of Trials and Penalties for Crimes Committed Through
Press, which is known to the public as the Third Judicial Package, important regulations were put in place to strengthen
human rights (Law No: 6352 dated 2/7/2012, Official Gazette:
5/7/2012, 28344).
Signing the Third Additional Optional Protocol to UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: The Third Additional Optional Protocol to UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
which recognizes the authority of UN Committee on the Rights
of the Child for individual application was signed on 24 September 2012.
Establishment of Children Monitoring Centres: Through

the Prime Ministry Circular aimed at prevention of child exploitation and conscious and effective intervention in children
that are subject to exploitation, it is envisaged that Children
Monitoring Centres should be established within hospitals and
institutions affiliated under the Ministry of Health and that the
Ministry of Health coordinates operation of these centres. The
first pilot practice started in Ankara. This centre was created
within hospitals in order to ensure that the related institutions
253

would work in cooperation, that children would not be subject
to the same treatment again and that all judicial and medical
procedures are performed in a single centre and at a single time.
Children Monitoring Centres provide services in nine provinces

Adoption of the New Law on Trade Unions and Collective

Labour Agreements: A new Law on Trade Unions and Collective Labour Agreements was adopted which abolished the
previous law on trade unions as well as the previous law on collective labour agreements, strikes and lock-outs (Law No: 635
Curricula Including the Law and Justice Course: A cooperation protocol was signed between the Ministry of Justice and the
Ministry of National Education on 3 December 2012 in order to
raise awareness of law among students and to develop curricula
for a Law and Justice Course.
Re-arrangement of Metropolitan Municipality Borders:

Through the Law on Establishment of Metropolitan Municipalities and Twenty Six Districts in Thirteen Provinces and Amendment of Some Laws and Decree Laws, metropolitan municipality borders were re-arranged in order to provide public services
in a more effective and efficient manner. In this context, the
number of Metropolitan Municipalities, which was previously
16, was increased to 29 (Law No: 6360 dated 12/11/2012, Official
Gazette: 6/12/2012, Number: 28489).
Providing Facilities for Municipalities to Construct, Maintain

and Repair Temples: In order to extend freedoms of individuals
with different religions and faith in terms of prayer areas, the
statement temples may be constructed, maintained and repaired
by municipalities was added to the Municipal Law. Thus; it was
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2002-2012
adjudicated that Municipalities would construct, maintain and
repair temples as well as health care, education, culture facilities
and buildings (Law No: 6360 dated 12/11/2012, Official Gazette:
6/12/2012, 28489).

Establishment of Investigation Commissions under the

TGNA: In 2012, Assembly Investigation Commission for Investigation of All Coups and Memoranda Intervening in Democracy in Our Country and All Other Attempts and Processes
Impairing Democracy with All Dimensions and Determination
of Measures to be Taken was established under TGNA and the
Dersim Sub-Commission was established under TGNA Petition Commission.
Launching TRT XEBER: TRT started broadcasting a Kurdish

news site called TRT XEBER, which can be accessible through
the address www.trtxeber.com.
Staging of Kurdish Theatre Plays: With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the play Hamlet was staged in
Kurdish by Diyarbakr City Theatre in Ankara.
Kurdish Music Album: In 2012, a music album composed of

Kurdish folk songs was recorded through a joint activity of TRT
and Diyarbakr Governors Office.
Employment of Mele (Local Clergymen) by the State: People, who are known as Mele (local clergymen) and considered
to be religious leaders in their regions, are employed as religious personnel (Based on the provision added into Provisional
Article 16 of the Law No: 633 dated 22/6/1965 with Article 13 of
the Decree Law No: 653).
255

Closure of Prisons which fail to meet UN and Council of Europe Standards: In the last decade, 208 prisons which did not
meet UN and Council of Europe standards were closed down.
During the same period, 68 penal institutions with a total capacity of 14,509 people were opened. In 2012, a total of 13 new prisons were opened and 7 additional buildings were constructed.
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2013
2002-2012
2013

Establishment of the legal foundation for Womens Guesthouses and their Management: Legislation on the establishment and management of womens guesthouses has been
published for the establishment and management of Womens
Guesthouses under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies,
municipalities, provincial special administrations and NGOs
as well as to set the procedure and principles for the types and
quality of the guesthouses as well as their supervision (Official
Gazette: 5/1/2013, 28519).
Acceptance of the Application of Legislation on the Law on

Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence against
Women: The mentioned legislation prepared by the Ministry of
Family and Social Policies includes procedures and principles
for the precautions that are to be taken and applied for the protection of women, children, family members who are subjected
to violence or under the threat of being subjected to violence and
the protection those stalked and prevention of violence towards
them as well as taking necessary precautions against people who
might resort to violence (Official Gazette: 18/1/2013, 28532).
Establishment of compensation commissions for ECtHR applications: In order to solve certain applications to the ECtHR by
the payment of compensation and to prevent possible violation
decisions, Law on the Solution of Certain Applications to the
259

European Court of Human rights by means of compensation
has been passed (Law numbered 6384 and dated 09/01/2013, Official Gazette: 19/1/2013, 28533).

The Adoption of Social Insurance and Universal health insurance Law and The Law on The Amendment of Certain Laws:
This law stipulates the following : Those who have completed
their high school or equivalent education and started their
higher education the same year are considered dependent, those
who have been incapacitated due to counter-terrorism and similar reasons are not required to pay any additional payment in
private hospitals and may receive service from these hospitals
without any referral, the retroactive support for outstanding premiums of those insured within the scope of subparagraph (b) of
article 4 of law number 5510 is restructured, a personnel cadre is
created in the Social Security Institution, the cuts in pension or
the elderly monthly payment in relation to their commencement
to a job in public sector are restructured, the employment form
of the employment as well as the position and profession consultancy are all regulated by the Turkish Employment Agency, the
statistics generated in July 2009 foresees that applications which
are made by the labor unions exceeding the 10% threshold after the date of entry to force of the law numbered 6356 shall
be concluded according to the working place and management
majority requirement mentioned in article 41 of this law which
is also a requirement to be met in the authority identification applications made by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for
the collective labor agreement (Law No: 6385 dated 10/01/2013,
Official Gazette:19/01/2013, 28533).
Enabling the possibility for the accused to have defence in

the language in which they can better express themselves: In
our country in criminal cases there are certain language barriers for citizens to express themselves and this led to objections
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2002-2012
and concerns in terms of access to a fair trial. For this reason an
amendment has been made to the existing legislation granting
a defendant the right to defend him/herself in a language that
s/he has stated to express himself/herself in a better manner
(Amendment made to the law dated 24/1/2012, numbered 6411
and to the Turkish Penal Code numbered 5271, article 202, Official Gazette:31/1/2013,28545).

The right for the convicts to have private visiting time with
their spouses: With the amendments made to the Criminal Procedure Code andlaw on the execution of sentences and security
measures married convicts in closed prisons are granted the
right to see their wife every three months (Law dated 24/1/2013
and numbered 6411, Official Gazette31/1/2013, 28545).
Adoption of the Turkish Armed Forces Discipline Law: To

identify procedures and principles in order to establish, protect
and maintain an effective discipline system within the Turkish
Armed Forces toTurkish Armed Forces discipline law has been
prepared (Law dated 31/1/2013 and numbered 6413, Official Gazette: 16/2/2013, 28561).
Adoption of the law on preventing the finance of terrorism:

In the scope of the active struggle against terrorism and terrorist
financing to identify the procedures and principles in relation to
the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the implementation of UN Security Council decisions in regards to the struggle against terror and finance
of terrorism within the scope of the mentioned law, as well as
the regulation of the crime of financing terrorism and freezing
assets in order to prevent the financing of terrorism, the law
on preventing the financing of terrorismhas been adopted (Law
dated 7/2/2013 and numbered 6415, Official Gazette: 16/2/2013,
28561).
261

Adoption of the law on foreigners and international protection: The law on foreigners and international protection has
been adopted to regulate the establishment, duty, authority and
responsibility of the General Directorate of the Immigration
Administration under the Ministry of Internal Affairs as well as
defining the procedure and principles in regards to the scope
and application of the entry, stay and exit of foreigners in Turkey
as well as their request for protection. With this mentioned law
our legislation on this issue has been aligned with the EU legislation (Law dated 4/4/2013 and numbered 6458, Official Gazette:
11/4/2013, 28615).
Establishment of a Parliamentary Research Commission in

order to Explore Public Peace Process and Evaluation of the
Resolution Process: In order to explore public peace processes
and evaluation of the resolution process according to articles
104 and 105 of the 98th bylaw of the Constitution, it has been
concluded to initiate Parliamentary Research and establish a
Parliamentary Research Commission (Turkish Grand National
Assembly Decision dated 9/4/2013 and numbered 1033, Official
Gazette: 18/4/2013, 28622).
Adoption of the law on bringing amendments to certain laws

in relation to human rights and freedom of expression: Our
country has come face to face with many violation decisions
from the ECHR due to certain regulations in our legislation that
are against international standards regarding the freedom of expression and the right to fair trial. This situation was not compatible with the democratization level that country has reached
in the international arena and created an unjustly negative image. To cover the deficiencies, to widen the freedom of expression and to strengthen the right to fair trial certain revolutionary
reforms have been made within the fourth reform package. The
main regulations are the following:
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2002-2012
o ECHR violation decisions will also be considered as the basis to for a new trial in military administrative justice.
o To develop the freedom of expression in line with ECHR
standards the criteria of legitimizing or praising methods
that involve force, violence or threat as well as promoting
the use of these methods have been brought.
o Prescription (or statue of limitations) for torture crimes has
been lifted.
o In cases where ECtHR has decided that the decision of nonprosecution has been given without an effective investigation, the possibility of renewing the investigation upon request has been introduced.
o The limitations against the renewal of trial for criminal cases
when it has been concluded by the ECtHR that it is against
the European Convention on Human Rights has been lifted.
o In expropriation cases, due to the delay in the judicial process and with the effect of inflation there is a loss in the
amount that is to pay for expropriation. With the amendment made on this issue protective measures have been taken to prevent value loss (Law dated 11/4/2013 and numbered
6459, Official Gazette: 30/4/2013, 28633).

Law on amendments for the Civil Procedure Code and certain other laws: With the mentioned law; the Civil Procedure
Code numbered 1086, in The Legal Practitioners Act No. 1136,
Regional Administrative Courts No. 2576, the Law on the Establishment and Duties of the Administrative Court and Tax
Court, Law on Judges and Prosecutors No. 2802, the Law on Independent Accountant and Financial Advisor and Sworn Finan263

cial Advisors No. 3568, Law on the Establishment of Court of
Original Jurisdictions and Regional Courts of Justice No. 5235,
Law on Duty and Authorities have been amended. Similarly in
the framework of the same law, in cases where more than one
administrative or tax courts is sitting, duty in order for there to
be specialization it is decided that the High Council for Judges
and Prosecutors shall make a division of labor between courts by
taking into consideration the workload and its quality (Law dated 17/04/2013 and numbered 6460, Official Gazette 30/04/2013,
28633)

Adoption of the law amending certain laws and legal provisions in order to change certain expressions existing for the
disabled persons in the law and bylaws of provisions of laws:
With the mentioned law, the expressions such as crippled, useless, handicapped that are used to refer to disabled persons
have been replaced by one single word, which is disabled. This
change in wording aims to ensure terminological harmony and
to eliminate such wordings that might offend our disabled citizens (Law dated 25/4/2013 and numbered 6462, Official Gazette:
3/5/2013, 28636).
Ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational

Safety and Health Convention No. 187: In our country where
occupational accidents and occupational illnesses are frequently
observed, in order to fully meet the international occupational
health and security standards and to sustain a legal ground Promotional Framework Convention for Occupational Safety and
Health Convention no. 187 which passed in the 95th session of
the International Labor Organization General Conference held
on 31 may 2006 has been signed (Law dated 15/5/2013 and numbered 6485, Official Gazette: 29/5/2013, 28661).
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Law on the amendment of the social security and universal

health insurance law as well as certain other laws: With the
mentioned law; it has been made possible to provide health care
to children under 18 unconditionally and any problems in regards to the free benefit of health services for children under 18
have been eliminated. In addition according to the provisions of
Law No: 6284 on The Protection of the Family and Prevention
of Violence for the individuals for whom precautionary measures are taken but who do not have a universal health insurance or who are not covered by the universal health insurance of
those who are responsible of them and therefore cannot benefit
from the health services are also covered by the Universal health
insurance (Law dated 21/5/2013 numbered 6486, Official Gazette: 29/05/13, 28661).
Establishment of the Living Languages Institute under the

Rectorship of Siirt University (The decision of the ministers
board dated 6/6/2013, Official Gazette: 25/6/2013, 28688).
Amendment to Article 35 of Turkish Armed Forces Internal Service Law: The Law Amending the Law on Contracted
Privates and Non Commissioned Officers and Certain Other
Laws introduced an amendment to Article 35 and removed the
wording duty to protect and safeguard mentioned in the previous version of Article 35 which states that The duty of Armed
Forces is to protect and safeguard the Turkish homeland and the
Turkish as stipulated by the Constitution. The amended article
at the moment reads as follows: The duty of the Armed Forces
is to protect the Turkish homeland against threats and dangers
which may come from abroad, to ensure the preservation and
strengthening of military power in a manner that will provide
deterrence, to fulfil the duties abroad delegated with the decision
of the Parliament and help maintain international peace. This
amendment abolished the previous provision, which is regarded
265

as a legal basis for military interventions experienced in the past.
The article was rephrased in this respect, which had the purpose
of strengthening democracy (Law No: 6496 dated 13/7/2013, Official Gazette: 31/7/2013, 28724).

Providing an Opportunity for Victims of 28 February to Return to Work: The new legal arrangement gives civil servants
who were dismissed due to disciplinary penalties imposed after
28 February 1997, and those whose candidate civil servant status
was ended after 1990 on grounds that they had violated the Regulation on the Attire of Personnel Employed at Public Institutions
and Agencies, the right to return to the civil service. It has also
been provided that no limitation shall be applied in terms of the
number of appointments in the restitution of those dismissed
from public service and also that, for those dismissed from the
civil service in the 28 February process, the insurance premiums
for the intervening period would be paid by the State (Law No:
6495 dated 12/7/2013 Official Gazette: 2/8/2013, 28726).
Establishment of the Turkish National Youth Council: With

the amendment undertaken, the Turkish National Youth Council has been established within the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Accordingly, the Council shall ensure the active participation
in society of young people in the social, economic and political
fields and ensure their self-development; contribute to the policies to be developed in the area of youth and carry out national
and international studies and projects. Foundations, federations,
confederations, youth clubs and similar organizations will be
able to become members of the Council (Law No: 6495 dated
Providing an Opportunity to Reopen Closed Foundations:

The amendment in the relevant law paved the way for new
Foundations to be established on application from the charter
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2002-2012
members of Foundations that were dissolved or ordered to be
dissolved between 1 January 1990 and publication date of this
provision, as long as the name and aims of the Foundation remain the same. Moreover, a provision has been introduced
whereby the immovable property of dissolved Foundations that
have been transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations
and that are currently under its discretion shall be transferred
to the newly established foundation within three months of the
date of court registry (Law No: 6495 dated 12/7/2013, Official
Gazette: 2/8/2013, 28726).

Establishment of the Board for Monitoring and Evaluation of

the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities: Taking into consideration the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and other relevant provisions in our legislation,
the Board for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rights of the
Persons with Disabilities has been created to carry out studies
on the administrative and legal arrangements for the protection,
development and utilization of the rights of persons with disabilities; to provide suggestions; to evaluate work to be carried
out to inform the public on progress achieved; to commission
and approve strategy documents and action plans on this issue
and to ensure cooperation and coordination between those institutions involved with the rights of persons with disabilities
(Prime Ministry Circular No. 2103/8 dated 19/7/2013, Official
Gazette: 19/7/2013, 28712).
Lifting the Restrictions on Collecting Donations: Although

our citizens in general have the right to collect donations within
the context of civil society actions and social responsibility, this
freedom has been restricted in certain periods under various
justifications. The authority vested in the Turkish Aeronautical Association to collect slaughtered sheep/cattle skin, alms
and devotions constitutes one such example. In this regard,
267

the Turkish Aeronautical Association had exclusive authority
to collect donations by collecting slaughtered sheep/cattle skin
and guts and distribution of envelopes for alms and devotions.
The practice whereby the Turkish Aeronautical Association had
exclusive authority was based on the provisions of Article 5 of
Regulation Relating to the Procedure and Principles Applicable
to Collection of Aid issued under the Social Assistance and
Solidarity Law No. 3294. Considering the level of democratization attained by our country, the aforementioned provision of
the Regulation has been abolished whereby the Turkish Aeronautical Association is no longer the sole authorized institution
to collect slaughtered sheep/cattle skin and guts as well as alms
and devotions (Article 5 of Regulation on Amendment to Regulation Relating to the Procedure and Principles Applicable to Collection of Aid, Official Gazette: 26/9/2013, 28777).
Lifting the Restriction on Clothing of Female Public Employees: The overarching arrangements on the clothing and
appearances of public employees in Turkey are stipulated in
Regulation on the Clothing and Appearances of Personnel
Employed in Public Institutions and Agencies which entered
into force upon the Council of Ministers Decree No. 8/5105
dated 16/7/1982. The aforementioned Regulation, which
included restrictive provisions for female public employees,
constituted an obstacle to female public employees working
while wearing headscarves. The headscarf ban, which is a significant obstacle before women in assuming their deserved
position within working life and employment in Turkey, was
contradictory to universal human rights and law principles
such as the freedom of religion and conscience, the right to
work, prohibition of discrimination based on gender and the
principle of equality. Within this framework, the amendment
to the aforementioned Regulation abolished the headscarf
ban on female public employees. In parallel to the afore268
2002-2012
mentioned legal arrangement, the expression The rule is to
uncover ones head indoors included in the first sentence
of paragraph 2 of the Decree Law No: 2413 on the Clothing of Public Employees of Council of Ministers Decree dated
2/9/1925, which no longer has any scope for implementation, has been abolished (Regulation No. 2413 Amending the
Regulation on Clothing Appearances of Personnel Employed
in Public Institutions and Agencies and Decree Amending the
Council of Ministers Decree dated 2/9/1925, Official Gazette:
8/10/2013, 28789).
Ending the Practice of Reciting the Student Oath in Primary Schools: In Turkey, the reciting of the student oath
in primary and secondary schools is based on Circular No.
1749/42 dated 18 May 1933 issued by the Ministry of National Education. On this issue, firstly the reciting of the oath in
secondary schools was lifted by an amendment to the regulation as published in Official Gazette 28360 dated 21/7/2012.
However, the practice of reciting the student oath in primary
schools had continued, based on article 12 of Ministry of
National Education Regulation on Primary Education Institutions. The amendment to the aforementioned Regulation
ended the practice of reciting the student oath in primary
schools (Regulation Amending the Ministry of National Education Regulation on Primary Education Institutions, Official
Gazette: 8/10/2013, 28789).

Return of the Land of Mor Gabriel Monastery to the Foundation: The land belonging to Mor Gabriel (Deyrulumur) Monastery located in Midyat district of Mardin province had been
transferred to the Treasury following a court case initiated by
the Treasury. However, since it has been understood that the
Deyrulumur Syriac Monastery Foundation meets the conditions under Provisional Article 11 of the Foundations Law No:
269

5737 dated 20/2/2008, it was unanimously decided by the Foundations Council of the Prime Ministry General Directorate of
Foundations that the 12 plots should be returned to the aforementioned Foundation. This arrangement, which demonstrates
that the right to property all our citizens is safeguarded without
any discrimination, provided a relief to the injustice suffered by
the Syriac community (8/10/2013).
270

Turkey Vision 2023

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THE SILENT

Turkeys Democratic Change and

THE SILENT REVOLUTION

Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security Publications: 7

The Silent Revolution

The Silent Revolution

BELDES : Municipality Infrastructure Support Project

: Conditional Cash Transfer

: Criminal Procedure Code

: Code of Criminal Trial Procedure

: European Convention on Human Rights

: European Court of Human Rights

EMASYA :The Protocol on Cooperation for Security and Public

: High Council of Judges and Prosecutors

: Code of Civil Procedure

: Code of Administrative Procedure

: Return to the Village and Rehabilitation Project

KYDES : Village Infrastructure Support Project

: Ministry of National Education

: National Security Council

: Radio and Television Supreme Council

: Supreme Military Council

: Social Support Programme

: State Security Court

: Turkish Penal Code

: Grand National Assembly of Turkey

: Turkish Radio and Television Corporation

: Higher Education Council

FOREWORD BY THE PRIME MINISTER

The Silent Revolution

The Silent Revolution

FOREWORD by the DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

The Silent Revolution

FOREWORD by the UNDERSECRETARY

The Silent Revolution

Turkeys Democratic Change and

The Silent Revolution

The Silent Revolution

TURKEYS DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The Silent Revolution

Rule of Law and the Judiciary

The Silent Revolution

Advancement of the Standard for Democracy,

The Silent Revolution

The Silent Revolution

Role of the European Union in Democratization

SHIFTING THE SECURITY PARADIGM

The Silent Revolution

Lifting State of Emergency

The Silent Revolution

Abolishment of the State Security Courts and SpecialAuthority Courts

Thus, the adventure of SSCs that

Launch of the National Unity and Fraternity Project

The Silent Revolution

Through the steps taken within

Establishment of the Undersecretariat of Public Order

Reinstatement of Citizenship Rights

The Silent Revolution