Anayasa

Anayasa, the Turkish word for “constitution,” refers to the fundamental law governing the Republic of Turkey. The current constitution was adopted by a popular referendum on 7 November 1982, succeeding earlier charters enacted in 1921, 1924 and 1961. It establishes Turkey as a democratic, secular, and social state governed by the rule of law, and delineates the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The document contains 177 articles organized into six sections: fundamental provisions; legislative power; executive power; judiciary; the Constitutional Court and other high courts; and miscellaneous provisions. It guarantees basic rights and freedoms, including equality before the law, freedom of expression, assembly, and conscience, while also outlining duties such as military service and tax obligations. The presidency, redefined by the 2017 constitutional amendment, now holds a strong executive role, merging head‑of‑state and head‑of‑government functions.

Amendments to the Anayasa require a two‑thirds majority in the Grand National Assembly and subsequent approval by a public referendum. Since its promulgation, the constitution has been amended multiple times, notably in 2001, 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2017, to address issues such as EU accession, judicial reforms, and the transition to a presidential system. The Constitutional Court, composed of 15 judges appointed by the president, parliament and judicial bodies, oversees the constitutionality of legislation and resolves disputes between state institutions. The Anayasa remains a central reference point for Turkey’s legal and political framework.