Hâkimiyeti

Hâkimiyeti is a Turkish term derived from the Arabic word “ḥākim,” meaning judge or ruler. In modern Turkish usage it denotes the concept of authority, governance, or sovereignty. The word is often applied in legal, political, and administrative contexts to refer to the exercise of power by state institutions or individual officials.

In Turkish constitutional law, hâkimiyeti is closely associated with the principle of state sovereignty and the distribution of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, since its adoption in 1982, contains provisions that underscore the state's hâkimiyeti over public affairs, while at the same time establishing limits through checks and balances and the rule of law. The term is frequently used in discussions of legal jurisdiction, public administration, and the legitimacy of government actions.

Historically, hâkimiyeti has roots in Ottoman administrative practice, where local and provincial governors were referred to as “hâkim.” The concept evolved with the secular reforms of the early Turkish Republic, becoming a key element of modern Turkish political theory. In contemporary discourse, hâkimiyeti also appears in debates on democratic governance, decentralization, and the extent of executive prerogatives. Because it refers to the very essence of power in the state, discussions of hâkimiyeti are integral to analyses of national identity, legal accountability, and the balance between authority and individual rights.