| TURKEY Republic of Turkey Turkiye Cumhuriyeti Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 111 January 2013 |
Part Two -- Fundamental Rights and Duties
Chapter One -- General Provisions
Article 12 Nature of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) Everyone possesses inherent fundamental rights and freedoms which are inviolable and inalienable.
(2) The fundamental rights and freedoms also comprise the duties and responsibilities of the individual to the society, his or her family,
and other individuals.
Article 13 Restriction of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
Fundamental rights and freedoms may be restricted only by law and in conformity with the reasons mentioned in the relevant articles of
the Constitution without infringing upon their essence. These restrictions shall not be in conflict with the letter and spirit of the
Constitution and the requirements of the democratic order of the society and the secular Republic and the principle of proportionality.
Article 14 Prohibition of Abuse of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) None of the rights and freedoms embodied in the Constitution shall be exercised with the aim of violating the indivisible integrity of the
state with its territory and nation, and endangering the existence of the democratic and secular order of the Turkish Republic based upon
human rights.
(2) No provision of this Constitution shall be interpreted in a manner that enables the State or individuals to destroy the fundamental rights
and freedoms embodied in the Constitution or to stage an activity with the aim of restricting them more extensively than stated in the
Constitution.
(3) The sanctions to be applied against those who perpetrate these activities in conflict with these provisions shall be determined by law.
Article 15 Suspension of the Exercise of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) In times of war, mobilization, martial law, or state of emergency, the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms can be partially or
entirely suspended, or measures may be taken, to the extent required by the exigencies of the situation, which derogate the guarantees
embodied in the Constitution, provided that obligations under international law are not violated.
(2) Even under the circumstances indicated in the first paragraph, the individual's right to life, and the integrity of his or her material and
spiritual entity shall be inviolable except where death occurs through lawful act of warfare; no one may be compelled to reveal his or her
religion, conscience, thought or opinion, nor be accused on account of them; offences and penalties may not be made retroactive, nor
may anyone be held guilty until so proven by a court judgment.
Article 16 Status of Aliens
The fundamental rights and freedoms of aliens may be restricted by law in a manner consistent with international law.
Chapter Two -- Rights and Duties of the Individual
Article 17 Personal Inviolability, Material and Spiritual Entity of the Individual
(1) Everyone has the right to life and the right to protect and develop his material and spiritual entity.
(2) The physical integrity of the individual shall not be violated except under medical necessity and in cases prescribed by law; and shall
not be subjected to scientific or medical experiments without his or her consent.
(3) No one shall be subjected to torture or ill-treatment; no one shall be subjected to penalties or treatment incompatible with human
dignity.
(4) Cases such as the act of killing in self-defence, occurrences of death as a result of the use of a weapon permitted by law as a
necessary measure during apprehension, the execution of warrants of arrest, the prevention of the escape of lawfully arrested or
convicted persons, the quelling of riot or insurrection, or carrying out the orders of authorized bodies during martial law or state of
emergency, are outside of the scope of the provision of paragraph 1.
Article 18 Prohibition of Forced Labour
(1) No one shall be forced to work. Forced labour is prohibited.
(2) Work required of an individual while serving a prison sentence or under detention, services required from citizens during a state of
emergency, and physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation do not come under the
description of forced labour, provided that the form and conditions of such labour are prescribed by law.
Article 19 Personal Liberty and Security
(1) Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person.
(2) No one shall be deprived of his or her liberty except in the following cases where procedure and conditions are prescribed by law:
Execution of sentences restricting liberty and the implementation of security measures decided by court order; apprehension or detention
of an individual in line with a court ruling or an obligation upon him designated by law; execution of an order for the purpose of the
educational supervision of a minor or for bringing him or her before the competent authority; execution of measures taken in conformity
with the relevant legal provision for the treatment, education or correction in institutions of a person of unsound mind, an alcoholic or
drug addict or vagrant or a person spreading contagious diseases, when such persons constitute a danger to the public, apprehension or
detention of a person who enters or attempts to enter illegally into the country or for whom a deportation or extradition order has been
issued.
(3) Individuals against whom there is strong evidence of having committed an offence can be arrested by decision of a judge solely for
the purposes of preventing escape, or preventing the destruction or alteration of evidence as well as in similar other circumstances which
necessitate detention and are prescribed by law. Apprehension of a person without a decision by a judge shall be resorted to only in cases
when a person is caught in the act of committing an offence or in cases where delay is likely to thwart the course of justice; the
conditions for such acts shall be defined by law.
(4) Individuals arrested or detained shall be promptly notified, and in all cases in writing, or orally, when the former is not possible, of the
grounds for their arrest or detention and the charges against them; in cases of offences committed collectively this notification shall be
made, at the latest, before the individual is brought before a judge.
(5) The person arrested or detained shall be brought before a judge within at latest forty-eight hours and in the case of offences
committed collectively within at most four days, excluding the time taken to send the individual to the court nearest to the place of arrest.
No one can be deprived of his or her liberty without the decision of a judge after the expiry of the above-specified periods. These periods
may be extended during a state of emergency, under martial law or in time of war.
(6) The arrest or detention of a person shall be notified to next of kin immediately.
(7) Persons under detention shall have the right to request trial within a reasonable time or to be released during investigation or
prosecution. Release may be made conditional to the presentation of an appropriate guarantee with a view to securing the presence of the
person at the trial proceedings and the execution of the court sentence.
(8) Persons deprived of their liberty under any circumstances are entitled to apply to the appropriate judicial authority for speedy
conclusion of proceedings regarding their situation and for their release if the restriction placed upon them is not lawful.
(10) Damage suffered by persons subjected to treatment contrary to the above provisions shall be compensated by the State with respect
to the general principles of the law on compensation.
Article 20 Privacy of Individual Life
(1) Everyone has the right to demand respect for his or her private and family life. Privacy of an individual or family life cannot be
violated.
(2) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds, neither
the person nor the private papers, nor belongings, of an individual shall be searched nor shall they be seized. The decision of the
authorized agency shall be submitted for the approval of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his
decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure; otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
Article 21 Inviolability of the Domicil
(1) The domicile of an individual shall not be violated.
(2) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds, no
domicile may be entered or searched or the property therein seized. The decision of the authorised agency shall be submitted for the
approval of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure;
otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
Article 22 Freedom of Communication
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of communication.
(2) Secrecy of communication is fundamental.
(3) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds,
communication shall not be impeded nor its secrecy be violated. The decision of the authorised agency shall be submitted for the approval
of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure;
otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
(4) Public establishments or institutions where exceptions to the above may be applied are defined by law.
Article 23 Freedom of Residence and Movement
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of residence and movement.
(2) Freedom of residence may be restricted by law for the purpose of preventing offences, promoting social and economic development,
ensuring sound and orderly urban growth, and protecting public property; freedom of movement may be restricted by law for the
purpose of investigation and prosecution of an offence, and prevention of offences. A citizen's freedom to leave the country may be
restricted on account of civic obligations, or criminal investigation or prosecution.
(4) Citizens may not be deported, or deprived of their right of entry to their homeland.
Article 24 Freedom of Religion and Conscience
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religious belief and conviction.
(2) Acts of worship, religious services, and ceremonies shall be conducted freely, provided that they do not violate the provisions of
Article 14.
(3) No one shall be compelled to worship, or to participate in religious ceremonies and rites, to reveal religious beliefs and convictions, or
be blamed or accused because of his religious beliefs and convictions.
(4) Education and instruction in religion and ethics shall be conducted under state supervision and control. Instruction in religious culture
and moral education shall be compulsory in the curricula of primary and secondary schools. Other religious education and instruction shall
be subject to the individual's own desire, and in the case of minors, to the request of their legal representatives.
(5) No one shall be allowed to exploit or abuse religion or religious feelings, or things held sacred by religion, in any manner whatsoever,
for the purpose of personal or political influence, or for even partially basing the fundamental, social, economic, political, and legal order
of the state on religious tenets.
Article 25 Freedom of Thought and Opinion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and opinion. No one shall be compelled to reveal his thoughts and opinions for any reason or
purpose, nor shall anyone be blamed or accused on account of his thoughts and opinions.
Article 26 Freedom of Expression and Dissemination of Thought
(1) Everyone has the right to express and disseminate his thoughts and opinion by speech, in writing or in pictures or through other
media, individually or collectively. This right includes the freedom to receive and impart information and ideas without interference from
official authorities. This provision shall not preclude subjecting transmission by radio, television, cinema, and similar means to a system of
licensing.
(2) The exercise of these freedoms may be restricted for the purposes of protecting national security, public order and public safety, the
basic characteristics of the Republic and safeguarding the indivisible integrity of the State with its territory and nation, preventing crime,
punishing offenders, withholding information duly classified as a state secret, protecting the reputation and rights and private and family
life of others, or protecting professional secrets as prescribed by law, or ensuring the proper functioning of the judiciary.
(3) The formalities, conditions and procedures to be applied in exercising the right to expression and dissemination of thought shall be
prescribed by law.
Article 27 Freedom of Science and the Arts
(1) Everyone has the right to study and teach freely, explain, and disseminate science and arts and to carry out research in these fields.
(2) The right to disseminate shall not be exercised for the purpose of changing the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of this Constitution.
(3) The provisions of this article shall not preclude regulation by law of the entry and distribution of foreign publications in the country.
Article 28 Freedom of the Press
(1) The press is free, and shall not be censored. The establishment of a printing house shall not be subject to prior permission or the
deposit of a financial guarantee.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure freedom of the press and freedom of information.
(3) In the limitation of freedom of the press, Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution are applicable.
(4) Anyone who writes or prints any news or articles which threaten the internal or external security of the state or the indivisible integrity
of the state with its territory and nation, which tend to incite offence, riot or insurrection, or which refer to classified state secrets and
anyone who prints or transmits such news or articles to others for the above purposes, shall be held responsible under the law relevant to
these offences. Distribution may be suspended as a preventive measure by the decision of a judge, or in the event delay is deemed
prejudicial, by the competent authority designated by law. The authority suspending distribution shall notify a competent judge of its
decision within twenty-four hours at the latest. The order suspending distribution shall become null and void unless upheld by a competent
judge within forty-eight hours at the latest.
(5) No ban shall be placed on the reporting of events, except by the decision of judge issued to ensure proper functioning of the judiciary,
within the limits specified by law.
(6) Periodical and non-periodical publications may be seized by a decision of a judge in cases of ongoing investigation or prosecution of
offences prescribed by law, and, in situations where delay could endanger the indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation,
national security, public order or public morals and for the prevention of offence by order of the competent authority designated by law.
The authority issuing the order to confiscate shall notify a competent judge of its decision within twenty-four hours at the latest. The
order to confiscate shall become null and void unless upheld by the competent court within forty-eight hours at the latest.
(7) The general common provisions shall apply when seizure and confiscation of periodicals and non-periodicals for reasons of criminal
investigation and prosecution takes place.
(8) Periodicals published in Turkey may be temporarily suspended by court sentence if found to contain material which contravenes the
indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation, the fundamental principles of the Republic, national security and public
morals. Any publication which clearly bears the characteristics of being a continuation of a suspended periodical is prohibited; and shall be
seized following a decision by a competent judge.
Article 29 Right to Publish Periodicals and Non-periodicals
(1) Publication of periodicals or non-periodicals shall not be subject to prior authorisation or the deposit of a financial guarantee.
(2) To publish a periodical it shall suffice to submit the information and documents prescribed by law to the competent authority
designated by law. If the information and documents submitted are found to be in contravention of law, the competent authority shall
apply to the appropriate court for suspension of publication.
(3) )The publication of periodicals, the conditions of publication, the financial resources and the rules relevant to the profession of
journalism shall be regulated by law. The law shall not impose any political, economic, financial, and technical conditions, thus obstructing
or making difficult the free dissemination of news, thought, or beliefs.
(4) Periodicals shall have equal access to the means and facilities of the state, other public corporate bodies, and their agencies.
Article 30 Protection of Printing Facilities
Neither a printing house and its annexes duly established as a press enterprise under law nor press equipment shall be seized, confiscated,
or barred from operation on the grounds of having been used in a crime.
Article 31 Right to Use Media Other Than the Press Owned by Public Corporations
(1) Individuals and political parties have the right to use mass media and means of communication other than the press owned by public
corporations. The conditions and procedures for such use shall be regulated by law.
(2) The law shall not impose restrictions preventing the public from receiving information or forming ideas and opinions through these
media, or preventing public opinion from being freely formed, on the grounds other than national security, public order, public morals, or
the protection of public health.
Article 32 Right of Rectification and Reply
(1) The right of rectification and reply shall be accorded only in cases where personal reputation and honour is attacked or in cases of
unfounded allegation and shall be regulated by law.
(2) If a rectification or reply is not published, the judge will decide, within seven days of appeal by the individual involved, whether or not
this publication is required.
Article 33 Freedom of Association
(1) Everyone has the right to form associations, or become a member of an association, or withdraw from membership without prior
permission.
(2) No one shall be compelled to become or remain a member of an association.
(3) Freedom of association may only be restricted by law on the grounds of protecting national security and public order, or prevention of
crime commitment, or protecting public morals, public health.
(4) The formalities, conditions, and procedures governing the exercise of freedom of association shall be prescribed by law.
(5) Associations may be dissolved or suspended from activity by the decision of a judge in cases prescribed by law. In cases where delay
endangers national security or public order and in cases where it is necessary to prevent the perpetration or the continuation of a crime or
to effect apprehension, an authority designated by law may be vested with power to suspend the association from activity. The decision
of this authority shall be submitted for the approval of the judge in charge within twenty-four hours. The judge shall announce his
decision within forty-eight hours, otherwise this administrative decision shall be annulled automatically.
(6) Provisions of the first paragraph shall not prevent imposition of restrictions on the rights of armed forces and security forces officials
and civil servants to the extent that the duties of civil servants so require.
(7) The provisions of this article are also applicable to foundations.
Article 34 Right to Hold Meetings and Demonstration Marches
(1) Everyone has the right to hold unarmed and peaceful meetings and demonstration marches without prior permission.
(2) The right to hold meetings and demonstration marches shall only be restricted by law on the grounds of national security, and public
order, or prevention of crime commitment, public health and public morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
(3) The formalities, conditions, and procedures governing the exercise of the right to hold meetings and demonstration marches shall be
prescribed by law.
Article 35 Property Rights
(1) Everyone has the right to own and inherit property.
(2) These rights may be limited by law only in view of public interest.
(3) The exercise of the right to own property shall not be in contravention of the public interest.
Article 36 Freedom to Claim Rights
(1) Everyone has the right of litigation either as plaintiff or defendant and the right to a fair trial before the courts through lawful means
and procedures.
(2) No court shall refuse to hear a case within its jurisdiction.
Article 37 Guarantee of Lawful Judgement
No one may be tried by any judicial authority other than the legally designated court. Extraordinary tribunals with jurisdiction that would in
effect remove a person from the jurisdiction of his legally designated court shall not be established.
Article 38 Principles Relating to Offences and Penalties
(1) No one shall be punished for any act which does not constitute a criminal offence under the law in force at the time committed; no
one shall be given a heavier penalty for an offence other than the penalty applicable at the time when the offence was committed.
(2) The provisions of the above paragraph shall also apply to the statute of limitations on offences and penalties and on the results of
conviction.
(3) Penalties, and security measures in lieu of penalties, shall be prescribed only by law.
(4) No one shall be considered guilty until proven guilty in a court of law.
(5) No one shall be compelled to make a statement that would incriminate himself/herself or his/her legal next of kin, or to present such
incriminating evidence.
(6) Findings obtained through illegal methods shall not be considered evidence.
(7) Criminal responsibility shall be personal.
(8) No one shall be deprived of his liberty merely on the ground of inability to fulfil a contractual obligation.
(9) Neither death penalty nor general confiscation shall be imposed as punishment.
(10) The Administration shall not impose any sanction resulting in restriction of personal liberty. Exceptions to this provision may be
introduced by law regarding the internal order of the Armed Forces.
(11) No citizen shall be extradited to a foreign country on account of an offence except under obligations resulting from being a party to
the International Criminal Court.
Article 39 Right to Prove an Allegation
In libel and defamation suits involving allegations against persons in the public service in connection with their functions or services, the
defendant has the right to prove the allegations. A plea for presenting proof shall not be granted in any other case unless proof would
serve the public interest or unless the plaintiff consents.
Article 40 Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) Everyone whose constitutional rights and freedoms have been violated has the right to request prompt access to the competent
authorities.
(2) The State, is obliged to indicate in its transactions, the legal remedies and authorities the persons concerned should apply and their time
limits.
(3) Damages incurred by any person through unlawful treatment by holders of public office shall be compensated for by the state. The
state reserves the right of recourse to the official responsible.
Chapter Three -- Social and Economic Rights and Duties
Article 41 Protection of the Family
(1) The family is the foundation of the Turkish society and based on the equality between the spouses.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures and establish the necessary organisation to ensure the peace and welfare of the family,
especially where the protection of the mother and children is involved, and recognizing the need for education in the practical application
of family planning.
Article 42 Right and Duty of Training and Education
(1) No one shall be deprived of the right of learning and education.
(2) The scope of the right to education shall be defined and regulated by law.
(3) Training and education shall be conducted along the lines of the principles and reforms of Atatürk, on the basis of contemporary
science and educational methods, under the supervision and control of the state. Institutions of training and education contravening these
provisions shall not be established.
(4) The freedom of training and education does not relieve the individual from loyalty to the Constitution.
(5)Primary education is compulsory for all citizens of both sexes and is free of charge in state schools.
(6) The principles governing the functioning of private primary and secondary schools shall be regulated by law in keeping with the
standards set for state schools.
(7) The state shall provide scholarships and other means of assistance to enable students of merit lacking financial means to continue their
education. The state shall take necessary measures to rehabilitate those in need of special training so as to render such people useful to
society.
(8) Training, education, research, and study are the only activities that shall be pursued at institutions of training and education. These
activities shall not be obstructed in any way.
(9) No language other than Turkish shall be taught as a mother tongue to Turkish citizens at any institutions of training or education.
Foreign languages to be taught in institutions of training and education and the rules to be followed by schools conducting training and
education in a foreign language shall be determined by law. The provisions of international treaties are reserved.
Article 43 Utilisation of the Coasts
(1) The coasts are under the sovereignty and disposal of the state.
(2) In the utilisation of sea coasts, lake shores or river banks, and of the coastal strip along the sea and lakes, public interest shall be taken
into consideration with priority.
(3) The width of coasts, and coastal strips according to the purpose of utilization and the conditions of utilization by individuals shall be
determined by law.
Article 44 Land Ownership
(1)The state shall take the necessary measures to maintain and develop efficient land cultivation, to prevent its loss through erosion, and to
provide land to farmers with insufficient land of their own, or no land. For this purpose, the law may define the size of appropriate land
units, according to different agricultural regions and types of farming. Providing of land to farmers with no or insufficient land shall not
lead to a fall in production, or to the depletion of forests and other land and underground resources.
(2) Lands distributed for this purpose shall neither be divided nor be transferred to others, except through inheritance, and shall be
cultivated only by the farmers to whom the lands have been distributed, and their heirs. The principles relating to the recovery by the state
of the land thus distributed in the event of loss of these conditions shall be prescribed by law.
Article 45 Protection of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and of Persons Engaged in These Activities
(1) The state facilitates farmers and livestock breeders in acquiring machinery, equipment and other inputs in order to prevent improper
use and destruction of agricultural land, meadows and pastures and to increase crop and livestock production in accordance with the
principles of agricultural planning.
(2) The state shall take necessary measures to promote the values of crop and livestock products, and to enable growers and producers to
be paid the real value of their products.
Article 46 Expropriation
(1) The State and public corporations shall be entitled, where the public interest requires it, to expropriate privately owned real estate
wholly or in part and impose administrative servitude on it, in accordance with the principles and procedures prescribed by law, provided
that the actual compensation is paid in advance.
(2) The compensation for expropriation and the amount regarding its increase rendered by a final judgement shall be paid in cash and in
advance. However, the procedure to be applied for compensation for expropriated land in order to carry out land reform, major energy
and irrigation projects, and housing and resettlement schemes and afforestation, and to protect the coasts and to build tourist facilities
shall be regulated by law. In the cases where the law may allow payment in instalments, the payment period shall not exceed five years,
whence payments shall be made in equal instalments.
(3) Compensation for the land expropriated from the small farmer who cultivates his own land shall in all cases be paid in advance.
(4) An interest equivalent to the highest interest paid on public claims shall be implemented in the instalments envisaged in the second
paragraph.
Article 47 Nationalization and Privatisation
(1) Private enterprises performing public services may be nationalized when this is required by the exigencies of public interest.
(2) Nationalization shall be carried out on the basis of real value. The methods and procedures for calculating real value shall be prescribed
by law.
(3) Principles and rules concerning the privatisation of enterprises and assets owned by the State, State Economic Enterprises and other
public corporate bodies shall be prescribed by law.
(4) Those investments and services carried out by the State, State Economic Enterprises and other public corporate bodies which could
be performed by or delegated to real or corporate bodies through private law contracts shall be determined by law.
Article 48 Freedom to Work and Conclude Contracts
(1) Everyone has the freedom to work and conclude contracts in the field of his/her choice. Establishment of private enterprises is free.
(2)The state shall take measures to ensure that private enterprises operate in accordance with national economic requirements and social
objectives and in conditions of security and stability.
Aricle 49 Right and Duty to Work
(1) Everyone has the right and duty to work.
(2) The State shall take the necessary measures to raise the standard of living of workers, and to protect workers and the unemployed in
order to improve the general conditions of labour, to promote labour, to create suitable economic conditions for prevention of
unemployment and to secure labour peace.
Article 50 Working Conditions and Right to Rest and Leisure
(1) No one shall be required to perform work unsuited to his age, sex, and capacity.
(2) Minors, women and persons with physical or mental disabilities, shall enjoy special protection with regard to working conditions.
(3) All workers have the right to rest and leisure.
(4) Rights and conditions relating to paid weekends and holidays, together with paid annual leave, shall be regulated by law.
Article 51 Right to Organize Labour Unions
(1) Employees and employers have the right to form labour unions, employers' associations and higher organizations, without obtaining
permission, and they also possess the right to become a member of a union and to freely withdraw from membership, in order to
safeguard and develop their economic and social rights and the interests of their members in their labour relations. No one shall be forced
to become a member of a union or to withdraw from membership.
(2) The right to form a union shall be solely restricted by law for purposes of safeguarding national security and public order and
preventing crime and protecting public health and public morals and the rights and freedoms of others.
(3) The formalities, conditions and procedures to be applied in exercising the right to form union shall be prescribed by law.
(4) Membership in more than one labour union cannot be obtained at the same time and in the same work branch.
(5) The scope, exceptions and limits of the rights of civil servants who do not have a worker status are prescribed by law in line with the
characteristics of their job.
(6) The regulations, administration and functioning of labour unions and their higher bodies should not be inconsistent with the
fundamental characteristics of the Republic and principles of democracy.
Article 52 Activities of Labour Unions
(Repealed on July 2,1995)
Article 53 Right of Collective Bargaining
(1) Workers and employers have the right to conclude collective bargaining agreements in order to regulate reciprocally their economic
and social position and conditions of work.
(2) The procedure to be followed in concluding collective bargaining agreements shall be regulated by law.
(3) The unions and their higher organizations, which are to be established by the public employees mentioned in the first paragraph of
Article 128 and which do not fall under the scope of the first and second paragraphs of the same article and also Article 54, may appeal to
judicial authorities on behalf of their members and may hold collective bargaining meetings with the administration in accordance with
their aims. If an agreement is reached as a result of collective bargaining, a text of the agreement will be signed by the parties. Such text
shall be presented to the Council of Ministers so that administrative or judicial arrangements can be made. If such a text cannot be
concluded by collective bargaining, the agreed and disagreed points will also be submitted for the consideration of the Council of Ministers
by the relevant parties. The regulations for the execution of this article are stipulated by law.
(4) More than one collective bargaining agreement at the same place of work for the same period shall not be concluded or put into effect.
Article 54 Right to Strike and Lockout
(1) Workers have the right to strike if a dispute arises during the collective bargaining process. The procedures and conditions governing
the exercise of this right and the employer's recourse to a lockout, the scope of both actions, and the exceptions to which they are subject
shall be regulated by law.
(2) The right to strike, and lockout shall not be exercised in a manner contrary to the principle of goodwill to the detriment of society, and
in a manner damaging national wealth.
(3) During a strike, the labour union is liable for any material damage caused in a work-place where the strike is being held, as a result of
deliberately negligent behaviour by the workers and the labour union.
(4) The circumstances and places in which strikes and lockouts may be prohibited or postponed shall be regulated by law.
(5) In cases where a strike or a lockout is prohibited or postponed, the dispute shall be settled by the Supreme Arbitration Board at the end
of the period of postponement. The disputing parties may apply to the Supreme Arbitration Board by mutual agreement at any stage of the
dispute.
(6) The decisions of the Supreme Arbitration Board shall be final and have the force of a collective bargaining agreement.
(6) The organisation and functions of the Supreme Arbitration Board shall be regulated by law.
(7) Politically motivated strikes and lockouts, solidarity strikes and lockouts, occupation of work premises, labour go- slows, and other
forms of obstruction are prohibited.
(8) Those who refuse to go on strike, shall in no way be barred from working at their work-place by strikers.
Article 55 Guarantee of Fair Wage
(1) Wages shall be paid in return for work.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers earn a fair wage commensurate with the work they perform and
that they enjoy other social benefits.
(3) In determining the minimum wage, the living conditions of the workers and the economic situation of the country shall be taken into
account.
Article 56 Health Services and Conservation of the Environment
(1) Everyone has the right to live in a healthy, balanced environment.
(2) It is the duty of the state and citizens to improve the natural environment, and to prevent environmental pollution.
(3) To ensure that everyone leads their lives in conditions of physical and mental health and to secure cooperation in terms of human and
material resources through economy and increased productivity, the state shall regulate central planning and functioning of the health
services.
(4) The state shall fulfil this task by utilizing and supervising the health and social assistance institutions, in both the public and private
sectors.
(5) In order to establish widespread health services general health insurance may be introduced by law.
Article 57 Right to Housing
(1) The state shall take measures to meet the need for housing within the framework of a plan which takes into account the
characteristics of cities and environmental conditions and supports community housing projects.
Article 58 Protection of the Youth
(1) The state shall take measures to ensure the training and development of the youth into whose keeping our state, independence, and our
Republic are entrusted, in the light of contemporary science, in line with the principles and reforms of Atatürk, and in opposition to ideas
aiming at the destruction of the indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation.
(2) The state shall take necessary measures to protect youth from addiction to alcohol and drugs, crime as well as gambling, and similar
vices, and ignorance.
Article 59 Development of Sports
(1) The state shall take measures to develop the physical and mental health of Turkish citizens of all ages, and encourage the spread of
sports among the masses.
(2) The state shall protect successful athletes.
Article 60 Right to Social Security
(1) Everyone has the right to social security.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures and establish the organisation for the provision of social security.
Article 61 Persons Requiring Special Protection in the Field of Social Security
(1) The state shall protect the widows and orphans of those killed in war and in the line of duty, together with the disabled and war
veterans, and ensure that they enjoy a decent standard of living.
(2) The state shall take measures to protect the disabled and secure their integration into community life.
(3) The aged shall be protected by the state. State assistance to the aged, and other rights and benefits shall be regulated by law.
(3) The state shall take all kinds of measures for social resettlement of children in need of protection.
(4) To achieve these aims the state shall establish the necessary organisations or facilities, or arrange for their establishment by other
bodies.
Article 62 Turkish Nationals Working Abroad
The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure family unity, the education of the children, the cultural needs, and the social security
of Turkish nationals working abroad, and shall take the necessary measures to safeguard their ties with the home country and to help
them on their return home.
Article 63 Conservation of Historical, Cultural and Natural Wealth
(1) The state shall ensure the conservation of the historical, cultural and natural assets and wealth, and shall take supportive and promotive
measures towards that end.
(2) Any limitations to be imposed on such privately owned assets and wealth and the compensation and exemptions to be accorded to the
owners of such, as a result of these limitations, shall be regulated by law.
Article 64 Protection of Arts and Artists
The state shall protect artistic activities and artists. The state shall take the necessary measures to protect, promote and support works of
art and artists, and encourage the growth of appreciation for the arts.
Article 65 The Extent of Social and Economic Duties of the State
(1) The State shall fulfil its duties as laid down in the Constitution in the social and economic fields within the capacity of its financial
resources, taking into consideration the priorities appropriate with the aims of these duties.
Chapter Four -- Political Rights and Duties
Article 66 Turkish Citizenship
(1) Everyone bound to the Turkish state through the bond of citizenship is a Turk.
(2) The child of a Turkish father or a Turkish mother is a Turk.
(3) Citizenship can be acquired under the conditions stipulated by law, and shall be forfeited only in cases determined by law.
(4) No Turk shall be deprived of citizenship, unless he commits an act incompatible with loyalty to the motherland.
(5) Recourse to the courts in appeal against the decisions and proceedings related to the deprivation of citizenship, shall not be denied.
Article 67 Right to Vote, to be Elected and to Engage in Political Activity
(1) In conformity with the conditions set forth in the law, citizens have the right to vote, to be elected, and to engage in political activities
independently or in a political party, and to take part in a referendum.
(2) Elections and referenda shall be held under the direction and supervision of the judiciary, in accordance with the principles of free,
equal, secret, and direct, universal suffrage, and public counting of the votes. However, the conditions under which the Turkish citizens
who are abroad shall be able to exercise their right to vote, are regulated by law.
(3) All Turkish citizens over 18 years of age shall have the right to vote in elections and to take part in referenda.
(4) The exercise of these rights shall be regulated by law.
(5)Privates and corporals serving in the armed services, students in military schools, and convicts in penal execution excluding those
convicted of negligent offences cannot vote. The Supreme Election Council shall determine the measures to be taken to ensure the safety
of the counting of votes when detainees in penal institutions or prisons vote; such voting is done under the on-site direction and
supervision of authorized judge. The electoral laws shall be drawn up in such a way as to reconcile the principles of fair representation
and consistency in administration.
(6) Amendments made to the electoral laws shall not be applied to the elections to be held within one year from when the amendments go
into force.
Article 68 Forming Parties, Membership and Withdrawal From Membership in a Party
(1) Citizens have the right to form political parties and in accordance with the established procedure to join and withdraw from them. One
must be over 18 years of age to become a member of a party.
(2) Political parties are indispensable elements of democratic political life.
(3) Political parties can be formed without prior permission and shall pursue their activities in accordance with the provisions set forth in
the Constitution and law.
(4) The statutes and programmes, as well as the activities of political parties shall not be in conflict with the independence of the state, its
indivisible integrity with its territory and nation, human rights, the principles of equality and rule of law, sovereignty of the nation, the
principles of the democratic and secular republic; they shall not aim to protect or establish class or group dictatorship or dictatorship of
any kind, nor shall they incite citizens to crime.
(5) Judges and prosecutors, members of higher judicial organs including those of the Court of Accounts, civil servants in public
institutions and organizations, other public servants who are not considered to be labourers by virtue of the services they perform,
members of the armed forces and students who are not yet in higher education institutions, shall not become members of political parties.
(6) The membership of the teaching staff at higher education institutions in political parties is regulated by law. This law cannot allow
those members to assume responsibilities outside the central organs of the political parties. It also sets forth the regulations which the
teaching staff at higher education institutions shall observe as members of political parties.
(7) The principles concerning the membership of students at higher education institutions to political parties are regulated by law.
(8) The state shall provide the political parties with adequate financial means in an equitable manner. The financial assistance to be
extended to political parties, as well as procedures related to collection of membership dues and donations are regulated by law.
Article 69 Principles to be Observed by Political Parties
(1) The decision to dissolve a political party permanently owing to activities violating the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68
may be rendered only when the Constitutional Court determines that the party in question has become a centre for the execution of such
activities.
(2) The activities, internal regulations and operation of political parties shall be in line with democratic principles. The application of these
principles is regulated by law.
(3) Political parties shall not engage in commercial activities.
(4) The income and expenditure of political parties shall be consistent with their objectives. The application of this rule is regulated by law.
The auditing of the income, expenditure and acquisitions of political parties by the Constitutional Court as well as the establishment of the
conformity to law of their revenue and expenses, methods of auditing and sanctions to be applied in the event of unconformity shall also
be regulated by law. The Constitutional Court shall be assisted in performing its task of auditing by the Court of Accounts. The judgments
rendered by the Constitutional Court as a result of the auditing shall be final.
(5) The dissolution of political parties shall be decided finally by the Constitutional Court after the filing of a suit by the office of the Chief
Public Prosecutor of the Republic.
(6) The permanent dissolution of a political party shall be decided when it is established that the statute and programme of the political
party violate the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68.
(7) The decision to dissolve a political party permanently owing to activities violating the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68
may be rendered only when the Constitutional Court determines that the party in question has become a centre for the execution of such
activities. A political party shall be deemed to become the centre of such actions only when such actions are carried out intensively by the
members of that party or the situation is shared implicitly or explicitly by the grand congress, general chairmanship or the central
decision-making or administrative organs of that party or by the group's general meeting or group executive board at the Turkish Grand
National Assembly or when these activities are carried out in determination by the above-mentioned party organs directly.
(8) Instead of dissolving them permanently in accordance with the above-mentioned paragraphs, the Constitutional Court may rule the
concerned party to be deprived of State aid wholly or in part with respect to intensity of the actions brought before the court.
(9) A party which has been dissolved permanently cannot be founded under another name.
(10) The members, including the founders of a political party whose acts or statements have caused the party to be dissolved permanently
cannot be founders, members, directors or supervisors in any other party for a period of five years from the date of publication in the
official gazette of the Constitutional Court's final decision and its justification for permanently dissolving the party.
(11) Political parties which accept financial assistance from foreign states, international institutions and persons and corporate bodies
shall be dissolved permanently.
(12) The foundation and activities of political parties, their supervision and dissolution, or their deprival of State aid wholly or in part as
well as the election expenditures and procedures of the political parties and candidates, are regulated by law in accordance with the
above-mentioned principles.
Article 70 Entry into Public Service
(1) Every Turk has the right to enter public service.
(2) No criteria other than the qualifications for the office concerned shall be taken into consideration for recruitment into public service.
Article 71 Declaration of Assets
Declaration of assets by persons entering public service and the frequency of such declaration, shall be determined by law. Those serving
in the legislative and executive organs shall not be exempted from this requirement.
Article 72 National Service
National service is the right and duty of every Turk. The manner in which this service shall be performed, or considered as performed,
either in the Armed Forces or in public service shall be regulated by law.
Article 73 Obligation to Pay Taxes
(1) Everyone is under obligation to pay taxes according to his financial resources, in order to meet public expenditure.
(2) An equitable and balanced distribution of the tax burden is the social objective of fiscal policy.
(3) Taxes, fees, duties, and other such financial impositions shall be imposed, amended, or revoked by law.
(4) The Council of Ministers may be empowered to amend the percentages of exemption, exceptions and reductions in taxes, fees, duties
and other such financial impositions, within the minimum and maximum limits prescribed by law.
Article 74 Right of Petition
(1) Citizens and foreigners resident considering the principle of reciprocity have the right to apply in writing to the competent authorities
and to the Turkish Grand National Assembly with regard to the requests and complaints concerning themselves or the public.
(2) The result of the application concerning himself shall be made known to the petitioner in writing without delay.
(3) The way of exercising this right shall be determined by law.
Chapter One -- General Provisions
Article 12 Nature of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) Everyone possesses inherent fundamental rights and freedoms which are inviolable and inalienable.
(2) The fundamental rights and freedoms also comprise the duties and responsibilities of the individual to the society, his or her family,
and other individuals.
Article 13 Restriction of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
Fundamental rights and freedoms may be restricted only by law and in conformity with the reasons mentioned in the relevant articles of
the Constitution without infringing upon their essence. These restrictions shall not be in conflict with the letter and spirit of the
Constitution and the requirements of the democratic order of the society and the secular Republic and the principle of proportionality.
Article 14 Prohibition of Abuse of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) None of the rights and freedoms embodied in the Constitution shall be exercised with the aim of violating the indivisible integrity of the
state with its territory and nation, and endangering the existence of the democratic and secular order of the Turkish Republic based upon
human rights.
(2) No provision of this Constitution shall be interpreted in a manner that enables the State or individuals to destroy the fundamental rights
and freedoms embodied in the Constitution or to stage an activity with the aim of restricting them more extensively than stated in the
Constitution.
(3) The sanctions to be applied against those who perpetrate these activities in conflict with these provisions shall be determined by law.
Article 15 Suspension of the Exercise of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) In times of war, mobilization, martial law, or state of emergency, the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms can be partially or
entirely suspended, or measures may be taken, to the extent required by the exigencies of the situation, which derogate the guarantees
embodied in the Constitution, provided that obligations under international law are not violated.
(2) Even under the circumstances indicated in the first paragraph, the individual's right to life, and the integrity of his or her material and
spiritual entity shall be inviolable except where death occurs through lawful act of warfare; no one may be compelled to reveal his or her
religion, conscience, thought or opinion, nor be accused on account of them; offences and penalties may not be made retroactive, nor
may anyone be held guilty until so proven by a court judgment.
Article 16 Status of Aliens
The fundamental rights and freedoms of aliens may be restricted by law in a manner consistent with international law.
Chapter Two -- Rights and Duties of the Individual
Article 17 Personal Inviolability, Material and Spiritual Entity of the Individual
(1) Everyone has the right to life and the right to protect and develop his material and spiritual entity.
(2) The physical integrity of the individual shall not be violated except under medical necessity and in cases prescribed by law; and shall
not be subjected to scientific or medical experiments without his or her consent.
(3) No one shall be subjected to torture or ill-treatment; no one shall be subjected to penalties or treatment incompatible with human
dignity.
(4) Cases such as the act of killing in self-defence, occurrences of death as a result of the use of a weapon permitted by law as a
necessary measure during apprehension, the execution of warrants of arrest, the prevention of the escape of lawfully arrested or
convicted persons, the quelling of riot or insurrection, or carrying out the orders of authorized bodies during martial law or state of
emergency, are outside of the scope of the provision of paragraph 1.
Article 18 Prohibition of Forced Labour
(1) No one shall be forced to work. Forced labour is prohibited.
(2) Work required of an individual while serving a prison sentence or under detention, services required from citizens during a state of
emergency, and physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation do not come under the
description of forced labour, provided that the form and conditions of such labour are prescribed by law.
Article 19 Personal Liberty and Security
(1) Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person.
(2) No one shall be deprived of his or her liberty except in the following cases where procedure and conditions are prescribed by law:
Execution of sentences restricting liberty and the implementation of security measures decided by court order; apprehension or detention
of an individual in line with a court ruling or an obligation upon him designated by law; execution of an order for the purpose of the
educational supervision of a minor or for bringing him or her before the competent authority; execution of measures taken in conformity
with the relevant legal provision for the treatment, education or correction in institutions of a person of unsound mind, an alcoholic or
drug addict or vagrant or a person spreading contagious diseases, when such persons constitute a danger to the public, apprehension or
detention of a person who enters or attempts to enter illegally into the country or for whom a deportation or extradition order has been
issued.
(3) Individuals against whom there is strong evidence of having committed an offence can be arrested by decision of a judge solely for
the purposes of preventing escape, or preventing the destruction or alteration of evidence as well as in similar other circumstances which
necessitate detention and are prescribed by law. Apprehension of a person without a decision by a judge shall be resorted to only in cases
when a person is caught in the act of committing an offence or in cases where delay is likely to thwart the course of justice; the
conditions for such acts shall be defined by law.
(4) Individuals arrested or detained shall be promptly notified, and in all cases in writing, or orally, when the former is not possible, of the
grounds for their arrest or detention and the charges against them; in cases of offences committed collectively this notification shall be
made, at the latest, before the individual is brought before a judge.
(5) The person arrested or detained shall be brought before a judge within at latest forty-eight hours and in the case of offences
committed collectively within at most four days, excluding the time taken to send the individual to the court nearest to the place of arrest.
No one can be deprived of his or her liberty without the decision of a judge after the expiry of the above-specified periods. These periods
may be extended during a state of emergency, under martial law or in time of war.
(6) The arrest or detention of a person shall be notified to next of kin immediately.
(7) Persons under detention shall have the right to request trial within a reasonable time or to be released during investigation or
prosecution. Release may be made conditional to the presentation of an appropriate guarantee with a view to securing the presence of the
person at the trial proceedings and the execution of the court sentence.
(8) Persons deprived of their liberty under any circumstances are entitled to apply to the appropriate judicial authority for speedy
conclusion of proceedings regarding their situation and for their release if the restriction placed upon them is not lawful.
(10) Damage suffered by persons subjected to treatment contrary to the above provisions shall be compensated by the State with respect
to the general principles of the law on compensation.
Article 20 Privacy of Individual Life
(1) Everyone has the right to demand respect for his or her private and family life. Privacy of an individual or family life cannot be
violated.
(2) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds, neither
the person nor the private papers, nor belongings, of an individual shall be searched nor shall they be seized. The decision of the
authorized agency shall be submitted for the approval of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his
decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure; otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
Article 21 Inviolability of the Domicil
(1) The domicile of an individual shall not be violated.
(2) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds, no
domicile may be entered or searched or the property therein seized. The decision of the authorised agency shall be submitted for the
approval of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure;
otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
Article 22 Freedom of Communication
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of communication.
(2) Secrecy of communication is fundamental.
(3) Unless there exists a decision duly passed by a judge on one or several of the grounds of national security, public order, prevention of
crime commitment, protection of public health and public morals, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others, or unless there
exists a written order of an agency authorised by law in cases where delay is prejudicial, again on the above-mentioned grounds,
communication shall not be impeded nor its secrecy be violated. The decision of the authorised agency shall be submitted for the approval
of the judge having jurisdiction within 24 hours. The judge shall announce his decision within 48 hours from the time of seizure;
otherwise, seizure shall automatically be lifted.
(4) Public establishments or institutions where exceptions to the above may be applied are defined by law.
Article 23 Freedom of Residence and Movement
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of residence and movement.
(2) Freedom of residence may be restricted by law for the purpose of preventing offences, promoting social and economic development,
ensuring sound and orderly urban growth, and protecting public property; freedom of movement may be restricted by law for the
purpose of investigation and prosecution of an offence, and prevention of offences. A citizen's freedom to leave the country may be
restricted on account of civic obligations, or criminal investigation or prosecution.
(4) Citizens may not be deported, or deprived of their right of entry to their homeland.
Article 24 Freedom of Religion and Conscience
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religious belief and conviction.
(2) Acts of worship, religious services, and ceremonies shall be conducted freely, provided that they do not violate the provisions of
Article 14.
(3) No one shall be compelled to worship, or to participate in religious ceremonies and rites, to reveal religious beliefs and convictions, or
be blamed or accused because of his religious beliefs and convictions.
(4) Education and instruction in religion and ethics shall be conducted under state supervision and control. Instruction in religious culture
and moral education shall be compulsory in the curricula of primary and secondary schools. Other religious education and instruction shall
be subject to the individual's own desire, and in the case of minors, to the request of their legal representatives.
(5) No one shall be allowed to exploit or abuse religion or religious feelings, or things held sacred by religion, in any manner whatsoever,
for the purpose of personal or political influence, or for even partially basing the fundamental, social, economic, political, and legal order
of the state on religious tenets.
Article 25 Freedom of Thought and Opinion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and opinion. No one shall be compelled to reveal his thoughts and opinions for any reason or
purpose, nor shall anyone be blamed or accused on account of his thoughts and opinions.
Article 26 Freedom of Expression and Dissemination of Thought
(1) Everyone has the right to express and disseminate his thoughts and opinion by speech, in writing or in pictures or through other
media, individually or collectively. This right includes the freedom to receive and impart information and ideas without interference from
official authorities. This provision shall not preclude subjecting transmission by radio, television, cinema, and similar means to a system of
licensing.
(2) The exercise of these freedoms may be restricted for the purposes of protecting national security, public order and public safety, the
basic characteristics of the Republic and safeguarding the indivisible integrity of the State with its territory and nation, preventing crime,
punishing offenders, withholding information duly classified as a state secret, protecting the reputation and rights and private and family
life of others, or protecting professional secrets as prescribed by law, or ensuring the proper functioning of the judiciary.
(3) The formalities, conditions and procedures to be applied in exercising the right to expression and dissemination of thought shall be
prescribed by law.
Article 27 Freedom of Science and the Arts
(1) Everyone has the right to study and teach freely, explain, and disseminate science and arts and to carry out research in these fields.
(2) The right to disseminate shall not be exercised for the purpose of changing the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of this Constitution.
(3) The provisions of this article shall not preclude regulation by law of the entry and distribution of foreign publications in the country.
Article 28 Freedom of the Press
(1) The press is free, and shall not be censored. The establishment of a printing house shall not be subject to prior permission or the
deposit of a financial guarantee.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure freedom of the press and freedom of information.
(3) In the limitation of freedom of the press, Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution are applicable.
(4) Anyone who writes or prints any news or articles which threaten the internal or external security of the state or the indivisible integrity
of the state with its territory and nation, which tend to incite offence, riot or insurrection, or which refer to classified state secrets and
anyone who prints or transmits such news or articles to others for the above purposes, shall be held responsible under the law relevant to
these offences. Distribution may be suspended as a preventive measure by the decision of a judge, or in the event delay is deemed
prejudicial, by the competent authority designated by law. The authority suspending distribution shall notify a competent judge of its
decision within twenty-four hours at the latest. The order suspending distribution shall become null and void unless upheld by a competent
judge within forty-eight hours at the latest.
(5) No ban shall be placed on the reporting of events, except by the decision of judge issued to ensure proper functioning of the judiciary,
within the limits specified by law.
(6) Periodical and non-periodical publications may be seized by a decision of a judge in cases of ongoing investigation or prosecution of
offences prescribed by law, and, in situations where delay could endanger the indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation,
national security, public order or public morals and for the prevention of offence by order of the competent authority designated by law.
The authority issuing the order to confiscate shall notify a competent judge of its decision within twenty-four hours at the latest. The
order to confiscate shall become null and void unless upheld by the competent court within forty-eight hours at the latest.
(7) The general common provisions shall apply when seizure and confiscation of periodicals and non-periodicals for reasons of criminal
investigation and prosecution takes place.
(8) Periodicals published in Turkey may be temporarily suspended by court sentence if found to contain material which contravenes the
indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation, the fundamental principles of the Republic, national security and public
morals. Any publication which clearly bears the characteristics of being a continuation of a suspended periodical is prohibited; and shall be
seized following a decision by a competent judge.
Article 29 Right to Publish Periodicals and Non-periodicals
(1) Publication of periodicals or non-periodicals shall not be subject to prior authorisation or the deposit of a financial guarantee.
(2) To publish a periodical it shall suffice to submit the information and documents prescribed by law to the competent authority
designated by law. If the information and documents submitted are found to be in contravention of law, the competent authority shall
apply to the appropriate court for suspension of publication.
(3) )The publication of periodicals, the conditions of publication, the financial resources and the rules relevant to the profession of
journalism shall be regulated by law. The law shall not impose any political, economic, financial, and technical conditions, thus obstructing
or making difficult the free dissemination of news, thought, or beliefs.
(4) Periodicals shall have equal access to the means and facilities of the state, other public corporate bodies, and their agencies.
Article 30 Protection of Printing Facilities
Neither a printing house and its annexes duly established as a press enterprise under law nor press equipment shall be seized, confiscated,
or barred from operation on the grounds of having been used in a crime.
Article 31 Right to Use Media Other Than the Press Owned by Public Corporations
(1) Individuals and political parties have the right to use mass media and means of communication other than the press owned by public
corporations. The conditions and procedures for such use shall be regulated by law.
(2) The law shall not impose restrictions preventing the public from receiving information or forming ideas and opinions through these
media, or preventing public opinion from being freely formed, on the grounds other than national security, public order, public morals, or
the protection of public health.
Article 32 Right of Rectification and Reply
(1) The right of rectification and reply shall be accorded only in cases where personal reputation and honour is attacked or in cases of
unfounded allegation and shall be regulated by law.
(2) If a rectification or reply is not published, the judge will decide, within seven days of appeal by the individual involved, whether or not
this publication is required.
Article 33 Freedom of Association
(1) Everyone has the right to form associations, or become a member of an association, or withdraw from membership without prior
permission.
(2) No one shall be compelled to become or remain a member of an association.
(3) Freedom of association may only be restricted by law on the grounds of protecting national security and public order, or prevention of
crime commitment, or protecting public morals, public health.
(4) The formalities, conditions, and procedures governing the exercise of freedom of association shall be prescribed by law.
(5) Associations may be dissolved or suspended from activity by the decision of a judge in cases prescribed by law. In cases where delay
endangers national security or public order and in cases where it is necessary to prevent the perpetration or the continuation of a crime or
to effect apprehension, an authority designated by law may be vested with power to suspend the association from activity. The decision
of this authority shall be submitted for the approval of the judge in charge within twenty-four hours. The judge shall announce his
decision within forty-eight hours, otherwise this administrative decision shall be annulled automatically.
(6) Provisions of the first paragraph shall not prevent imposition of restrictions on the rights of armed forces and security forces officials
and civil servants to the extent that the duties of civil servants so require.
(7) The provisions of this article are also applicable to foundations.
Article 34 Right to Hold Meetings and Demonstration Marches
(1) Everyone has the right to hold unarmed and peaceful meetings and demonstration marches without prior permission.
(2) The right to hold meetings and demonstration marches shall only be restricted by law on the grounds of national security, and public
order, or prevention of crime commitment, public health and public morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
(3) The formalities, conditions, and procedures governing the exercise of the right to hold meetings and demonstration marches shall be
prescribed by law.
Article 35 Property Rights
(1) Everyone has the right to own and inherit property.
(2) These rights may be limited by law only in view of public interest.
(3) The exercise of the right to own property shall not be in contravention of the public interest.
Article 36 Freedom to Claim Rights
(1) Everyone has the right of litigation either as plaintiff or defendant and the right to a fair trial before the courts through lawful means
and procedures.
(2) No court shall refuse to hear a case within its jurisdiction.
Article 37 Guarantee of Lawful Judgement
No one may be tried by any judicial authority other than the legally designated court. Extraordinary tribunals with jurisdiction that would in
effect remove a person from the jurisdiction of his legally designated court shall not be established.
Article 38 Principles Relating to Offences and Penalties
(1) No one shall be punished for any act which does not constitute a criminal offence under the law in force at the time committed; no
one shall be given a heavier penalty for an offence other than the penalty applicable at the time when the offence was committed.
(2) The provisions of the above paragraph shall also apply to the statute of limitations on offences and penalties and on the results of
conviction.
(3) Penalties, and security measures in lieu of penalties, shall be prescribed only by law.
(4) No one shall be considered guilty until proven guilty in a court of law.
(5) No one shall be compelled to make a statement that would incriminate himself/herself or his/her legal next of kin, or to present such
incriminating evidence.
(6) Findings obtained through illegal methods shall not be considered evidence.
(7) Criminal responsibility shall be personal.
(8) No one shall be deprived of his liberty merely on the ground of inability to fulfil a contractual obligation.
(9) Neither death penalty nor general confiscation shall be imposed as punishment.
(10) The Administration shall not impose any sanction resulting in restriction of personal liberty. Exceptions to this provision may be
introduced by law regarding the internal order of the Armed Forces.
(11) No citizen shall be extradited to a foreign country on account of an offence except under obligations resulting from being a party to
the International Criminal Court.
Article 39 Right to Prove an Allegation
In libel and defamation suits involving allegations against persons in the public service in connection with their functions or services, the
defendant has the right to prove the allegations. A plea for presenting proof shall not be granted in any other case unless proof would
serve the public interest or unless the plaintiff consents.
Article 40 Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
(1) Everyone whose constitutional rights and freedoms have been violated has the right to request prompt access to the competent
authorities.
(2) The State, is obliged to indicate in its transactions, the legal remedies and authorities the persons concerned should apply and their time
limits.
(3) Damages incurred by any person through unlawful treatment by holders of public office shall be compensated for by the state. The
state reserves the right of recourse to the official responsible.
Chapter Three -- Social and Economic Rights and Duties
Article 41 Protection of the Family
(1) The family is the foundation of the Turkish society and based on the equality between the spouses.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures and establish the necessary organisation to ensure the peace and welfare of the family,
especially where the protection of the mother and children is involved, and recognizing the need for education in the practical application
of family planning.
Article 42 Right and Duty of Training and Education
(1) No one shall be deprived of the right of learning and education.
(2) The scope of the right to education shall be defined and regulated by law.
(3) Training and education shall be conducted along the lines of the principles and reforms of Atatürk, on the basis of contemporary
science and educational methods, under the supervision and control of the state. Institutions of training and education contravening these
provisions shall not be established.
(4) The freedom of training and education does not relieve the individual from loyalty to the Constitution.
(5)Primary education is compulsory for all citizens of both sexes and is free of charge in state schools.
(6) The principles governing the functioning of private primary and secondary schools shall be regulated by law in keeping with the
standards set for state schools.
(7) The state shall provide scholarships and other means of assistance to enable students of merit lacking financial means to continue their
education. The state shall take necessary measures to rehabilitate those in need of special training so as to render such people useful to
society.
(8) Training, education, research, and study are the only activities that shall be pursued at institutions of training and education. These
activities shall not be obstructed in any way.
(9) No language other than Turkish shall be taught as a mother tongue to Turkish citizens at any institutions of training or education.
Foreign languages to be taught in institutions of training and education and the rules to be followed by schools conducting training and
education in a foreign language shall be determined by law. The provisions of international treaties are reserved.
Article 43 Utilisation of the Coasts
(1) The coasts are under the sovereignty and disposal of the state.
(2) In the utilisation of sea coasts, lake shores or river banks, and of the coastal strip along the sea and lakes, public interest shall be taken
into consideration with priority.
(3) The width of coasts, and coastal strips according to the purpose of utilization and the conditions of utilization by individuals shall be
determined by law.
Article 44 Land Ownership
(1)The state shall take the necessary measures to maintain and develop efficient land cultivation, to prevent its loss through erosion, and to
provide land to farmers with insufficient land of their own, or no land. For this purpose, the law may define the size of appropriate land
units, according to different agricultural regions and types of farming. Providing of land to farmers with no or insufficient land shall not
lead to a fall in production, or to the depletion of forests and other land and underground resources.
(2) Lands distributed for this purpose shall neither be divided nor be transferred to others, except through inheritance, and shall be
cultivated only by the farmers to whom the lands have been distributed, and their heirs. The principles relating to the recovery by the state
of the land thus distributed in the event of loss of these conditions shall be prescribed by law.
Article 45 Protection of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and of Persons Engaged in These Activities
(1) The state facilitates farmers and livestock breeders in acquiring machinery, equipment and other inputs in order to prevent improper
use and destruction of agricultural land, meadows and pastures and to increase crop and livestock production in accordance with the
principles of agricultural planning.
(2) The state shall take necessary measures to promote the values of crop and livestock products, and to enable growers and producers to
be paid the real value of their products.
Article 46 Expropriation
(1) The State and public corporations shall be entitled, where the public interest requires it, to expropriate privately owned real estate
wholly or in part and impose administrative servitude on it, in accordance with the principles and procedures prescribed by law, provided
that the actual compensation is paid in advance.
(2) The compensation for expropriation and the amount regarding its increase rendered by a final judgement shall be paid in cash and in
advance. However, the procedure to be applied for compensation for expropriated land in order to carry out land reform, major energy
and irrigation projects, and housing and resettlement schemes and afforestation, and to protect the coasts and to build tourist facilities
shall be regulated by law. In the cases where the law may allow payment in instalments, the payment period shall not exceed five years,
whence payments shall be made in equal instalments.
(3) Compensation for the land expropriated from the small farmer who cultivates his own land shall in all cases be paid in advance.
(4) An interest equivalent to the highest interest paid on public claims shall be implemented in the instalments envisaged in the second
paragraph.
Article 47 Nationalization and Privatisation
(1) Private enterprises performing public services may be nationalized when this is required by the exigencies of public interest.
(2) Nationalization shall be carried out on the basis of real value. The methods and procedures for calculating real value shall be prescribed
by law.
(3) Principles and rules concerning the privatisation of enterprises and assets owned by the State, State Economic Enterprises and other
public corporate bodies shall be prescribed by law.
(4) Those investments and services carried out by the State, State Economic Enterprises and other public corporate bodies which could
be performed by or delegated to real or corporate bodies through private law contracts shall be determined by law.
Article 48 Freedom to Work and Conclude Contracts
(1) Everyone has the freedom to work and conclude contracts in the field of his/her choice. Establishment of private enterprises is free.
(2)The state shall take measures to ensure that private enterprises operate in accordance with national economic requirements and social
objectives and in conditions of security and stability.
Aricle 49 Right and Duty to Work
(1) Everyone has the right and duty to work.
(2) The State shall take the necessary measures to raise the standard of living of workers, and to protect workers and the unemployed in
order to improve the general conditions of labour, to promote labour, to create suitable economic conditions for prevention of
unemployment and to secure labour peace.
Article 50 Working Conditions and Right to Rest and Leisure
(1) No one shall be required to perform work unsuited to his age, sex, and capacity.
(2) Minors, women and persons with physical or mental disabilities, shall enjoy special protection with regard to working conditions.
(3) All workers have the right to rest and leisure.
(4) Rights and conditions relating to paid weekends and holidays, together with paid annual leave, shall be regulated by law.
Article 51 Right to Organize Labour Unions
(1) Employees and employers have the right to form labour unions, employers' associations and higher organizations, without obtaining
permission, and they also possess the right to become a member of a union and to freely withdraw from membership, in order to
safeguard and develop their economic and social rights and the interests of their members in their labour relations. No one shall be forced
to become a member of a union or to withdraw from membership.
(2) The right to form a union shall be solely restricted by law for purposes of safeguarding national security and public order and
preventing crime and protecting public health and public morals and the rights and freedoms of others.
(3) The formalities, conditions and procedures to be applied in exercising the right to form union shall be prescribed by law.
(4) Membership in more than one labour union cannot be obtained at the same time and in the same work branch.
(5) The scope, exceptions and limits of the rights of civil servants who do not have a worker status are prescribed by law in line with the
characteristics of their job.
(6) The regulations, administration and functioning of labour unions and their higher bodies should not be inconsistent with the
fundamental characteristics of the Republic and principles of democracy.
Article 52 Activities of Labour Unions
(Repealed on July 2,1995)
Article 53 Right of Collective Bargaining
(1) Workers and employers have the right to conclude collective bargaining agreements in order to regulate reciprocally their economic
and social position and conditions of work.
(2) The procedure to be followed in concluding collective bargaining agreements shall be regulated by law.
(3) The unions and their higher organizations, which are to be established by the public employees mentioned in the first paragraph of
Article 128 and which do not fall under the scope of the first and second paragraphs of the same article and also Article 54, may appeal to
judicial authorities on behalf of their members and may hold collective bargaining meetings with the administration in accordance with
their aims. If an agreement is reached as a result of collective bargaining, a text of the agreement will be signed by the parties. Such text
shall be presented to the Council of Ministers so that administrative or judicial arrangements can be made. If such a text cannot be
concluded by collective bargaining, the agreed and disagreed points will also be submitted for the consideration of the Council of Ministers
by the relevant parties. The regulations for the execution of this article are stipulated by law.
(4) More than one collective bargaining agreement at the same place of work for the same period shall not be concluded or put into effect.
Article 54 Right to Strike and Lockout
(1) Workers have the right to strike if a dispute arises during the collective bargaining process. The procedures and conditions governing
the exercise of this right and the employer's recourse to a lockout, the scope of both actions, and the exceptions to which they are subject
shall be regulated by law.
(2) The right to strike, and lockout shall not be exercised in a manner contrary to the principle of goodwill to the detriment of society, and
in a manner damaging national wealth.
(3) During a strike, the labour union is liable for any material damage caused in a work-place where the strike is being held, as a result of
deliberately negligent behaviour by the workers and the labour union.
(4) The circumstances and places in which strikes and lockouts may be prohibited or postponed shall be regulated by law.
(5) In cases where a strike or a lockout is prohibited or postponed, the dispute shall be settled by the Supreme Arbitration Board at the end
of the period of postponement. The disputing parties may apply to the Supreme Arbitration Board by mutual agreement at any stage of the
dispute.
(6) The decisions of the Supreme Arbitration Board shall be final and have the force of a collective bargaining agreement.
(6) The organisation and functions of the Supreme Arbitration Board shall be regulated by law.
(7) Politically motivated strikes and lockouts, solidarity strikes and lockouts, occupation of work premises, labour go- slows, and other
forms of obstruction are prohibited.
(8) Those who refuse to go on strike, shall in no way be barred from working at their work-place by strikers.
Article 55 Guarantee of Fair Wage
(1) Wages shall be paid in return for work.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers earn a fair wage commensurate with the work they perform and
that they enjoy other social benefits.
(3) In determining the minimum wage, the living conditions of the workers and the economic situation of the country shall be taken into
account.
Article 56 Health Services and Conservation of the Environment
(1) Everyone has the right to live in a healthy, balanced environment.
(2) It is the duty of the state and citizens to improve the natural environment, and to prevent environmental pollution.
(3) To ensure that everyone leads their lives in conditions of physical and mental health and to secure cooperation in terms of human and
material resources through economy and increased productivity, the state shall regulate central planning and functioning of the health
services.
(4) The state shall fulfil this task by utilizing and supervising the health and social assistance institutions, in both the public and private
sectors.
(5) In order to establish widespread health services general health insurance may be introduced by law.
Article 57 Right to Housing
(1) The state shall take measures to meet the need for housing within the framework of a plan which takes into account the
characteristics of cities and environmental conditions and supports community housing projects.
Article 58 Protection of the Youth
(1) The state shall take measures to ensure the training and development of the youth into whose keeping our state, independence, and our
Republic are entrusted, in the light of contemporary science, in line with the principles and reforms of Atatürk, and in opposition to ideas
aiming at the destruction of the indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation.
(2) The state shall take necessary measures to protect youth from addiction to alcohol and drugs, crime as well as gambling, and similar
vices, and ignorance.
Article 59 Development of Sports
(1) The state shall take measures to develop the physical and mental health of Turkish citizens of all ages, and encourage the spread of
sports among the masses.
(2) The state shall protect successful athletes.
Article 60 Right to Social Security
(1) Everyone has the right to social security.
(2) The state shall take the necessary measures and establish the organisation for the provision of social security.
Article 61 Persons Requiring Special Protection in the Field of Social Security
(1) The state shall protect the widows and orphans of those killed in war and in the line of duty, together with the disabled and war
veterans, and ensure that they enjoy a decent standard of living.
(2) The state shall take measures to protect the disabled and secure their integration into community life.
(3) The aged shall be protected by the state. State assistance to the aged, and other rights and benefits shall be regulated by law.
(3) The state shall take all kinds of measures for social resettlement of children in need of protection.
(4) To achieve these aims the state shall establish the necessary organisations or facilities, or arrange for their establishment by other
bodies.
Article 62 Turkish Nationals Working Abroad
The state shall take the necessary measures to ensure family unity, the education of the children, the cultural needs, and the social security
of Turkish nationals working abroad, and shall take the necessary measures to safeguard their ties with the home country and to help
them on their return home.
Article 63 Conservation of Historical, Cultural and Natural Wealth
(1) The state shall ensure the conservation of the historical, cultural and natural assets and wealth, and shall take supportive and promotive
measures towards that end.
(2) Any limitations to be imposed on such privately owned assets and wealth and the compensation and exemptions to be accorded to the
owners of such, as a result of these limitations, shall be regulated by law.
Article 64 Protection of Arts and Artists
The state shall protect artistic activities and artists. The state shall take the necessary measures to protect, promote and support works of
art and artists, and encourage the growth of appreciation for the arts.
Article 65 The Extent of Social and Economic Duties of the State
(1) The State shall fulfil its duties as laid down in the Constitution in the social and economic fields within the capacity of its financial
resources, taking into consideration the priorities appropriate with the aims of these duties.
Chapter Four -- Political Rights and Duties
Article 66 Turkish Citizenship
(1) Everyone bound to the Turkish state through the bond of citizenship is a Turk.
(2) The child of a Turkish father or a Turkish mother is a Turk.
(3) Citizenship can be acquired under the conditions stipulated by law, and shall be forfeited only in cases determined by law.
(4) No Turk shall be deprived of citizenship, unless he commits an act incompatible with loyalty to the motherland.
(5) Recourse to the courts in appeal against the decisions and proceedings related to the deprivation of citizenship, shall not be denied.
Article 67 Right to Vote, to be Elected and to Engage in Political Activity
(1) In conformity with the conditions set forth in the law, citizens have the right to vote, to be elected, and to engage in political activities
independently or in a political party, and to take part in a referendum.
(2) Elections and referenda shall be held under the direction and supervision of the judiciary, in accordance with the principles of free,
equal, secret, and direct, universal suffrage, and public counting of the votes. However, the conditions under which the Turkish citizens
who are abroad shall be able to exercise their right to vote, are regulated by law.
(3) All Turkish citizens over 18 years of age shall have the right to vote in elections and to take part in referenda.
(4) The exercise of these rights shall be regulated by law.
(5)Privates and corporals serving in the armed services, students in military schools, and convicts in penal execution excluding those
convicted of negligent offences cannot vote. The Supreme Election Council shall determine the measures to be taken to ensure the safety
of the counting of votes when detainees in penal institutions or prisons vote; such voting is done under the on-site direction and
supervision of authorized judge. The electoral laws shall be drawn up in such a way as to reconcile the principles of fair representation
and consistency in administration.
(6) Amendments made to the electoral laws shall not be applied to the elections to be held within one year from when the amendments go
into force.
Article 68 Forming Parties, Membership and Withdrawal From Membership in a Party
(1) Citizens have the right to form political parties and in accordance with the established procedure to join and withdraw from them. One
must be over 18 years of age to become a member of a party.
(2) Political parties are indispensable elements of democratic political life.
(3) Political parties can be formed without prior permission and shall pursue their activities in accordance with the provisions set forth in
the Constitution and law.
(4) The statutes and programmes, as well as the activities of political parties shall not be in conflict with the independence of the state, its
indivisible integrity with its territory and nation, human rights, the principles of equality and rule of law, sovereignty of the nation, the
principles of the democratic and secular republic; they shall not aim to protect or establish class or group dictatorship or dictatorship of
any kind, nor shall they incite citizens to crime.
(5) Judges and prosecutors, members of higher judicial organs including those of the Court of Accounts, civil servants in public
institutions and organizations, other public servants who are not considered to be labourers by virtue of the services they perform,
members of the armed forces and students who are not yet in higher education institutions, shall not become members of political parties.
(6) The membership of the teaching staff at higher education institutions in political parties is regulated by law. This law cannot allow
those members to assume responsibilities outside the central organs of the political parties. It also sets forth the regulations which the
teaching staff at higher education institutions shall observe as members of political parties.
(7) The principles concerning the membership of students at higher education institutions to political parties are regulated by law.
(8) The state shall provide the political parties with adequate financial means in an equitable manner. The financial assistance to be
extended to political parties, as well as procedures related to collection of membership dues and donations are regulated by law.
Article 69 Principles to be Observed by Political Parties
(1) The decision to dissolve a political party permanently owing to activities violating the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68
may be rendered only when the Constitutional Court determines that the party in question has become a centre for the execution of such
activities.
(2) The activities, internal regulations and operation of political parties shall be in line with democratic principles. The application of these
principles is regulated by law.
(3) Political parties shall not engage in commercial activities.
(4) The income and expenditure of political parties shall be consistent with their objectives. The application of this rule is regulated by law.
The auditing of the income, expenditure and acquisitions of political parties by the Constitutional Court as well as the establishment of the
conformity to law of their revenue and expenses, methods of auditing and sanctions to be applied in the event of unconformity shall also
be regulated by law. The Constitutional Court shall be assisted in performing its task of auditing by the Court of Accounts. The judgments
rendered by the Constitutional Court as a result of the auditing shall be final.
(5) The dissolution of political parties shall be decided finally by the Constitutional Court after the filing of a suit by the office of the Chief
Public Prosecutor of the Republic.
(6) The permanent dissolution of a political party shall be decided when it is established that the statute and programme of the political
party violate the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68.
(7) The decision to dissolve a political party permanently owing to activities violating the provisions of the fourth paragraph of Article 68
may be rendered only when the Constitutional Court determines that the party in question has become a centre for the execution of such
activities. A political party shall be deemed to become the centre of such actions only when such actions are carried out intensively by the
members of that party or the situation is shared implicitly or explicitly by the grand congress, general chairmanship or the central
decision-making or administrative organs of that party or by the group's general meeting or group executive board at the Turkish Grand
National Assembly or when these activities are carried out in determination by the above-mentioned party organs directly.
(8) Instead of dissolving them permanently in accordance with the above-mentioned paragraphs, the Constitutional Court may rule the
concerned party to be deprived of State aid wholly or in part with respect to intensity of the actions brought before the court.
(9) A party which has been dissolved permanently cannot be founded under another name.
(10) The members, including the founders of a political party whose acts or statements have caused the party to be dissolved permanently
cannot be founders, members, directors or supervisors in any other party for a period of five years from the date of publication in the
official gazette of the Constitutional Court's final decision and its justification for permanently dissolving the party.
(11) Political parties which accept financial assistance from foreign states, international institutions and persons and corporate bodies
shall be dissolved permanently.
(12) The foundation and activities of political parties, their supervision and dissolution, or their deprival of State aid wholly or in part as
well as the election expenditures and procedures of the political parties and candidates, are regulated by law in accordance with the
above-mentioned principles.
Article 70 Entry into Public Service
(1) Every Turk has the right to enter public service.
(2) No criteria other than the qualifications for the office concerned shall be taken into consideration for recruitment into public service.
Article 71 Declaration of Assets
Declaration of assets by persons entering public service and the frequency of such declaration, shall be determined by law. Those serving
in the legislative and executive organs shall not be exempted from this requirement.
Article 72 National Service
National service is the right and duty of every Turk. The manner in which this service shall be performed, or considered as performed,
either in the Armed Forces or in public service shall be regulated by law.
Article 73 Obligation to Pay Taxes
(1) Everyone is under obligation to pay taxes according to his financial resources, in order to meet public expenditure.
(2) An equitable and balanced distribution of the tax burden is the social objective of fiscal policy.
(3) Taxes, fees, duties, and other such financial impositions shall be imposed, amended, or revoked by law.
(4) The Council of Ministers may be empowered to amend the percentages of exemption, exceptions and reductions in taxes, fees, duties
and other such financial impositions, within the minimum and maximum limits prescribed by law.
Article 74 Right of Petition
(1) Citizens and foreigners resident considering the principle of reciprocity have the right to apply in writing to the competent authorities
and to the Turkish Grand National Assembly with regard to the requests and complaints concerning themselves or the public.
(2) The result of the application concerning himself shall be made known to the petitioner in writing without delay.
(3) The way of exercising this right shall be determined by law.
The Anatolian Peninsula is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited regions dating
back to 11,000 BCE. The Hittites were the first major empire around the 18th Century BCE
with successive cultural arisings of Phrygians, Cimmerians, Lydian, Carian and Lycians
before the arrival of Ionian Greeks, Persians and Alexander The Great in 334 BCE and a
subsequent dividing of the Peninsula into three Hellenistic Kingdoms. Rome conquered the
region in the mid-first century CE and Constantine established his capital at Byzantium, later
Constantinople and Istanbul, in 324 CE. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire it
remained the capital of the Byzantium Empire. Muslim Oguz Turkic tribes began to migrate
into Anatolia from the Caspian and Black Seas in the 10th century and defeated the
Byzantine Empire in 1071 and the establishment of the Seljuk Empire. Defeat by the
Mongols in 1243 forced the collapse of the Seljuk and the arise of the Ottoman Empire which
dominated the region until their defeat in 1914. Following World War II and occupation by
the Allies, a nationalist movement promulgated under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal (later
named Ataturk as the "Father of the Turkic people") and the establishment of the Republic
of Turkey on 18 September, 1922 with the promulgation of its first constitution. Turkey's
current constitution was promulgated on 7 November 1982. It was most recently amended
on 10 May 2007. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Part Two (Fundamental
Rights and Duties) conforms with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which
Turkey is a signatory and is detailed below. For a full English translation of Turkey's
Constitution, click here.
back to 11,000 BCE. The Hittites were the first major empire around the 18th Century BCE
with successive cultural arisings of Phrygians, Cimmerians, Lydian, Carian and Lycians
before the arrival of Ionian Greeks, Persians and Alexander The Great in 334 BCE and a
subsequent dividing of the Peninsula into three Hellenistic Kingdoms. Rome conquered the
region in the mid-first century CE and Constantine established his capital at Byzantium, later
Constantinople and Istanbul, in 324 CE. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire it
remained the capital of the Byzantium Empire. Muslim Oguz Turkic tribes began to migrate
into Anatolia from the Caspian and Black Seas in the 10th century and defeated the
Byzantine Empire in 1071 and the establishment of the Seljuk Empire. Defeat by the
Mongols in 1243 forced the collapse of the Seljuk and the arise of the Ottoman Empire which
dominated the region until their defeat in 1914. Following World War II and occupation by
the Allies, a nationalist movement promulgated under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal (later
named Ataturk as the "Father of the Turkic people") and the establishment of the Republic
of Turkey on 18 September, 1922 with the promulgation of its first constitution. Turkey's
current constitution was promulgated on 7 November 1982. It was most recently amended
on 10 May 2007. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Part Two (Fundamental
Rights and Duties) conforms with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which
Turkey is a signatory and is detailed below. For a full English translation of Turkey's
Constitution, click here.