Historical Encyclopedia
Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a unique history of state system development. Its political structure has undergone many changes, from the Ottoman monarchy to the modern republic. This article examines the evolution of Turkey's state system, including the key events and reforms that led to the establishment of the contemporary political structure known today as the Republic of Turkey.
The Ottoman Empire, which existed from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, laid the foundation for the Turkish state system. For several centuries, the Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful and multi-national powers in the world. The empire was governed on the basis of absolute monarchy, where the sultan held unlimited power.
The state structure of the Ottoman Empire was centralized, with power concentrated in the hands of the sultan, who was not only a political leader but also the religious head of Muslims. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor appointed by the sultan. The system of governance was based on the principles of Islamic law (Sharia) and traditional Ottoman laws.
The Ottoman Empire also utilized a millet system, where various ethnic and religious groups had some autonomy in their affairs. For example, Christians and Jews could manage their internal matters through their religious leaders. This system of governance ensured stability in the multicultural and multi-religious empire.
In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire faced a number of serious problems, including internal rebellions, external threats, and economic difficulties. This forced the sultan's government to initiate reforms aimed at modernizing the country. One of the key figures of this period was Sultan Mahmud II, who initiated a series of reforms in the military, education, and administration.
The most significant reforms of this period included the establishment of new legal norms and the restructuring of the army. In 1839, the famous Hatt-i Sharif was issued, proclaiming guarantees for Christian and Jewish minorities in the Ottoman Empire, promising them equality before the law. However, these reforms failed to prevent the further weakening of the Ottoman Empire.
Later, in the late 19th century, in response to internal and external threats, a program of reforms known as “Tanzimat” began in the empire, aimed at creating a more centralized bureaucratic system, improving education, and introducing European principles of governance. However, these reforms also failed to fully stabilize the empire, ultimately leading to its collapse after World War I.
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the signing of the Mudros Armistice in 1918, a struggle for independence began on the territory of the former empire. This struggle, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, culminated in the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Atatürk became the first president of Turkey and the founder of the new state system.
Turkey, under Atatürk's leadership, took a decisive step toward secularization and modernization. The primary goal of the new state system was to create a secular state independent of religious institutions. Atatürk carried out extensive reforms in law, economy, education, and culture. One of the most important reforms was the adoption of a new civil code based on European models and the introduction of the Latin alphabet instead of the Arabic script.
Moreover, secularization was implemented in education, the military, and civil service. Atatürk also aimed to develop industry, modernize agriculture, and improve the country's infrastructure. All these reforms played a key role in transforming Turkey into a modern, secular state.
After Atatürk's death in 1938, Turkey continued on the path of modernization, albeit under complex political changes and external threats. In 1950, Turkey experienced an important political turning point: in the first free elections, the Democratic Party, led by Adnan Menderes, came to power. This marked the beginning of a multiparty political system in Turkey.
In 1960, the first military coup occurred in the country, leading to the overthrow of Menderes's government. However, ten years later, in 1971, Turkey experienced another military coup, and in 1980, a third coup took place. All these events reflected the political instability in the country caused by conflicts between various political and social groups.
Since the 1980s, Turkey has undergone significant economic and political transformation. Eastern European countries and the Soviet Union were experiencing changes, while Turkey sought to strengthen its position as a modern and democratic country. In 1983, as a result of political changes, a new party was established, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which later influenced the development of Turkish politics.
Today, Turkey is a presidential republic with a strong executive power, in which the president plays a key role. The constitution adopted in 1982 defines Turkey as a democratic, secular, and legal state. After a referendum in 2017, a new presidential system was introduced in Turkey, significantly enhancing the president’s power and reducing the role of parliament. This decision sparked widespread public and political resonance, as it led to the centralization of power in the hands of a single individual.
The political party system in Turkey continues to evolve, with the ruling party, the Justice and Development Party, dominating the political arena. In recent decades, there has also been a rise in authoritarian tendencies, restrictions on press freedom, and political rights.
Nevertheless, Turkey remains an important player on the international stage, maintaining close ties with NATO, the European Union, and neighboring countries. The modernization of government apparatus and economic transformation continue to be important aspects of the Turkish state system.
The evolution of Turkey's state system is the result of centuries-long struggles for independence, modernization, and stability. From the Ottoman period to the establishment of the Turkish Republic, through Atatürk's reforms and decades of political changes, Turkey has been able to adapt its political structure to modern conditions. In the future, issues of political stability, economic growth, and democratic reforms will remain crucial for the further development of the country. Turkey will continue to balance between traditions and modern challenges, shaping its unique model of state system.