President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed Türkiye-U.S. ties and pressing regional and global developments in a phone call, with the Turkish leader stressing the need to maximize diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Erdoğan told Trump that Türkiye hoped negotiations between Iran and the United States would continue, emphasizing that Ankara would maintain its support for efforts aimed at securing peace, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Directorate.

The president also highlighted the joint defense agreement signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying the pact demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring regional stability and security.

Turning to Gaza, Erdoğan warned that Israeli actions targeting Palestinians had intensified at a time when efforts were focused on advancing to the second phase of the Gaza peace process.

He reiterated that Türkiye would continue supporting steps toward lasting peace in the region as well as efforts to rebuild the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

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Since the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, constitutional design has served as the backbone of the country’s legal system. The current Constitution, adopted in 1982, has been repeatedly amended over the decades – most notably in 2017, when a national referendum paved the way for the country’s transition from a parliamentary model to an executive presidential system.

Navigating the 175-article charter can be complex for international observers. Here is a clear guide to the foundational provisions, historical turning points and ongoing reform efforts shaping Türkiye’s legal framework today.

The Irrevocable Principles (Articles 1–4)

The opening section of the Constitution defines the permanent identity of the state. Under Article 4, the first three articles cannot be amended, nor can an amendment to them be proposed.

Article 1: Defines Türkiye as a republic.

Article 2: Establishes the country as a democratic, secular and social state governed by the rule of law, respecting human rights and loyal to Atatürk nationalism.

Article 3: Affirms the indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation. It designates Turkish as the official language, Ankara as the capital, and establishes the national flag and anthem.

Article 4: Protects the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 from amendment and prohibits proposals to amend them.

State Sovereignty and Separation of Powers (Articles 6–9)

The Constitution establishes how state authority is exercised and divided among the branches of government.

Article 6: Declares that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation and may be exercised only through the authorized organs established by the Constitution.

Article 7: Vests legislative power in the Turkish Parliament (TBMM), which exercises this authority on behalf of the nation.

Article 8: Assigns executive power and responsibility to the president, who exercises it in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Article 9: States that judicial power is exercised by independent and impartial courts on behalf of the Turkish nation.

Supremacy of the Constitution (Article 11)

Article 11 establishes the Constitution as the highest binding legal authority in Türkiye.

Article 11: States that the provisions of the Constitution are fundamental legal rules binding upon the legislative, executive and judicial organs, administrative authorities, and other institutions and individuals. Laws cannot be contrary to the Constitution.

Fundamental Rights and Protections (Articles 10, 12 & 13)

The Constitution establishes the principle of equality before the law and defines both the nature of fundamental rights and the conditions under which they may be restricted.

Article 10: Guarantees equality before the law without discrimination, including on grounds of language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion or sect. It also requires the state to ensure that equality between men and women exists in practice.

Articles 12 & 13: Establish that everyone possesses inherent, inviolable and inalienable fundamental rights and freedoms, while recognizing that these rights also carry duties and responsibilities toward society, family and others. Article 13 provides that fundamental rights and freedoms may be restricted only by law, without infringing upon their essence and only on grounds specified in the relevant constitutional provisions. Any restriction must comply with the Constitution, the requirements of a democratic society and the secular republic, as well as the principle of proportionality.

Citizenship and International Law (Articles 66 & 90)

Two provisions frequently cited in legal and political debates concern citizenship and Türkiye’s international obligations.

Article 66: Defines Turkish citizenship, stating that everyone bound to the Turkish state through the bond of citizenship is a Turk.

Article 90: Provides that international agreements duly put into effect have the force of law. In cases of conflict between domestic legislation and international agreements concerning fundamental rights and freedoms, the provisions of the international agreement prevail.

The Executive Branch (Articles 101, 104 & 116)

Following the 2017 constitutional amendments, executive authority was vested in the presidency and the office of prime minister was abolished.

Article 101: Specifies that the president is directly elected for a five-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms. Presidential candidates may be nominated by political party groups, political parties that individually or jointly received at least 5% of valid votes in the previous parliamentary election, or at least 100,000 eligible voters.

Article 104: Outlines presidential duties and powers. As head of state, the president exercises executive authority, appoints vice presidents and ministers, may issue presidential decrees within constitutional limits, ratifies and promulgates international treaties, determines national security policies and takes necessary measures to safeguard national security. The president also ensures the implementation of the Constitution and the regular and harmonious functioning of state organs.

Article 116: Addresses the renewal of presidential and parliamentary elections. Parliament may decide to renew elections with a three-fifths majority of its total membership, while the president may also decide to renew elections. In either case, presidential and parliamentary elections are held together. If Parliament decides to renew elections during a president’s second term, the incumbent may run for president once more.

Parliament and Legislation (Articles 75, 77, 87 & 98)

Legislative authority rests with the unicameral Turkish Parliament.

Article 75: Sets parliamentary composition at 600 members.

Article 77: Provides that parliamentary and presidential elections are held every five years on the same day.

Article 87: Entrusts Parliament with enacting, amending and repealing laws, debating and adopting budget and final account bills, approving the ratification of international treaties, and deciding on declarations of war in cases permitted under international law, among other constitutional powers.

Article 98: Details parliamentary oversight mechanisms, including parliamentary inquiries, general debates, parliamentary investigations and written questions. Written questions may be submitted by lawmakers to vice presidents and ministers.

The Judiciary (Articles 138, 146 & 148)

Judicial authority is exercised by independent and impartial courts on behalf of the Turkish nation.

Article 138: Establishes judicial independence. Judges rule according to the Constitution, laws and their conscientious convictions, and no state organ, authority or individual may issue orders, instructions, recommendations or suggestions to courts or judges concerning the exercise of judicial power.

Articles 146 & 148: Govern the Constitutional Court. The court consists of 15 members, with three elected by Parliament and 12 selected by the president through procedures established by the Constitution. The court reviews the constitutionality of laws and presidential decrees and performs other duties assigned by the Constitution. Individuals may also apply directly to the court over alleged violations by public authorities of fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution and falling within the scope of the European Convention on Human Rights after ordinary legal remedies have been exhausted.

Military interventions and constitutional interruptions

Türkiye’s constitutional history has been directly altered by political crises and military interventions, resulting in new charters or significant changes to the country’s constitutional order.

The 1960 Coup and the 1961 Charter

On May 27, 1960, the military overthrew the elected Democrat Party government led by Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, suspended the 1924 Constitution and dissolved Parliament. A military administration ruled until a Constituent Assembly drafted the 1961 Constitution. Approved by referendum, the new charter introduced a bicameral Parliament and established the Constitutional Court. Menderes, who served as prime minister from 1950 until the coup, was executed in September 1961 following a trial by a military-appointed court.

The 1971 Memorandum

On March 12, 1971, military commanders issued a memorandum that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel. While the 1961 Constitution remained in force, subsequent constitutional amendments curtailed some civil liberties and strengthened state authority during a period marked by political violence and martial law.

The 1980 Coup and the 1982 Charter

The most extensive constitutional disruption occurred on Sept. 12, 1980, when the military seized power, dissolved Parliament and suspended the existing constitutional order. Political parties were subsequently banned, and an appointed Consultative Assembly took part in drafting a new constitution.

The 1982 Constitution was approved in a national referendum and remains Türkiye’s current charter, although it has undergone numerous amendments under civilian governments over the following decades.

2017 Constitutional Reform

A major overhaul of Türkiye’s system of government came with the 2017 constitutional referendum, which approved the transition from the parliamentary system to the presidential system.

The amendments abolished the office of prime minister, vested executive authority in the president, revised parliamentary oversight mechanisms and reshaped the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. The new system took full effect following the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2018.

Central and Local Administration (Article 127)

Türkiye’s administrative system distinguishes between the central government’s provincial organization and elected local administrations.

Governors (vali) at the provincial level and district governors (kaymakam) represent the central administration in the provinces and districts, respectively.

Article 127, meanwhile, governs local administrations, defining them as public entities established to meet the common local needs of residents in provinces, municipalities and villages, with decision-making bodies elected by voters.

Mayors and municipal councils are elected by voters, while Türkiye’s metropolitan municipality system divides certain responsibilities between metropolitan municipalities and district municipalities.

Article 127 also grants the central administration powers of administrative tutelage (idari vesayet) over local governments within the principles and procedures prescribed by law. This oversight is intended to ensure that local services are carried out in accordance with the principle of administrative integrity, secure uniform public service, safeguard the public interest and meet local needs appropriately.

Push for New Civilian Constitution

Despite numerous amendments over the decades, replacing the 1982 Constitution with a new civilian-drafted charter remains a prominent issue in Türkiye’s political debate.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş have repeatedly advocated for a new civilian constitution, arguing that the existing charter retains the legacy of the military rule under which it was drafted despite extensive subsequent amendments.

Kurtulmuş said in August 2026 that Türkiye’s political climate and level of dialogue had matured sufficiently for work toward a new civilian constitution, describing such a charter as a longstanding objective.

Any constitutional amendment must follow the procedure established by Article 175. A proposal must first be submitted in writing by at least one-third of Parliament’s total membership, or 200 lawmakers, and must be debated twice in the General Assembly.

Approval requires at least a three-fifths majority, or 360 of Parliament’s 600 members, in a secret ballot.

A constitutional amendment adopted with between 360 and 399 votes must be submitted to a referendum if the president does not return it to Parliament for reconsideration.

An amendment receiving at least a two-thirds majority, or 400 votes, may take effect without a referendum after the constitutional process is completed, although the president retains the authority to submit such an amendment to a referendum.

With constitutional change requiring broad parliamentary support, efforts to draft an entirely new charter depend heavily on negotiations and political consensus across party lines.

Türkiye has introduced new legal measures aimed at strengthening child protection and preventive mechanisms, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said Tuesday after legislation amending the Child Protection Law and several other laws entered into force.

The legislation took effect following its publication in the Official Gazette.

Göktaş said in a statement on social media that the new law marked another critical step toward ensuring children’s safety and healthy development.

She stated that Türkiye considers protecting children from all forms of risk and safeguarding their best interests under all circumstances a national responsibility under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“With this awareness, we are implementing multifaceted legal regulations that support our protective and preventive mechanisms,” Göktaş said.

“We will continue our efforts to protect our children and strengthen the institution of the family,” she added.

Göktaş also expressed hope that the new measures would benefit Türkiye and its people.

The minister previously highlighted implementation results under Türkiye’s 2023-2028 Child Rights Strategy Document and Action Plan.

She said authorities had achieved a 74% implementation rate in measures promoting child rights and participation, making children more visible in decision-making processes. Progress reached 82% in child-friendly justice initiatives, 75% in family and child-focused services, 92% in alternative care services, 67% in services for children affected by disasters and crises, and 80% in programs promoting safe internet use.

Describing the government’s “Family and Population Decade” initiative as an opportunity to strengthen family bonds, she noted the coming years would focus on preparing children for the future through comprehensive family-centered policies while continuing to invest in the country’s human capital.

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Türkiye will hold the first meeting of a newly established board overseeing the implementation of a landmark national unity law on Aug. 24, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Tuesday, following the legislation’s publication in the Official Gazette.

The Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, approved by the Turkish Parliament as part of the country’s ongoing “terror-free Türkiye” initiative, entered into force after being signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and published in the Official Gazette.

Yılmaz said in a statement on social media that the board established under Law No. 7595 officially came into existence with the legislation’s publication.

“The board defined in the law, which will operate under the chairmanship of the vice president, was established with the publication of the law,” Yılmaz said.

He added that ministers and government institutions represented on the board have begun work in their respective areas.

“We plan to hold the board’s first meeting on Monday, Aug. 24,” Yılmaz noted.

The meeting will focus on determining the board’s working procedures and principles as well as establishing subcommittees in line with the requirements of the disarmament and dissolution process, he underlined.

Yılmaz added that the board could also discuss issues raised by its members that require coordination among government institutions.

The legislation was approved by Parliament with 467 votes before being signed by Erdoğan.

Yılmaz said the board would work in close coordination to strengthen Türkiye’s national unity, social cohesion and peace and fulfill the duties and responsibilities outlined under the new law.

“Our board will work in effective coordination for our national unity, brotherhood and peace and will make intensive efforts to fulfill all duties and responsibilities defined under Law No. 7595,” he said.

President Erdoğan on Tuesday night welcomed the enactment of a new law aimed at strengthening national solidarity and social integration, saying the legislation marked an important step toward Türkiye’s peaceful, prosperous and secure future.

“I hope the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, which was adopted by 467 lawmakers in our veteran Parliament in a historic display of consensus and entered into force as of today, will bring beneficial results,” Erdoğan said in a statement on social media.

Erdoğan thanked Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli and the MHP parliamentary group, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, lawmakers from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), as well as other political parties and lawmakers who adopted what he described as a constructive approach during the legislative process.

He also thanked state institutions and officials who contributed to advancing the process.

The president said the government would continue to manage the process with the same sincerity and diligence within the framework established by the new law and under the leadership of the relevant institutions and boards.

He added that the process would continue with an approach that takes into account the sensitivities of all segments of society, particularly the families of fallen soldiers and veterans.

The Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration was adopted by Parliament with 467 votes in favor.

The legislation introduces temporary measures covering certain crimes committed as part of, or in support of, the activities of the PKK/KCK and affiliated groups.

Under the legislation, investigations, prosecutions and the execution of finalized prison sentences may be deferred for five or 10 years, depending on the nature of the offense and the length of the sentence.

Next steps in process

Before the measures outlined in the law can be implemented, Turkish security authorities must determine that the PKK/KCK and affiliated groups have effectively ended their organizational presence and surrendered the weapons and ammunition under their control.

That determination must then be confirmed through a decision by the National Security Council (MGK), which must be published in the Official Gazette.

Following the publication of the MGK decision, a six-month application period will begin for those seeking to benefit from the provisions.

Key provisions of law

PKK members involved in killings, as well as those prosecuted and sentenced for crimes carrying penalties such as life imprisonment before June 1, 2005, will be exempt from the deferrals. This includes most senior PKK cadres currently hiding in northern Iraq, as well as Abdullah Öcalan, who was previously sentenced to life imprisonment and is currently held in an island prison near Istanbul.

As a result, PKK ringleader Öcalan will not be eligible to benefit from these provisions. Individuals convicted of intentional killing will likewise remain outside the scope of the measures.

The law also stipulates that public officials carrying out duties under its provisions will not bear criminal liability for actions taken within the framework of the legislation.

The board overseeing the process will continue its work and prepare monitoring reports. Further legislative steps could then be considered, including possible changes to Türkiye’s Law on the Execution of Sentences, Anti-Terror Law, Turkish Penal Code and Political Parties Law.

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An investigation into an alleged criminal organization led by Alihan Kuriş has expanded with new witness testimony detailing an alleged money-transfer network operating through Romania and the discovery of a closed communication system used by thousands of members, according to reports Tuesday.

According to a report by Sabah newspaper, investigators obtained testimony from G.K., who said he was previously a partner in a döner restaurant chain in Romania through an acquaintance and provided authorities with details about the group’s alleged operations in the country.

The investigation, led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, is examining allegations including leading a criminal organization, aggravated fraud, violations of tax law and laundering assets derived from crime.

G.K. identified Ahmet Uğur Pakcan, described as Kuriş’s jailed “right-hand man,” as the group’s alleged representative in Romania and a key figure overseeing its activities across the Balkans.

According to the testimony, Pakcan managed a significant financial network through businesses including the Dristor Döner restaurant chain and Dristor currency exchange offices in Bucharest.

The witness also alleged that Pakcan was the sole official responsible for a student dormitory linked to the group in the Romanian capital, which investigators suspect played a role in its financial operations.

G.K. claimed students staying at the dormitory were used to transfer large amounts of money between Türkiye and Romania.

According to his testimony, students traveling to Türkiye for holidays were directed to M.A., a lawyer allegedly linked to the group in Istanbul. Large amounts of U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds were allegedly placed in their luggage before they returned to Romania.

The students were instructed not to open the suitcases until they arrived in Romania, the witness claimed. The money was then allegedly collected in Bucharest by members of the organization and introduced into its financial network.

G.K. also alleged that members and students at the dormitory gathered every Thursday for meetings during which they prayed against the Turkish government.

He said he first learned of the gatherings while visiting Romania and later asked his business partner about them, who confirmed that the meetings took place.

The witness also alleged that Pakcan and Kuriş held secret meetings at a villa complex in the northwestern Turkish province of Bolu.

He described the Binbir Evler Villa complex in Bolu’s Gövem village area as a coordination center for the group and claimed that money collected through illicit means was stored there.

G.K. further claimed Pakcan attended the funeral of Fetullah Gülen, the U.S.-based ringleader of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), on Kuriş’s instructions, adding that Pakcan’s international travel records could corroborate the trip.

Secret network uncovered

Investigators have also uncovered a closed communication and data system called “Glooper,” allegedly used by the group’s senior ranks.

Digital examinations found that Glooper was unavailable through standard platforms such as Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store and could not be accessed by the general public, according to the investigation.

The system was allegedly developed specifically in India on Kuriş’s instructions and was made available to an estimated 3,300 people in the group’s management structure.

Investigators found that Glooper served not only as a messaging platform but also as digital infrastructure for managing information related to dormitories, personnel, administrative activities and financial affairs.

Instructions from senior figures and other sensitive information were also allegedly transmitted through the system.

Three-stage security system

Investigators said access to Glooper was protected by a three-stage authentication mechanism involving a password, biometric verification and external authorization.

As a result, possession of a user’s password or device alone would not provide access to the system, according to the findings. Users also had to complete biometric verification and receive an additional external authorization.

Authorities believe the measures were intended to restrict access to previously approved users and maintain a tightly controlled communication network.

Investigators also found that encrypted email was allegedly used for communication with religious instructors within a separate internal system, while Glooper was primarily reserved for management-level communication, administrative operations and data processing.

The discovery has drawn comparisons with ByLock, the encrypted messaging application used by FETÖ members.

Authorities have not established that Glooper and ByLock share the same technical infrastructure. However, investigators have pointed to similarities in their closed-user networks and encrypted communication features. Glooper differed in that its alleged user base was restricted largely to some 3,300 members of the organization’s management structure.

The latest developments follow the emergence of Kuriş’s testimony in the investigation.

Kuriş, who said his monthly income was TL 380,000 (nearly $8,000), reportedly described a large quantity of gold and jewelry seized from his home as “family savings.”

He denied all allegations against him during questioning by police and prosecutors and characterized the investigation as an attempt to damage his reputation.

Authorities previously identified a total of 191 properties registered in the names of members of the Kuriş family as part of the investigation.

Kuriş described himself to prosecutors as the grandson, heir and representative of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, an influential 20th-century Islamic scholar, and said he was a community leader.

Alihan Kuriş, the de facto leader of a group known publicly as “Süleymancılar,” was remanded in custody on Sunday, along with other suspects.

The group originated as a religious movement named after 20th-century Islamic scholar Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, Kuriş’ great-grandfather.

Initially operating through informal religious instruction in homes and mosques, the group later expanded across Türkiye through Quran courses and student dormitories, largely financed by membership contributions and donations. Over time, its activities expanded into commercial sectors including food, healthcare, tourism, textiles, construction and real estate.

A landmark law establishing the legal framework for Türkiye’s ongoing terror-free initiative entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette, marking a new phase in Ankara’s efforts to end decades of PKK terrorism and strengthen social cohesion.

The Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration was approved by Parliament last week following months of political consultations over the government’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative. The 12-article legislation received broad parliamentary backing, with 468 lawmakers voting in favor, 88 against and six abstaining.

The legislation lays out legal procedures for members of the PKK terrorist group who lay down their arms and surrender to Turkish authorities as the organization moves toward dissolution and disarmament. It includes provisions allowing the deferral of prosecution or prison sentences in certain circumstances, while establishing different legal procedures depending on an individual’s position within the organization and involvement in criminal activity.

The law does not constitute a general amnesty and does not eliminate existing convictions, change the legal classification of crimes or broadly remove criminal liability, according to the justification accompanying the legislation.

Its passage represents one of the most consequential legislative steps yet in the Terror-Free Türkiye initiative, which gained momentum after the PKK announced its dissolution and began taking steps toward disarmament. The government has described the process as an effort to permanently remove terrorism from Türkiye’s agenda while reinforcing national unity and social integration.

The initiative emerged from a political process spearheaded by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairperson Devlet Bahçeli. Parliament subsequently established a multiparty commission to provide a political and legal framework for the process and hear views from political parties, civil society representatives, families of fallen soldiers and other stakeholders.

The legislation was submitted to Parliament on Aug. 5 before being considered by the Justice Committee and sent to the General Assembly, where lawmakers approved it ahead of Parliament’s recess.

The process has also involved talks between government officials and representatives of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party). Erdoğan last week received DEM Party lawmakers Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, members of the party’s Imralı delegation, and separately met with families of fallen soldiers and veterans as Ankara sought to maintain broad political and public support for the initiative.

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