The Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye constitutes the foundational legal framework governing the organization of the state, the exercise of sovereignty, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. As the supreme normative instrument of the Turkish legal order, its accurate interpretation and accessibility are of critical importance not only for domestic legal practice but also for the international legal community. In this context, the English rendering of the Constitution prepared by Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak represents a highly authoritative and methodologically rigorous contribution to comparative constitutional law. Rather than a mere linguistic translation, this work reflects a carefully structured legal transposition, preserving the conceptual precision, doctrinal coherence, and normative integrity of the original Turkish text.

A Publication by a Leading Global Legal Publisher

This work is published by Kluwer Law International as part of the International Encyclopedia of Laws: Constitutional Law series, a globally recognized reference platform providing systematic and comparative analyses of constitutional systems across jurisdictions. Kluwer Law International is widely regarded as one of the most reputable legal publishers worldwide, particularly in the fields of international law, comparative law, and regulatory frameworks. Inclusion in this series signifies not only academic merit but also practical relevance for cross-border legal work.

A Work Refined Through Five Editions

The English version of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye has evolved through multiple editions, reflecting the dynamic nature of Türkiye’s constitutional order and the need for continuous updating in light of legal and institutional developments. The first edition was published in 2008, followed by the second edition in 2018, the third edition in 2023, the third edition in 2024, and the fifth and most recent edition in 2025. Each edition has incorporated constitutional amendments, structural transformations, and developments in judicial practice, ensuring that the text remains current, reliable, and aligned with contemporary legal realities. This continuity demonstrates both the evolving character of Türkiye’s constitutional system and the sustained academic commitment underlying the work.

Scope and Content

The publication presents a complete and faithful English version of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, covering all provisions in a clear and structured manner. It enables readers to access the constitutional framework governing the state’s organization and functioning in an accessible and internationally intelligible format. The text encompasses core constitutional domains, including the fundamental characteristics of the state, the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the regime of fundamental rights and freedoms, constitutional review mechanisms, and the relationship between domestic law and international obligations. Particular attention is given to the constitutional transformation following the 2017 amendments, which introduced the presidential system and fundamentally reconfigured the balance of powers within the Turkish state.

Significance for International and Comparative Law

The availability of an accurate and professionally prepared English version of the Turkish Constitution is indispensable for comparative constitutional scholarship and international legal practice. This work enables foreign legal practitioners, academics, policymakers, and investors to understand the structural and normative foundations of the Turkish legal system. It also facilitates cross-jurisdictional analysis by allowing meaningful comparison between Türkiye’s constitutional framework and other legal systems. Given Türkiye’s geopolitical and economic significance, access to a reliable constitutional text in English enhances legal certainty and supports informed decision-making in both public and private sectors.

Target Audience and Practical Utility

This publication serves a wide range of users, including academics engaged in constitutional and comparative law, international law firms, multinational corporations, diplomats, regulatory authorities, and policy analysts. For foreign investors and businesses operating in or engaging with Türkiye, the work provides essential insight into the legal environment, governance structure, and rights framework that shape the country’s regulatory landscape.

Academic Authority and Institutional Expertise

Authored by Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak, a distinguished legal scholar with extensive expertise in constitutional law, this work reflects a high level of academic rigor and practical understanding. Through contributions such as this publication, Bıçak Law Firm reinforces its position as a leading provider of legal insight at the intersection of domestic and international law. The firm continues to support clients with sophisticated, reliable, and context-driven legal advisory services grounded in deep doctrinal knowledge and practical experience.

Citation and Access

The work may be cited as follows:

Vahit Bıçak, “Text of Constitution: Turkey”, (2025), pp. 1–96, in André Alen and David Haljan (eds), IEL Constitutional Law, Kluwer Law International BV, Netherlands.

The online version is accessible at:
https://kluwerlawonline.com/EncyclopediaChapter/IEL+Constitutional+Law/CONS20190097