Legal Research in Turkey

Teresa Miguel-Stearns

Did you know that democratic republic of Turkey is the only Muslim country in the world that is secular state? The government does, however, have a Directorate of Religious Affairs. 

Turkey by Numbers

  • Population (2010): 73,722,988 with 17 million residing in Istanbul
  • Area: 783,562 km2
  • GDP per capita (2010): $13,464
  • 16th largest world economy in 20100
  • Highest growth rate in the Q1 of 2011

Istanbul

Istanbul

Hierarchy of Written (Enacted) Laws

The superior legal code of Turkey is the Constitution (Anayasa). Beneath the Constitution is the Codes and Statues (Kanunlar). Next is International Treaties (Milletlerarası Andlaşmalar), followed by Statutory Decrees (Kanun Hükmünde Karanameler). Below the Statutory Decrees are Regulations (Tüzükler) and last, but not least, Bylaws (Yönetmelikler).

Interested in legal research in Turkey…Where to begin?

There are two types of sources for legal research on Turkey: primary and secondary. Primary sources include legislation and court decisions (precedents) while secondary sources are comprised of books, periodicals, and other compilations.

Primary Source: Legislation

The official legislation of Turkey is known as Resmi Gazete. Legislation from February 7, 1921 to the present is accessible online. Another great resource is The Legislation Information System (Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi).

Primary Source: Court Decisions (Precedents)

Secondary Source: Union Catalogs

Secondary Source: Periodicals

Secondary Source: Open Access

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