Freedom of Expression and the Press in Turkey Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • There are three historical milestones in the evolution of the rights to freedom of expression and of the press in Turkey: (1) the process after ratification of the Constitution of 1961; (2) the continuity in the limitations placed upon fundamental rights and liberties; and (3) the acceptance of rights in the context of such limitations. Turkey has not yet experienced a process that would lead to an enduring acceptance of fundamental rights and liberties or their protection and development. Instead, the order institutionalized thus far is predicated upon the acceptance of fundamental rights and liberties together with the limitations upon them. In other words, limitations upon fundamental rights and liberties have thus far been accepted as the rule, while their protection has been accepted as the exception. This understanding must be challenged. Rights and liberties are essential. Only where there is a social rule of law where society has internalized the need for these rights as essential, can a country have a democratic and secular state. It is only under this kind of social order that the juridical, legislative, and executive bodies can function in balance, independent of one another and in impartiality, thus leading to the emergence of a democratic order.

author list (cited authors)

  • lkiz, F., & interviewed by Defne ver.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • İlkiz, Fikret

editor list (cited editors)

  • Özyürek, E., Özpınar, G., & Altındiş, E.

Book Title

  • Authoritarianism and Resistance in Turkey

publication date

  • 2019