Atatürk Higher Institution of Culture, Language and History

Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council (AYK) is a public legal entity established on 17 August 1983 by Law No. 2876, based on Article 134 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye. The High Council was created to conduct scientific research on the Turkish language, history, culture and the works of Atatürk, to support activities in these fields and to promote Turkish culture. It encompasses the Atatürk Research Center (ATAM), the Turkish Language Association (TDK), the Turkish Historical Society (TTK) and the Atatürk Culture Center (AKM). Operating under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, AYK aims to encourage original knowledge production in the social and human sciences and to contribute to the national culture.

AYK and Stakeholder Institutions (AYK)

History

The Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council was established on 17 August 1983 to preserve, evaluate, promote and transmit the Turkish nation’s thousands-of-years-old cultural and natural heritage. Established by Law No. 2876 under Article 134 of the Constitution, the High Council integrated the Turkish Historical Society, founded in 1931, and the Turkish Language Association, founded in 1932, with the Atatürk Research Center and the Atatürk Culture Center, both added in 1983. These four institutions operate under the umbrella of the High Council, each retaining its own public legal personality, while carrying out their duties under the supervision, control and coordination of AYK.

To enhance the scientific activities of these institutions, Decree-Law No. 664 on the Organization and Duties of the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council was issued on 2 November 2011. This regulation defined the organizational structure of the High Council as consisting of the High Advisory Council, the Management Board, the Presidency and service units, and established academic structures for the Scientific Councils and subcommittees of the constituent institutions. The duties and powers of the High Council were further reorganized by Decree-Law No. 703 dated 2 July 2018.

Duties and Powers

The duties and powers of the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council are defined in Article 3 of Decree-Law No. 664. The mission of the institution is to conduct and facilitate original scientific research on the Turkish language, history, culture and the works of Atatürk within the framework of the social sciences; its vision is to contribute to the promotion and development of Turkish culture by encouraging scientific research in the social sciences. The fundamental duties of AYK are as follows:

• Conduct and support scientific research on the Turkish language, history, culture and the works of Atatürk within the framework of the social and human sciences; organize national and international events such as seminars, symposia and conferences; publish works; and support research activities.
• Create environments for original knowledge production in the social and human sciences; establish an integrated information system; support research and development activities; and ensure coordination.
• Conduct, support and promote scientific research in areas contributing to the national culture.
• Translate, print and publish classical scientific and intellectual works of the national culture and other cultures into modern Turkish.
• Monitor scientific works and publications of national and international institutions within its scope; translate and publish those deemed necessary.
• Perform other duties assigned by legislation.

In carrying out its duties, AYK may cooperate with higher education institutions, research centers and international organizations, implement joint projects and request necessary information from public institutions and natural and legal persons. The institution collects and uses information while preserving the confidentiality of data classified as commercial secrets, except those related to national defense and security.

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure of the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council is regulated by Article 4 of Decree-Law No. 664. The institution consists of the High Advisory Council, the Management Board, the Presidency, the four constituent institutions (ATAM, TDK, TTK, AKM) and service units. The Presidency comprises the President of the High Council, two Deputy Presidents and four service units: the Directorate of Scientific Studies Coordination, the Directorate of Strategy Development, the Directorate of Human Resources and Support Services, and the Legal Advisory Office. AYK has no regional offices; its headquarters are located in Ankara.

As of December 2023, 73 of the 187 allocated positions at AYK are filled, representing 39.04% utilization. Personnel consist of the President, Deputy Presidents, experts, assistant experts and administrative staff. Additionally, five of the 12 contractual information technology specialist positions obtained from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance are occupied; one physician and one technician are employed under Article 4/B of Law No. 657; and 35 permanent workers serve under Temporary Article 23 of Decree-Law No. 375. Of these workers, 14 are assigned to affiliated institutions and two work directly at the High Council.

AYK, where more than 150 academics serve as members of Scientific Councils within its constituent institutions, shapes scientific activities and policies on language, history and culture through its Scientific Councils and subcommittees. The institution operates under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is under the supervision of the Presidency of the Republic. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, and universities maintain relationships with AYK regarding budgeting, performance and scientific activities.

As of June 2023, the Presidency of AYK is held by Prof. Dr. Derya Örs. An academic expert in Persian Language and Literature, she has conducted research on Iranian history, manuscript works and translations of the Masnavi. She previously served as President of AYK from 2012 to 2019, as Ambassador to Tehran from 2019 to 2023, and was reappointed as President of AYK in 2023.

Financial Structure and Budget

The Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council is subject to Law No. 5018 on Public Financial Management and Control and is a special budgetary public administration. Its revenue sources are defined in Article 26 of Decree-Law No. 664 as follows: allocations from the general budget, donations and bequests, income generated by the High Council and its affiliated centers, and other revenues. In 2023, AYK’s total revenues amounted to 66,645,602 TL, of which 66,412,000 TL came from treasury support, 7,023 TL from enterprise and property income, and 226,579 TL from other sources.

Under the Central Government Budget Law for 2023, AYK was allocated an appropriation of 50,583,000 TL. Through additional allocations and transfers during the year, the final appropriation reached 68,594,011 TL. Of this, 96.17% (65,966,959.55 TL) was utilized. Budget expenditures, classified by economic category, are as follows:

• Personnel Expenditures: 41,084,504 TL (actual spending: 40,982,872.72 TL, 99.75%).
• State Premiums for Social Security: 7,003,000 TL (actual spending: 6,510,657.73 TL, 92.97%).
• Goods and Services Procurement Expenditures: 13,644,507 TL (actual spending: 13,002,617.97 TL, 95.30%).
• Current Transfers: 2,906,000 TL (actual spending: 1,827,069.12 TL, 62.87%).
• Capital Expenditures: 3,956,000 TL (actual spending: 3,643,742.01 TL, 92.11%).

Operational revenue amounted to 66,643,709.78 TL and operational expenditure to 69,687,705.49 TL, resulting in a negative operational result of 3,043,995.71 TL for 2023. Accounting procedures are conducted in accordance with the Central Government Accounting Regulation within the Ministry of Treasury and Finance’s State Accounting Information System; payment orders are recorded in the Integrated Public Financial Management Information System. Financial reports are submitted to the Court of Accounts, and audits are carried out based on documents such as balance sheets and statements of operational results.

Audit and Court of Accounts Opinion

The Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Council is subject to Law No. 6085 on the Court of Accounts and international audit standards. The Court of Accounts audited AYK’s 2023 financial reports and statements. The audit assessed the accuracy, reliability and compliance of the financial reports with applicable laws and obtained sufficient audit evidence. The Court of Accounts concluded that AYK’s 2023 financial reports contain accurate and reliable information on all material aspects.

AYK’s internal control system is structured in accordance with Law No. 5018 and the Public Internal Control Standards Notice. The control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring standards have been implemented. An internal audit unit exists, and one internal auditor was active in 2023. The internal control system is evaluated at least once annually, and the results are reported to the Internal Control Monitoring and Guidance Council.

Activities and Collaborations

AYK conducts activities to carry out scientific research on the Turkish language, history, culture and the works of Atatürk; organize seminars, symposia and conferences; produce publications; and contribute to the national culture. The Scientific Councils of its four constituent institutions, involving more than 150 academics, guide policies on language, history and culture. The institution collaborates with higher education institutions, research centers and international organizations to develop joint projects and monitors national and international publications to carry out translation and dissemination activities.

In accordance with Law No. 5018, AYK plans its activities using a strategic planning and performance-based budgeting system; strategic plans and activity reports are prepared in compliance with applicable legislation. The institution has adopted as its vision the promotion and development of Turkish culture and has established a structure that supports original knowledge production in the social sciences.