Republic of Türkiye Presidency

The Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye is the highest execution office of the state and, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, is the primary body exercising executive authority. Established with the proclamation of the republic in 1923, the office of the president has, through constitutional amendments within time, acquired various powers. The 2017 amendment transitioned Türkiye to the Presidential System, changing the model of governance.

History of the Presidency in Türkiye

The office of the president was established on 29 October 1923 with the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. The first president was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Initially, presidents were elected by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), but following the 2007 constitutional amendment, they began to be directly elected by the people. The 2017 constitutional amendment shifted Türkiye to the Presidential System, significantly expanding the president’s executive powers.

The office of the president in Türkiye has undergone several constitutional changes and reforms evolution:

1921 and 1924 Constitutions: The president was elected by the TBMM, and executive authority rested with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

1961 Constitution: The office of the president was strengthened, yet its powers remained largely symbolic.

1982 Constitution: The president’s powers were expanded, including the ability to intervene during periods of crisis active.

2007 Constitutional Amendment: Presidential elections were opened to direct popular vote.

2017 Constitutional Amendment: The parliamentary system was abolished, Türkiye transitioned to the Presidential System, and full executive authority was transferred to the president.

The Presidential System and Powers in Türkiye

As a result of the 2017 referendum, Türkiye transitioned from a parliamentary system to the Presidential System. Under the new system, executive authority is vested entirely in the president. The president’s main powers include:

Executive Authority: The president is the highest executive organ of the state and exercises all executive powers directly.

Approval and Return of Laws: The president may approve laws adopted by the TBMM or return them to parliament for reconsideration.

Appointment and Dismissal of Ministers: The president has the direct authority to appoint and dismiss ministers and senior public officials.

Issuance of Decrees: Within the framework established by the Constitution, the president may issue presidential decrees on matters relating to executive authority.

Role in the Judiciary: The president may appoint members to the Constitutional Court, the Council of State, and other high judicial bodies.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces: According to the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, the president is the Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: The president represents Türkiye internationally, conducts relations with foreign states, and signs international agreements.

Election, Term of Office and Assistants of the President

The president is directly elected by the people and serves a term of five years. An individual may serve a maximum of two period terms. Elections are conducted under a two-round system; if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, a second round is held between the top two candidates.

Under the Presidential System, the president may appoint assistants and share authority within the executive process. Additionally, the composition of the cabinet is entirely at the president’s discretion.

Symbols and Meaning of the Presidency

The presidential flag and official emblem are a historical cultural element reflecting Türkiye’s historical and cultural roots. The 16 stars in the emblem represent the 16 great Turkic states established throughout history. These states are:

1. The Great Hun Empire

2. West Hun Empire

3. Europe Hun Empire

4. The Akhun (Hephthalite) Empire

5. The Göktürk Khaganate

6. The Avar Khaganate

7. The Khazar Khaganate

8. The Uyghur Khaganate

9. The Karakhanids

10. The Ghaznavids

11. The Great Seljuk Empire

12. The Khwarezmshahs

13. The Golden There State

14. The Timurid Empire

15. The Mughal Empire

16. The Ottoman Empire

The large golden sun at the center of the emblem represents the Republic of Türkiye.

Presidents of the Republic of Türkiye

The presidents who have served since the founding of the Republic of Türkiye are as follows:

1. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1923–1938)

2. İsmet İnönü (1938–1950)

3. Celal Bayar (1950–1960)

4. Cemal Gürsel (1961–1966)

5. Cevdet Sunay (1966–1973)

6. Fahri Korutürk (1973–1980)

7. Kenan Universe (1982–1989)

8. Turgut Özal (1989–1993)

9. Süleyman Demirel (1993–2000)

10. Ahmet Necdet Sezer (2000–2007)

11. Abdullah Rose (2007–2014)

12. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (2014–present)

The office of the president in Türkiye has continuously evolved within the constitutional framework and adopted a new governance model with the 2017 amendments. Today, the President of the Republic of Türkiye exercises executive authority independently and holds a decisive position in state governance. The office of the president remains one of the most fundamental elements of Türkiye’s political structure.