Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Grand National Assembly of Turkey is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of Turkey, founded during the Turkish War of Independence. It was first convened in Ankara on 23 April 1920 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, serving as the foundational institution of the modern Turkish state. The assembly exercises sovereignty on behalf of the Turkish people, embodying the principle of national sovereignty established after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

History

The assembly was established in the midst of the Turkish War of Independence following the Occupation of Constantinople by the Allies of World War I. Its first session was held in Ankara, then a small town, symbolizing a break from the Ottoman Parliament in Istanbul. Under the presidency of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it governed the Turkish National Movement, ratified the Treaty of Lausanne, and proclaimed the republic in 1923. The assembly oversaw the radical reforms of the Kemalist period, including the adoption of the Turkish Constitution of 1924. It has functioned under various constitutions, with significant periods of interruption following military coups such as the 1960 Turkish coup d'état and the 1980 Turkish coup d'état.

Composition and structure

The assembly is a unicameral body composed of 600 members known as deputies, elected for a five-year term. The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey presides over the assembly, aided by several Vice Speakers of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Work is organized through permanent parliamentary committees, such as the Plan and Budget Committee and the Constitution Committee, which scrutinize legislation. The Presidency of the Grand National Assembly manages administrative affairs, while political groups form based on election results and party affiliations.

Powers and functions

As outlined in the Constitution of Turkey, the assembly holds the power to enact, amend, and repeal laws. It debates and approves the state budget and final accounts, declares war, and ratifies international treaties like those concerning NATO or the European Union. The assembly exercises oversight of the Council of Ministers through tools such as parliamentary inquiries and votes of confidence. It also elects the President of Turkey and has the authority to initiate constitutional amendments, which may be put to a national referendum.

Building and facilities

The parliament building is located in the Çankaya district of Ankara. The current main building, designed by architect Clemens Holzmeister, was completed in 1961. The complex includes the General Assembly Hall, numerous committee rooms, the Library of the Grand National Assembly, and administrative offices. Security for the premises is provided by a special detachment of the Turkish Gendarmerie. The building also houses a museum showcasing historical artifacts from the Turkish War of Independence and previous legislative sessions.

Electoral system and political parties

Deputies are elected through a party-list proportional representation system from 87 electoral districts, with a national electoral threshold of seven percent. Major political parties represented include the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Other significant groups are the Good Party (İYİ Party), the pro-Kurdish parties often grouped under the HDP umbrella, and newer formations like the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA). Elections are administered by the Supreme Election Council under the framework of the Law on Political Parties.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Turkey Category:Government of Turkey