Executive power was transferred to military rule in Turkey

Historical Significance and Background

On December 13, 1979, according to Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, the executive power was transferred to the National Security Council. This decision is considered as a precursor to the military coup that took place on September 12, 1980.

The 1970s were a challenging period for Turkey. The country was struggling with political instability, economic problems, and social conflicts. As tensions between left and right-wing groups escalated and the government proved ineffective, a sense of insecurity pervaded society. Under these conditions, Turkey's slide into the military coup on September 12, 1980 was inevitable.

The decision to transfer the executive power to military rule revealed significant concerns about the government's inability to produce solutions and the deterioration of public order. This event clearly demonstrated that political and social tensions in Turkey had reached their peak and democratic institutions had weakened.

Development of the Event

Transfer of Executive Power

On December 13, 1979, according to Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, the executive power was transferred to the National Security Council. This decision was an unprecedented event in Turkey's history and the first step towards military intervention. The National Security Council was a board consisting of military officials, chaired by the Chief of the General Staff of that period, Kenan Evren.

Occurrence of the Military Coup

The transfer of executive power to military rule was a precursor to the military coup that would take place on September 12, 1980. The aim of the coup was to end political instability in the country, restore social order, and find solutions to economic problems. The coup that took place on September 12, 1980 shook the foundations of Turkey's political system, leading the country into a long period of military rule.

Consequences and Effects

The transfer of executive power to military rule resulted in significant changes in Turkey's political, social, and economic landscape. Short-term effects included the arrest of thousands of people, the closure of political parties, and restrictions on press freedom following the coup.

Long-term consequences were observed in the weakening of democratic institutions in Turkey and an increase in human rights violations. The country experienced a prolonged period of oppression following the coup. However, the political and economic reforms implemented after the coup accelerated Turkey's modernization process and reshaped its role in international relations.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present Day

The transfer of executive power to military rule in Turkey is considered a significant turning point in the country's history. This event vividly exposed problems such as the weakness of Turkey's democratic institutions and the ineffectiveness of the government.

Today, the effects of the events in 1979 are still being felt. The democratization process in Turkey began after this historical event. Constitutional amendments and political reforms carried out after the coup have paved the way for important steps towards democratization in the country.

However, the events of 1979 have left a deep impact on Turkey's political and social structure. These events highlight the need for Turkey to continuously strive to strengthen democracy and respect human rights. Furthermore, the lessons learned from these events are crucial for Turkey to avoid similar problems in the future.