Preamble

In line with the concept of nationalism outlined and the reforms and principles introduced by the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Atatrk, the immortal leader and the unrivaled hero, this Constitution, which affirms the eternal existence of the Turkish nation and motherland and the indivisible unity of the Turkish State, embodies;

The determination to safeguard the everlasting existence, prosperity and material and spiritual well-being of the Republic of Turkey and to attain the standards of contemporary civilization as an honourable member with equal rights of the family of world nations;

The understanding of the absolute supremacy of the will of nation and of the fact that sovereignty is vested fully and unconditionally in the Turkish nation and that no individual or body empowered to exercise this sovereignty in the name of the nation shall deviate from liberal democracy and the legal system instituted according to its requirements;

The principle of the separation of powers, which does not imply an order of precedence among the organs of State but refers solely to the exercising of certain State powers and discharging duties, which are limited to cooperation and division of functions, and which accepts the supremacy of the Constitution and the law.

The recognition that no protection shall be afforded to thoughts or opinions contrary to Turkish national interests, the principle of the indivisibility of the existence of Turkey with its State and territory, Turkish historical and moral values or the nationalism, principles, reforms and modernism of Atatrk and that, as required by the principle of secularism, there shall be no interference whatsoever of the sacred religious feelings in State affairs and politics;

The understanding that it is the birthright of every Turkish citizen to lead an honourable life and to develop his material and spiritual resources under the aegis of national culture, civilization and the rule of law, through the exercise of the fundamental rights and freedoms set forth in this Constitution in conformity with the requirements of equality and social justice.

The recognition that all Turkish citizens are united in national honour and pride, in national joy and grief, in their rights and duties towards their existence as a nation, in blessings and in burdens, and in every manifestation of national life, and that they have the right to demand a peaceful life based on absolute respect for one another's rights and freedoms, mutual love and fellowship and the desire for, and belief in, "peace at home, peace in the world".

This Constitution, which is to be understood to embody the ideas, beliefs, and resolutions set forth below should be interpreted and implemented accordingly commanding respect for, and absolute loyalty to, its letter and spirit,

Is entrusted for safekeeping by the Turkish nation to the patriotism and nationalism of its democracy-loving sons and daughters.

1982 Constitution

Part one : General Principles (Articles 1-11)

Part two : Fundamental Rights and Duties (Articles 12-74)

Part three : Fundamental Organs of the Republic (Articles 75-160)

Part four : Financial and Economic Provisions (Articles 161-173)

Part five : Miscellaneous Provisions (Article 174)

Part six : Provisional Articles

Part seven : Final Provisions (Articles 175-177)