Analysis of sports policies in the context of social policies in the Republican era: Changes in the second century of the republic

In Türkiye, sports policies were rapidly institutionalized after the proclamation of the Republic in line with goals of nation-state building, social integration, and international representation. By contrast, the fragmented and insufficient practices of the pre-Republican era could not make sport an effective instrument of social policy. This dissertation analyzes Turkish sports policy in the context of social policies by dividing the century-long period between 1923 and 2023 into four historical phases. It aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the policies implemented in the first century of the Republic and to reveal the expected policy shifts in the second century. A qualitative research design was adopted, and a cross-sectional survey model was used. Primary policy documents (development plans, government programs, decisions of sports councils, legislation, strategic and activity reports, and TBMM records) and supporting secondary literature were selected through purposive/criterion sampling. Data were systematically examined via document analysis, and a comparative content analysis across periods was conducted.