Administrative tutelage authority over municipalities in the context of democratic and decentralization principles

This study examines the scope, issues, and solutions related to the administrative tutelage authority exercised over municipalities in Turkey within the framework of democracy and decentralization principles. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the compatibility of administrative tutelage practices with democratic principles and propose a model tostrengthen the autonomy of local governments. In the first chapter, the Turkish administrative organization and decentralized structures are analyzed from a historical perspective, examining local government regulations from the Ottoman period to various constitutional processes of the Republic. In this context, the structure, functioning, and duties of central administration and decentralized institutions are detailed. The second chapter explains the principles of democracy and decentralization, discussing how local governments should be structured in accordance with these principles. The advantages and disadvantages of centralization and decentralization are examined, with a focus on how the principle of administrative unity is ensured throught head ministrative tutelage mechanism. The administrative tutelage authority over municipalities is evaluated in terms of their bodies (mayor, municipal council, municipal executive committee) and operations. The aspects of tutelage authority that are in compatible with democratic governance, transparency, participation, and the rule of law are analyzed, along with its compliance with European standards. In the final chapter, current administrative tutelage practices are criticized, and recommendations are presented to strengthen the autonomy of local governments. These recommendations include limiting administrative tutelage to legalitycontrol, implementingregulations in line with the principle of decentralization, and developing mechanisms to ensure greater public participation in local governance. In conclusion, narrowing the scope of administrative tutelage and ensuring that local governments operate within a democratic and autonomous structure will strengthen both local democracy and the over all democratic culture of the country.