An assessment of the amendments made in the Turkish Constitution 1982 from the viewpoint of human rights and democratization in the adaptation process of Turkey to the European Union

In 20th century, subjects of human rights and democratization gained momentum and at the present day values attributed to them increased. The European Union, whose foundations lay after the Second World War, targeted the human rights and democratization for itself. Essence of the united Europe conception had been founded over concepts of human rights and democracy. In this framework, it is seen that all the important documents of the European Union made references to human rights and democracy. The Union, while demanding a certain level within the context of human rights and democracy from states that will be accepted as a member, it demands from member countries to maintain and increase that level. The union can impose or apply sanctions that can reach expulsion from membership of member states, which do not exercise obligations.Despite the ups and downs; in Turkey, beginning from the Ottoman, it is possible to observe progress efforts in fields of human rights and democracy.The European Union?Turkey relations that began with Ankara Agreement picked up speed in Helsinki Summit after decision that gave Turkey a candidate status. Subjects of human rights and democracy have been major issues in the European Union?Turkey negotiations. The European Union has emphasized the necessity of provision of European level in subjects of human rights and democracy in Turkey. In this framework, in documents between Turkey and the European Union, the 1982 Constitution was criticized within the context of human rights and democracy, and it was mentioned the necessity of changes in accordance with the European Union standards. 4709 and 5170 numbered constitutional amendments that were made in this framework aimed to change human rights and democracy regulations of constitution in accordance with the standards of the European Union. In this work, 4709 and 5170 numbered constitutional amendments that were made within the context of the European Union harmonization and relevant changes made in scope of human rights and democracy fields are being examined.