Localization principle of new public management and the relationship of center end local in Türkiye

Decentralization is a management principle adopted with the aim of transferring the powers of central governments to local governments, giving the local level a greater say in decision-making processes and providing local services more effectively. The localization process carries broader goals such as not only strengthening administrative structures but also contributing to the democratization process, encouraging public participation in decision-making processes and providing public services more fairly and efficiently. This thesis aims to examine the decentralization principle of the NPM approach and the decentralization process in Türkiye since the early 2000s. In this context, after the theoretical consideration of the decentralization principle of NPM, the historical development of the decentralization process in Turkey is presented. Although the decentralization process in Türkiye has been shaped by a centralized management approach for many years, more local autonomy and democratization efforts have emerged after the 1980s. It has been observed that the change of government since 2002 has also supported this process. In this study, the analysis of legal regulations such as the Metropolitan Municipality Law No. 5216, the Provincial Special Administration Law No. 5302, and the Municipality Law No. 5393, which were made during this period, was provided. These regulations aimed at strengthening local governments in administrative and financial terms, increasing local democracy, and ensuring the participation of citizens in local government processes. While presenting a discussion on the performance regarding these goals, it is evaluated that there have been tendencies towards re-centralization, especially after 2011.