5
Archived Theses
0
DOIs Assigned
0%
DOI Rate
Discipline
The evolution of the separation of powers in the Turkish republic: The case of the 2010 constitutional referendum
This thesis examines the evolution of the principle of the separation of powers in modern Turkish history. At the same time, it links the history of Turkey with recent times, especially with the 2010 Constitutional Referendum, within the framework of the separation of powers. The research presents a comprehensive study of the separation of powers in Turkey, by including the constitutions of Turkey, the political dynamics, the practice of the principle, and especially the relations between the executive and the judiciary. The study first discusses the principle of the separation of powers theoretically, and then explains its development in the West. After that, it focuses on the evolution of the principle in Turkish constitutions and provides an overview of its practice during the periods in question. In a chronological order, the thesis then explains the tense relations between the executive and the judiciary during the period of 2002-2010 with references to their relations in the past. Afterwards, it analyzes the new dimension of these relations with the 2010 Constitutional Referendum. The final focus will be given to the recent crucial political developments closely related to the separation of powers in Turkey. While the evolution of the separation of powers is examined in this thesis, it should be noted that this evolution is discussed within the arguments of the "strong executive" tendency throughout the history of modern Turkey and the dramatically increasing executive influence over the judiciary, particularly with the 1982 Constitution. It is pointed out that in the parliamentary system of Turkey, where the legislative is most likely to function under the control of the strong executive, the excessive authority of the executive over the judiciary as well, hence its over-empowerment, does not comply with democratization.
System crisis and theater in the Ottoman Empire: Representation of the late Ottoman system crisism in teatrical plays
In this paper, the term "artistic truth" is a starting point for studying the past through two works of literature; two theater plays written in late nineteenth century in order to get a multifaceted picture of the time. In this analytical reading, the Habermasian perspective of "system crisis" provides us a useful basis from which to give meaning to world presented in these plays. First, I will start with a summary of general theories on the phenomena of "system crisis," from liberal thinkers of late eighteenth century to German sociologist and philosopher Jürgen Habermas, who produces his own ap-proach from a synthesis of the theories of Karl Marx and Talcott Parson. Consequently, I will create a new approach to the nineteenth century Otto-man history from his perspective. Second, I will conceptualize the interrelation between history and litera-ture and draw the borderlines of my approach for the study of historical, literary texts. Aer that, I will present a general view of nineteenth century theater and play-writing activities. Lastly, I will focus on two interesting theatrical plays. In the fourth chap-ter, I will analyze Şemsettin Sami's Gave and to put forth his political vision and advice to save the empire from a systemic crisis. In the fih chap-ter, I will take Hagop Baronian's The Honorable Baggers into consider-ation to disclose the playwright's view about the destructive effects of the Ottoman system crisis on the Armenian community living in Istanbul.
Demographic engineering, forced migration and resettlement policies in General Inspectorates
This thesis attempts to focus on General Inspectorates which were active institutions between 1927-1952, by looking at them in context of demographic engineering, forced migration and resettlement policies. Population policies which are inevitable requirement for the nation-building process, are tried to be understood with this institution. The effectivity of General Inspectorates in the Eastern parts of Turkey are tried to be shown, even if they create a small part of this broader project. In addition to these, this thesis highlights the importance of the General Inspectorates' intermediary role to impose the centralized power as decentralized units. This thesis which mostly bases on information from the Republican archive, attempts to examine nation-building process and demographic engineering policies by giving examples from the implementations of the General Inspectorates in the Eastern provinces.
A descriptive analysis of the Turkish conservative right of the 1960s in the quotidian realm
The 1960s was a decade characterized by youth movements, new cultural alignments, student revolts and many anti-establishment movements all around the world. Turkey was no exception. Many studies have focused on the left side of the political spectrum yet only a few historical accounts of the conservative, right-wing movements of the era exist. This thesis intends to shed light on the less-focused, poorly-elaborated social and cultural dynamics of Turkish conservatism during the 1960s. Through an examination of the periodical articles penned by prominent proponents of conservatism, the thesis aims to outline the broad political and ideological currents of the era. Attention will be devoted to the staunch opposition to communism, a heavy emphasis on nationalism and an increasing salience of Islamism in periodicals such as Babıali'de Sabah, Bugün and Yeni İstanbul as well as periodicals Büyük Doğu, Diriliş, Milli Gençlik, Milli Yol, Orkun, Selamet, Tohum, Toprak, Türk Düşüncesi and Türk Yurdu, all of which have been inadequately used by pundits of Turkish conservatism. For a background to Turkish conservatism of the era, the global dynamics of conservatism has also been presented, particularly as it developed initially in the European experiences. The study of conservative periodicals of the time reveals the intense emphasis on morality which is considered as the best antidote to communism and other left-wing currents. In this respect, the thesis problematizes the themes revolving around the notion of morality as perceived by Turkish conservatists of the 1960sç
The state formation in eastern provinces in the early republican era: The case of the People's Houses
This dissertation examines the complex historical dimensions of state formation in the Republican era in massively Kurdish populated Eastern provinces focusing on the institutionalization of the People's Houses (Halkevleri), between 1932 and 1951. In the literature even though there are varying interpretations as to how successful or failed the state in Eastern localities it tries to penetrate, People's Houses have been put forward empirical evidences of an independently existing central and autonomous state. This study examines how the People's Houses in the Eastern provinces ruled by the exceptional state regime functioned and existed in encountering spaces, beyond binary oppositions such as success/failure, strong/weak of the state or mere obedience and silence or resistance of the people. This thesis first analyzes the discursive, political and administrative organization of the People's Houses in the East within the limits of the struggle and negotiation of state and local residents. Secondly, it draws an analytical picture of the dynamic and contested relations and phenomena in the physical space of Halkevleri. Third, it analyzes everyday forms of publicness and socialization in which the tactics and strategies of actors producing People's Houses' space are more salient. Finally, it examines the People's Houses and the state's violent practices of linguistic assimilation in the context of the state's boundaries of "inclusion and exclusion" and the subjects' multiple ways of coping. This dissertation demonstrates that People's Houses and the East are shaped and produced by multiple interactions and power relations in spaces of encounter.