Extra-parliamentary opposition

Extra-parliamentary opposition as one type of politic opposition that implies the objections against politic power, compromises some activities of persons and groups other than political parties. In this opposition type implemented easier than the opposition made through political parties, persons are not required to belong to any party. From this aspect, due to the extra-parliamentary opposition, persons who have a certain political view but refrain from belonging to a political party are involved in political life. On the other hand, the fact that the opposition is made without any tool, that is, directly through persons and groups taking an active role and that the voice of the public can be heard by liable authorities without encountering bureaucratic obstacles, increase the interest towards extra-parliamentary opposition. Hence, besides being made only by political parties and being discussed only at parliaments, political opposition has become to be addressed by every part of the society. Political opposition and therefore extra-parliamentary opposition make sense in such a system which people are not refrained from expressing their thoughts in and which bestows and guarantees people of rights and freedoms. Minority individuals and groups in democratic regimes complying with these conditions, can become majority and can express their thoughts freely. In addition, there rises another necessary condition for the existence of extra-parliamentary opposition that the people should be aware of the political events and should closely follow the agenda of the country, in other words, a certain political culture should occur. In this study, firstly the position of extra-parliamentary opposition will be pointed within political opposition and then the concept of extra-parliamentary opposition will be explained. While making these explanations, it will be stated how extra-parliamentary opposition has emerged in historical process. Finally, persons, groups and communities, the focus of extra-parliamentary opposition will be examined and their opponent activities will be indicated. Key words: Political opposition, extra-parliamentary opposition, democracy, pressure groups, media.