The March 12, 1971 Military Memorandum and interim governments according to the Turkish Grand National Assembly Records and the Turkish press

This thesis examines the changes and developments in Turkey following the May 27, 1960 coup, with a particular focus on their impact on and contribution to the events leading up to the March 12, 1971 memorandum. It explores the civil governments established between 1961 and 1971, their interactions with the military, and the political climate and incidents during this period, drawing connections between the May 27 coup, the 1961 Constitution, and the characteristics of the ensuing decade. Moreover, the reflections of the intellectual diversity brought about by the 1960's on Turkish political life have also been revealed. The second chapter investigates the events and circumstances that precipitated the March 12, 1971 military memorandum and the military's decision to deliver it to the government. By the late 1960s, certain escalating issues had grown into significant challenges by 1971. These political, economic, and social problems necessitated extraordinary measures, both in public perception and state governance. The state's reaction, driven by the National Security Council (NSC), culminated in a memorandum forcing the resignation of the elected government. The chapter analyzes the relationship between these events and phenomena. The third chapter evaluates the interim governments formed as a result of the March 12, 1971 military memorandum, which claimed to operate above party politics, as well as the significant developments during this period. These governments, established with the approval and influence of the military, cannot be strictly categorized as either civilian or military administrations. Their prime ministers and ministers were civilian politicians who did not represent any particular party. The chapter explores the principles guiding these interim governments and the activities they undertook within this framework.