Empowering local governments from the centre in Turkey: The experience of Ministry of Local Governments

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the abrogated Ministry of Local Governments contributed strengthening local governments in Turkey. In this manner, the first part of the thesis examines central government-local government relations. The second part of the thesis investigates the central-local government relations during the 1970s in Turkey. In the light of these theoretical frameworks; the third part covers the Ministry of Local Governments with its foundation phase and organizational structure. The last part of the thesis is dedicated to Tan-Sa Project and Municipal Revenues Draft Law carried out by the Ministry. Also; the abolishment process of the Ministry and assessment of the Ministry including all policies and programs implemented are included in this part. Taking into consideration the literature review and interviews done as part of the this study; I conclude that, in Turkey where the understanding of centralization has always been dominant in public administration, the abrogated Ministry of Local Governments has contributed to strengthening local governments. In conclusion; the contributions of the Ministry was positive but not enough to create self-sufficient local governments due to its short terms presence.