The 1921 Constitution (Selections)
1. Sovereignty is vested in the nation without condition. Governmental
system is based on the principle of self-determination and government by
2. Executive power and legislative responsibility is exercised by and
concentrated in the hands of the Grand National Assembly which is the sole
and real representative of the nation.
3. The Turkish State is governed by the Grand National Assembly and
its government is titled as "the Government of Grand National Assembly."
4. The Grand National Assembly is composed of members who are elected
by people of the provinces.
5. Elections to the Grand National Assembly is held every two year.
Duration of membership is limited to two years but reelection of
a member is possible. The former assembly remains in office until
the new assembly convenes. When holding a new election seemed to be impossible
legislative period can be extended only one year. Each member of the Grand
National Assembly is not only representative of the province by which s/he
is elected but of the whole nation.
6. General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly convenes of its
own accord on the first day of November.
7. The basic rights of the application of the ordinances of the sacred
law; the promulgation, amendment, and abrogation of all laws; the concluding
of treaties and peace; the promulgation of the defence of the fatherland
(i.e., the declaration of war) belong to the Grand National Assembly. The
preparation of laws and regulations will be guided by juridical and religious
provisions, which best conform to the modus operandi of the people and
the needs of the times, as well as established customs. The functions and
responsibilities of the Council of Ministers shall be fixed by a special
8. The government of the Grand National Assembly exercises the executive
function through ministers who were elected according to its special law.
The Grand National Assembly directs the ministers on executive affairs
and changes them when necessary.
9. The Head of the Grand National Assembly who was elected by the General
Assembly is the head of the GNA for one electoral period. With this status,
he is entitled to sign on behalf of the Assembly and to approve the decisions
of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers elects one member
from among themselves as the head of the Council of Ministers. However,
the Head of the GNA is natural head of the Council of Ministers.
11-14. Vilayat (Provinces)
15. Kaza (Town)
16-21. Nahiye (Administrative unit smaller than town but bigger than
22-23. Umumi Müfettislik (General Inspectorship)
Provisional Article (Explains effective date of articles)
Unauthorized translation of OFG, November 2003