The Genesis and Brief Reign of Turkey's First Constitution: The 1921 Teşkilât-ı Esasiye Kanunu

The Constitution of 1921, formally known in Ottoman Turkish as Teşkilât-ı Esasiye Kanunu and in modern Turkish as 1921 Türk Anayasası, served as the foundational legal document for the nascent Turkish state during a pivotal, albeit brief, transitional period from 1921 to 1924. This seminal constitution marked the very first constitutional framework for what would eventually become the modern Republic of Turkey, emerging amidst the throes of the Turkish War of Independence and the final collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

A Revolutionary Document Forged in Crisis

Ratified on January 20, 1921, by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi), this constitution was a direct product of the extraordinary circumstances of its time. The Grand National Assembly, established in Ankara in April 1920, functioned as the de facto government, guiding the national resistance movement against the Allied occupation forces and the crumbling Ottoman Sultanate. Unlike previous Ottoman constitutional efforts, the 1921 Constitution was born out of a popular revolutionary movement, underscoring the principle of national sovereignty from its inception.

Simplicity and Core Principles: The 23 Articles

Remarkably concise, the Teşkilât-ı Esasiye Kanunu comprised merely 23 short articles. Its brevity and simplicity were deliberate, reflecting the urgent need for a pragmatic governmental framework during wartime. Instead of delving into extensive individual rights or detailed state structures, which were largely deferred to subsequent legislation, the constitution primarily focused on establishing the fundamental principles of governance and the supremacy of the national will.

• National Sovereignty: The most revolutionary aspect was the explicit declaration that "sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation." This principle fundamentally shifted power from the Sultanate to the people, as represented by the Grand National Assembly.
• Grand National Assembly's Authority: Both legislative and executive powers were consolidated within the Grand National Assembly, marking a clear departure from the traditional separation of powers, a pragmatic choice made to ensure swift decision-making during the war.
• Local Governance: It also outlined a framework for local administration, empowering provincial and district councils, reflecting a decentralized approach designed to galvanize popular support and manage affairs effectively across a war-torn land.

The Proclamation of the Republic: A Key Amendment

A crucial amendment to the 1921 Constitution occurred on October 29, 1923. On this historic day, the Grand National Assembly, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, formally declared Turkey to be a republic. This amendment was not merely a change in governmental form but a definitive break from centuries of Ottoman monarchical rule, fundamentally reshaping the political landscape of the emerging nation. The presidency was also established, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk becoming the first President of the Republic of Turkey.

The Transition to a Comprehensive Framework: The 1924 Constitution

Despite its profound significance as the first republican constitution, the 1921 Constitution's brief tenure concluded in April 1924. Its replacement, the comprehensive Constitution of 1924, was deemed necessary to establish a more detailed, stable, and peacetime legal framework for the newly formed Republic of Turkey. While the 1921 document served as a wartime charter, focusing on immediate governmental needs, the 1924 Constitution provided a more elaborate structure for a modern, secular state, integrating principles of individual rights and a clearer division of governmental powers.

FAQ About the 1921 Turkish Constitution

What was the primary purpose of the 1921 Constitution?

Its primary purpose was to establish a legal and governmental framework for the Turkish national resistance movement during the War of Independence, vesting sovereignty in the Grand National Assembly and outlining basic administrative principles for the emerging state.

Why was the 1921 Constitution so short and simple?

Its brevity reflected the urgent and chaotic wartime conditions. It focused on essential principles like national sovereignty and the legislative-executive authority of the Grand National Assembly, deferring more detailed provisions to a future, peacetime constitution.

How did the 1921 Constitution contribute to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey?

While not explicitly republican initially, it laid the foundational principles of national sovereignty and parliamentary supremacy, which were crucial for the eventual declaration of the Republic. The 1923 amendment formally declared Turkey a republic under this constitution.

What replaced the 1921 Constitution?

The 1921 Constitution was replaced by the Constitution of 1924 on April 20, 1924. The 1924 Constitution provided a more comprehensive and detailed legal framework suitable for a stable, peacetime republic.

What is the Ottoman Turkish name for the 1921 Constitution?

In Ottoman Turkish, it was known as Teşkilât-ı Esasiye Kanunu.