Examining Local Democracy in Turkey

The Young Scholars on Turkey (YSOT) Program Presents

“Examining Local Democracy in Turkey” with

Guliz Belcher, University of Massachusetts

Moderator: Nuh Yilmaz, Director, SETA Foundation

One of the most important issues for the prospects of Turkish democratization, not addressed in the constitutional amendment package of September 2010, is the issue of “local government” reform. Although substantial changes have been introduced to the administrative structure, financial capabilities, and various functions of local governments with reforms passed by the Turkish parliament in 2004, 2005, and 2007, the central administration’s tutelage over local authorities still prevails. This presentation will critically examine the current state of “decentralization” through the lens of participatory democracy and good governance.