28.08.2025 21:35
As part of the goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey," former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Binali Yıldırım, speaking at the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in the TBMM, stated that the definition of citizenship in the Constitution needs to be reviewed, saying, "It should be a definition based on equality, not on ethnic identity."
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Turkey is going through a critical process within the scope of the "Terror-Free Turkey" project. The process, which began with the PKK's dissolution and the symbolic ceremony of laying down arms, has been brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in this context continues its work.
"CITIZENSHIP DEFINITION SHOULD BE REVISED"
The commission hosted former TBMM presidents today while listening to representatives from different segments. Binali Yıldırım, the Chairman of the Elders Council of the Turkic States Organization (TDT) and former TBMM President, delivered striking messages during his speech at the commission. Yıldırım stated that the definition of citizenship in the Constitution should be reconsidered, using the following expressions: "The definition of citizenship should be revised. It should be based on equality, not on ethnic identity. This change should not be perceived as undermining our unitary structure. We must take unifying and integrative steps."
"BOTH KURDS AND TURKS ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS"
Yıldırım emphasized that terrorism is the biggest obstacle to development and investments, stating, "Both Kurds and Turks are the essential elements of this nation. Just as the Republic was established together, today no citizen should feel excluded."
HE HAD MADE A SIMILAR STATEMENT BEFORE
This statement by Yıldırım was his second remark regarding the definition of citizenship. Previously, he had used similar expressions at the New Constitution Meetings program organized by the Association for Legal Research (HUDER) and had opened the discussion on the expression in Article 66 of the Constitution, "Everyone who is bound to the Turkish State by the bond of citizenship is a Turk."
CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 66
The expression in Article 66 of the Constitution, "Everyone who is bound to the Turkish State by the bond of citizenship is a Turk," stands out as one of the most debated issues in the history of the republic.
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