Definition
Hakimiyet-i Milliye (Turkish: “national sovereignty”) refers to the political principle asserting that sovereignty belongs exclusively to the nation, rather than to a monarch, foreign power, or any other external authority. It has been a foundational concept of the Turkish Republic and is prominently featured in the nation's constitutional and legal discourse.
Overview
The doctrine of Hakimiyet-i Milliye emerged during the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923) as a rallying slogan for the nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It embodied the rejection of the Ottoman sultanate’s authority and the repudiation of the Allied powers’ mandates following World War I. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Hakimiyet-i Milliye was incorporated into the state's legal framework, most notably in Article 1 of the 1924 Constitution, which states that sovereignty belongs “without any reservation to the nation.” The principle underpins Turkey’s republican form of government, democratic institutions, and its emphasis on popular participation in political life.
Etymology / Origin
Hakimiyet is derived from the Arabic word ḥakīm (حكم), meaning “rule” or “authority,” and the Persian suffix -iyet denoting a state or condition, together conveying “rule” or “sovereignty.” Milliye comes from the Turkish word millet (nation) with the Persian suffix -iye indicating affiliation, thus meaning “of the nation.” The combined phrase translates literally as “sovereignty of the nation.” The term was popularized in Turkish nationalist literature and speeches in the early 1920s.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal foundation | Enshrined in the 1924 Constitution (Article 1) and reaffirmed in subsequent constitutional amendments. |
| Political implication | Establishes that all legislative, executive, and judicial powers emanate from the people, not from a monarch, elite, or foreign authority. |
| Historical context | Adopted as a response to the Treaty of Sèvres (1920) and the perceived loss of autonomy under the Ottoman Empire. |
| Implementation | Manifested through the establishment of a parliamentary system, universal suffrage, and the secular nature of the state. |
| Contemporary relevance | Continues to be invoked in political discourse concerning electoral reforms, decentralization, and debates over the balance of power between the central government and local authorities. |
Related Topics
- National sovereignty – The broader international principle that a state has supreme authority over its territory and affairs.
- Turkish War of Independence – The conflict during which Hakimiyet-i Milliye was promoted as a unifying slogan.
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – Founder of the Republic of Turkey, who articulated and implemented the principle of Hakimiyet-i Milliye.
- Turkish Constitution of 1924 – The first constitution of the Republic, which codified national sovereignty.
- Secularism in Turkey – A complementary principle to Hakimiyet-i Milliye, separating religious institutions from state affairs.
Note: The information presented is based on established historical and legal sources concerning the concept of Hakimiyet-i Milliye.