 Democratic Party leader Hüsamettin Cindoruk visited Bilkent University to discuss “Democracy Culture and Law in Turkey” on Wednesday, February 17. The conference was held by Genç Hukukçular Kulübü. Cindoruk's visit attracted a crowd of not only students, but also, professors and Democratic Party members.
Cindoruk began his speech by giving a brief introduction about the first years of the Republic of Turkey. Though the first National Assembly might not seem democratic and may be censurable in terms of the election, it represented Turkish society very well. Because the Assembly depicted how well Anatolia responded to Atatürk's invitation, the, first Assembly formed the basis of the republic. He pointed out that the Constitution of 1921 was very modern in terms of its definition of citizenship. The Constitution of 1924, on the other hand, might not have been able to further the republic, but it was definitely a step in the direction of democracy.
“There is a difference between democracy and democratic culture,” Cindoruk said. “In a national assembly where democratic culture has yet to be settled, it isn't possible to fully achieve democracy.” Cindoruk referred to the current National Assembly, stating that it was less qualified in the 1920s compared to how it functions today.
Cindoruk then compared two national assemblies. He said that on the 11th of November in 1938, right after the death of Atatürk, the National Assembly elected İsmet İnönü as the new Prime Minister, which is proof of their democratic exercises. The current parliament seemed to have problems with it. Cindoruk stated that Turkish society has a naturally democratic culture and the problem with democratic exercises before was largely due to government's lack of democratic culture.
“Turkey is more ready for democracy than many other countries,” Cindoruk concluded “There are no obstacles caused by society at this point. The real reason for any obstacles to democracy are institutions and politicians. We can overcome those with free and fair elections. In this respect, we did what we could. Now it is up to you young people.”
Cüneyt Yılmaz (ECON/III)
Bilkent News
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