Following the expiration of his term as a member of the Turkish Constitutional Court, Mr. Hasan Tahsin Gökcan has handed over his position as Vice-President to Mr. İrfan Fidan.

Mr. Fidan was elected Vice President by the Plenary of the Court, succeeding Mr. Gökcan, whose term as a member of the Court expired on 23 March 2026 and who had served in this role since 2019. The Court held a handover and farewell ceremony to mark the occasion.

In his address in the Grand Tribunal Hall, President of the Court, Mr. Kadir Özkaya, highlighted the invaluable contributions of Mr. Gökcan to human rights, justice, the rule of law and the Court, drawing on his extensive experience and knowledge. Emphasising that Mr. Gökcan had left a lasting and meaningful impact on the institutional memory of the Turkish Constitutional Court, President Özkaya noted: “Mr. Gökcan is a distinguished legal scholar who has left his mark not only in the theoretical sphere but also in the most challenging areas of practice through his expertise in criminal law. His scholarly works and intellectual foundation have served as a guiding model for many jurists working in the field of criminal law. As we honour him today, we know that the legacy he leaves behind extends beyond the roles he held or the works he authored. Throughout his professional life, he embodied the dignity of the law, the refinement of justice and a profound sense of responsibility befitting a member of the judiciary.”

Touching upon the extensive legal expertise and judicial experience of recently-elected Vice-President İrfan Fidan, President Özkaya stated: “We have had the benefit of Mr. Fidan’s extensive expertise and the valuable experience he has acquired in practice since the day he assumed office, which has been an invaluable asset to the Turkish Constitutional Court. I extend my sincere wishes for his continued success in his new role as Vice President in the period ahead. I hope his tenure will be of great benefit to the Court, the judiciary and the country as a whole.”

In his farewell remarks, Mr. Gökcan stressed that the administration of justice holds a distinct place within the public affairs of the state. He indicated: “The administration of justice is a prerequisite for maintaining peace in the country, for keeping the people united and for safeguarding national unity and integrity. For this reason, the task of administering justice is a sacred duty entrusted to judges. The constitutional jurisdiction entrusted to the Turkish Constitutional Court concerns the provision of justice at the national level and across the entire legal system. Ever since I took office, we have strived to fulfil this duty to the best of our ability through the collective efforts of our highly esteemed Presidents and Members. It is thanks to these outstanding efforts that the Turkish Constitutional Court has been able to maintain its prestigious position among the state institutions.”

Stressing that the Court’s decisions upholding human rights standards, despite its heavy workload, are the product of dedicated and meticulous work, Mr. Gökcan said: “From my first day to the present, I have gained many insights from my colleagues, who have carried out their duties with great diligence and dedication. It has been an honour to serve alongside such meticulous jurists dedicated to the cause of justice. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the Court’s work.”

Following the speeches, Mr. Gökcan formally handed over his duties as Vice-President to Mr. Fidan. In his address, Mr. Fidan, recently-elected Vice-President of the Constitutional Court, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Gökcan’s contributions to the Court and conveyed his best wishes for his future endeavours.

Mr. Gökcan was awarded a certificate of honour in recognition of his distinguished service during his 12 years in office. He was bid farewell at the end of the ceremony as he proceeded to his new post at the Court of Cassation.