President's Speeches

Official Ceremony Marking the 64^th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court and the Swearing-in of Mr. Şaban Kazdal as a Member of the Constitutional Court

Opening Remarks

Ankara
28 April 2026

If a man wants to live long, he must be just.
This also applies to States.
Being just prolongs life.

His Excellency Mr. President,

Esteemed Colleagues,

Distinguished Participants,

We have gathered today to celebrate the 64^th anniversary of the Court and to attend the swearing-in ceremony of our newly elected Member, Mr. Şaban Kazdal.

On this meaningful occasion, which marks both a deeply rooted institutional legacy and an enduring sense of responsibility, I extend to you my most heartfelt greetings with respect and sincere regards.

I extend my congratulations to Mr. Şaban Kazdal, who was appointed as a Member of the Constitutional Court by President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, from among the three candidates nominated by the Grand Plenary Assembly of the Court of Cassation, and who will shortly assume office upon taking the oath. I wish that his appointment will be auspicious for himself, his family, the Turkish Constitutional Court and the country, and I extend my best wishes for his success in this distinguished office.

I firmly believe that Mr. Kazdal will make significant contributions to the Court, composed of distinguished and competent members selected from different institutions and organisations, through his knowledge, expertise and experience.

Anniversary ceremonies serve as an opportunity to reflect on the Court’s historical legacy and its place within the constitutional order, whereas swearing-in ceremonies, as a manifestation of institutional continuity, provide an opportunity to reaffirm adherence to the constitutional order and the rule of law.

The establishment of the Turkish Constitutional Court constitutes the historical expression of the transformation of the principle of the rule of law from an abstract ideal into an institutional guarantee. In this sense, the Court goes beyond being a judicial body tasked merely with the review of norms; it is an institution that ensures the stability of the constitutional order, safeguards fundamental rights and freedoms, and serves as a guarantor of the rule of law in practice.

Preserving institutional memory constitutes one of the most important pillars of this guarantee. Undoubtedly, the strength of a high court lies not only in its constitutional powers, but also in its accumulated jurisprudence, established principles, and tradition of constitutional interpretation. The Turkish Constitutional Court, through its decisions, does not merely resolve claims of unconstitutionality and individual disputes, but has evolved into an institution that interprets, advances and transmits constitutional tenets to future generations.

His Excellency Mr. President,

Law derives its true meaning not merely from the existence of rules, but from their just interpretation and their consistent application. In this regard, the institutional memory of the Turkish Constitutional Court stands out as one of the fundamental pillars ensuring the sustainability of the rule of law and the predictability of the norms underpinning the constitutional order.

Among the values to which the Court is committed in the context of the rule of law, justice undoubtedly holds a foremost place. Justice is regarded by the Court not merely as a legal concept, but as a foundational principle that shapes the raison d’être of a civilisation, its course and its aspirations for the future. It is a moral principle that forms the foundation of both individual and social peace. It means putting everything in its rightful place, acting on the basis of what is right, and rendering judgment in accordance with equity. Justice is both a moral and a legal concept. Its opposite is oppression, tyranny and the transgression of limits. At times, it means giving people what they rightfully deserve; at others, it means refraining from granting what is undeserved. Justice entails equality before the law. It means showing no privilege to anyone on the basis of ancestry, belief, position or any other consideration, and refraining from discrimination. It serves as a measure of both the legitimacy and the very existence of the State. It is the principle that upholds the order of the universe. In our longstanding tradition of thought, justice has been acknowledged as a foundational standard extending from individual relations to the State order.  

Since ancient times, justice has been upheld as a noble ideal in both divine teachings and human systems. In divine sources, it has been regarded as a sacred value sustaining the order of the universe, with the protection of rights and the preservation of balance emphasised as fundamental principles. In human systems, it has emerged as an indispensable value that sustains and strengthens social life. These traditions are united by the belief that justice is indispensable to protecting human dignity and maintaining social order.

According to the Great Leader Atatürk, independence, the future and freedom can exist only through justice. His understanding of justice has likewise constituted one of the fundamental pillars of both our legal system and society’s pursuit of justice.

Al-Farabi emphasised that a virtuous social order could only be achieved through a political structure in which justice prevails. Likewise, Ibn Khaldun regarded justice as an indispensable pillar for the survival of the State.

In the Holy Qur’an, numerous verses emphasise the necessity of adhering to justice and equity and of upholding justice under all circumstances, presenting this principle as a clear and unequivocal command. For instance, Surah An-Nahl enjoins justice and benevolence, while Surah Al-Ma’idah underscores the necessity of acting justly regardless of one’s personal feelings. In this understanding, justice appears not merely as a principle to be observed towards allies, but as a universal value that must be upheld toward everyone under all circumstances.

The practices of the Prophet Muhammad likewise illustrate that justice was regarded as an absolute principle, independent of considerations such as affection, hostility, power or wealth. This approach constitutes the historical and moral foundation of the principle of equality before the law.

This intellectual legacy clearly demonstrates that justice is not only a legal instrument but also an indispensable foundation of social order and human dignity. Therefore, legal rules acquire their true meaning only when they secure justice, while justice itself becomes sustainable through institutional safeguards. In this context, the Turkish Constitutional Court plays an important role as one of the core institutions upholding constitutional principles, strengthening legal stability, and reinforcing public confidence.

As members of the Court, we continue to discharge our duties and responsibilities within the framework of the limits set by the Constitution, with utmost dedication and diligence, guided by the awareness that justice is the fundamental pillar that sustains the State, ensures individuals’ sense of security, and enables social prosperity and development.

His Excellency Mr. President,

We pursue our relations with all individuals and institutions with a keen awareness of our high mission and profound responsibility to ensure the administration of justice. In this context, I am pleased to note that we have carried out joint initiatives to strengthen cooperation among the high courts and have taken certain steps intended to render such cooperation more institutionalised and sustainable.

We hold regional meetings with judges and prosecutors with a view to making judicial dialogue more widespread and more effective. In these meetings, we assess the outcomes of violation judgments rendered in individual applications, both with regard to applicants and their broader objective effects, while seeking solutions to ensure the most expeditious administration of justice.

The Turkish Constitutional Court, which maintains continuous engagement with universities and the academic community, plays an active role in scholarly activities in the fields of law and the judiciary.

The Court offers internship opportunities at the Court to assistant judges and prosecutors, trainee lawyers, and law students who are interested in the field of constitutional justice and wish to gain experience in this area.

Through all these initiatives, I would like to express with satisfaction that, as a High Court, we do not merely render decisions for today, but also endeavour to pass on the legacy of our 64 years of accumulated experience, with a profound sense of responsibility, to the young legal professionals who will uphold justice in the future.

Within the Turkish constitutional system, the Constitutional Court occupies a position reflecting its role as a judicial institution, while at the same time fulfilling a vital function in safeguarding the continuity and integrity of the constitutional order. In this regard, the Court’s fundamental duty is to give effect to the supremacy and binding force of the Constitution. Indeed, the principle enshrined in Article 11 of the Constitution establishes an effective legal order binding upon all organs of the State.

Within this framework, the Court serves as a guarantor ensuring the highest protection of fundamental rights and freedoms within the constitutional order. In its judgments rendered ‘on behalf of the Turkish Nation’, the Court not only settles legal disputes, but also adopts a holistic approach based on an integrated consideration of national and international human rights standards, in line with the principles of justice and equity.

His Excellency Mr. President,

I would also like to share with you the outcomes of the Court’s dedicated efforts across all areas within its mandate and jurisdiction, as reflected in its statistics.

The Court has received more than 700,000 individual applications since the introduction of the individual application mechanism. Over the past 14 years, a substantial proportion of these applications has been adjudicated, contributing to the formation of a significant body of jurisprudence.

The Court’s effective role in the individual application mechanism holds considerable importance for the protection of human rights and the prevention of violations. However, one of the most significant challenges in this process is the increasing workload arising from the growing number of applications submitted each year.

Indeed, 2025 was marked by the continued intensity of applications. Within this framework, the number of applications concluded by the Court reached 71,175, achieving an adjudication rate of 111%. As a result, the Court resolved more applications than were lodged within the same year, leading to a reduction in the number of pending cases.

In the field of constitutionality review, a total of 277 cases were filed, including 51 cases in abstract review and 226 cases in concrete review. Together with the cases pending from the previous year, the Court concluded a total of 278 cases, consisting of 43 cases in abstract review and 235 in concrete review, with an adjudication rate also exceeding 100%.

In 2025, a total of 128 applications relating to the financial auditing of political parties were filed, while 164 cases were concluded, including those pending from the previous year. Furthermore, in proceedings conducted in its capacity as the Supreme Criminal Tribunal, the Court concluded all but one case. Significant progress was also achieved in expediting examination processes relating to cases on the dissolution of political parties.

The high volume of applications before the Court may be seen, to some extent, as an indication of trust in the individual application mechanism. However, it also gives rise to structural and practical challenges that place increasing pressure on the Court’s institutional capacity.

His Excellency Mr. President,

Despite the growing workload, the Court continues to implement various initiatives to ensure the effective and timely adjudication of applications. In this context, particular emphasis has been placed on the more efficient use of technology in judicial processes, the development of artificial intelligence-supported analytical tools, the strengthening of digital application systems, and the introduction of practices intended to expedite the processing of applications.

Indeed, as of 1 October 2025, the electronic submission of individual applications through the UYAP Lawyer Portal has been introduced. This innovation enables lawyers to lodge individual applications directly via the system, thereby increasing the accessibility of application procedures and ensuring that applications are received in a faster, more efficient and transparent manner. The submission of nearly 30% of applications to the Court through electronic means stands as a clear indication of the system’s effectiveness.

This development reinforces the functioning of the individual application mechanism while making a significant contribution to the exercise of the right to legal remedies in harmony with the technological possibilities of the modern age.

In order to further enhance and strengthen the functionality of the Court, as reflected in statistical data, we are also undertaking serious efforts regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the field of the judiciary.

By September 2026, we aim to incorporate artificial intelligence into the processes of utilise artificial intelligence for reading, summarising and classifying individual application forms.

However, I would particularly like to emphasise that we will not, under any circumstances, attribute any legal effect to the outputs generated by artificial intelligence. Such tools will be used by our rapporteur-judges solely at the preparatory stage, with the final legal assessment and decision remaining, as always, a matter for human reasoning and conscience.

At this point, I would also like to express my gratitude to the President of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, and his esteemed colleagues for their valuable support for our endeavours in this field.

In conclusion, the Court is today an institution that carries the legacy of the past and stands as an active constitutional actor contributing to the shaping of the legal order of the future through international interaction, digital transformation and a rights-based approach. In this sense, constitutional justice represents a distinctive institutional framework that simultaneously embodies both continuity and evolution.

His Excellency Mr. President,

Constitutional justice today is shaped not only within national boundaries but also by universal legal norms and international jurisprudence. This reality makes cooperation between constitutional courts and supreme judicial bodies of different countries indispensable for strengthening the rule of law, enhancing the effective protection of individual rights, and fostering global justice.

In this regard, the Turkish Constitutional Court plays an active role across a broad geographical landscape from Asia to Europe and Africa, fostering close cooperation with the high courts of numerous countries. The Court has so far signed memoranda of understanding on cooperation with the supreme courts of 32 countries. This is a clear testament to the Court’s credibility, standing and effectiveness in the international arena.

Yet, I would like to underline that the Court’s active role in the sphere of international constitutional justice is not confined merely to such memoranda of understanding. The Court plays both a leading and a collaborative role in numerous events held within the international legal community. Today, it takes pride in being recognised as a respected point of reference by high judicial bodies and international organisations across various countries.

One of the areas where this cooperation is most extensive is undoubtedly our engagement with the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This relationship, extending well beyond formal institutional interaction, continues to deepen through joint projects, exchange programmes, training activities and technical cooperation initiatives.

In this context, through the strong ties it has forged with the international constitutional justice community and counterpart institutions, the Turkish Constitutional Court has evolved into an influential institutional actor operating not only at the national level but also on the global stage. In 2025, the Court actively engaged in prominent international platforms such as the World Conference on Constitutional Justice, the Conference of European Constitutional Courts, the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of the Islamic World, the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of the Turkic World, the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions and the Balkan Constitutional Courts Forum (BCCF), while also participating in the official ceremony marking the opening of the judicial year of the ECHR.

I would like to devote particular attention to the BCCF, especially with regard to 2025. Established in 2023 to institutionalise cooperation among constitutional courts in the Balkans, with a view to safeguarding constitutional values and promoting democracy and human rights, the BCCF has evolved into an important platform where current issues in the field of constitutional justice are addressed, best practices are shared, and regional cooperation is further enhanced. An important milestone in this process was the Third Annual Conference, hosted by the Turkish Constitutional Court in Antalya on 14 November 2025. Following extensive deliberations during the Conference, the Statute was adopted unanimously, thereby recognising the BCCF’s formal status, and the Antalya Declaration marking its adoption was signed by the members.

Honourable Mr. President, I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude for your valuable contributions to the successful organisation of this significant event in Antalya, for your continued support and close attention, and for the encouraging and inspiring messages you have shared.

These activities clearly demonstrate that constitutional justice is not merely a national concern, but rather a global forum for dialogue shaped by shared constitutional values. In this regard, reciprocal visits and memoranda of understanding concluded with various constitutional courts have helped reinforce a comparative constitutional law perspective, thereby promoting a harmonious interaction between universal human rights standards and national constitutional values.

His Excellency Mr. President,

The oath that Mr. Şaban Kazdal will shortly take will represent not only the beginning of his tenure as a Member of the Court, but also a public affirmation of his constitutional fidelity, independence and impartiality.

Holding office as a Member of the Constitutional Court is not solely a matter of legal knowledge and experience. It also demands strong moral integrity, a profound sense of responsibility and, above all, absolute fidelity to the principles of independence and impartiality. That is because constitutional justice, by its very nature, carries the mission not only of safeguarding legal norms, but also of protecting values, rights and freedoms.

Moreover, serving as a member of the Constitutional Court is, in essence, a high judicial responsibility. Regardless of the level at which they serve, the professions of judge and prosecutor are not confined to the technical application of legal rules; rather, they embody a vocation shaped by profound moral and ethical responsibility. In one of humanity’s oldest professions, the scales stand as a symbol of the delicate balance between rules and values, and between justice and conscience. Justice acquires its true meaning not through the mechanical enforcement of written norms, but through their interpretation in light of human dignity, the sound administration of justice, and the proper execution of all judicial functions.

It is precisely at this point that judges and prosecutors bear a profound responsibility. Indeed, the responsibility for upholding rights and ensuring justice ultimately rests with them. In other words, administering justice constitutes the fundamental purpose and primary function of judges and prosecutors. This responsibility places a considerable burden upon them. Such a burden requires them not only to possess certain qualities, but also, at times, to exercise greater restraint than others in particular aspects of their conduct.

In this context, many observations and recommendations may certainly be made regarding how judges and prosecutors should act and what they ought to be mindful of. Yet the foremost point is that the professions of judge and prosecutor embody both great honour and profound risk. This underscores the necessity of acting with absolute fairness, independence and impartiality in the administration of justice. At its core, this points to the existence of an independent and impartial judiciary, an indispensable requirement of the rule of law, while also constituting an essential condition for a democratic system governed by the rule of law. It is a fundamental prerequisite for giving concrete effect to the right to a fair trial and the strongest guarantee for the protection of both fundamental rights and freedoms and public order.

Therefore, judges and prosecutors must decide freely, in accordance with the law and their conscientious convictions, without being subjected to any external influence or pressure, including their own subjective emotions and personal thoughts, and without hesitation or fear. They must do so with impartiality, within the framework of the positive legal order, while always placing reason and science at the forefront. They must, at all times, uphold judicial independence and impartiality, both at the individual and institutional levels. Such independence and impartiality must be maintained both in reality and in appearance.

Regardless of how we portray or commend ourselves, it is ultimately one’s actions that reveal -as is true for all human beings- what judges and prosecutors truly are, both as individuals and in their professional capacity. Their decisions reveal who they are. There exists an inseparable bond between judges and prosecutors and the notions of reason, conscience, justice, morality, rights and the state. It is our reason, knowledge, moral integrity and conscience that shape the capacity in which we serve as judges.

Therefore, judges and prosecutors must always be courageous. They must remain steadfast in what is right. They must never allow expectations or concerns to lead them away from the truth. They should never forget that they hold office above all to make the right decisions and uphold justice. They should always bear in mind that this constitutes their foremost responsibility. In their interactions with witnesses, lawyers and all those with whom they engage in the course of their duties, they must remain patient, courteous and dignified. They should never commit procedural errors in judicial proceedings due to workload, time pressure or any other reason. They must never act on the basis of vague or unclear reasoning. They must never engage in any form of deliberation that departs from rationality. They must never forget that there is no place for rhetoric, hostility, resentment, favouritism or even excessive sentimentality in the administration of justice. They must always bear in mind that there is no greater burden than facing God with the rights of others unfulfilled. They must neither mislead others nor be misled by others.

Those who know what is right do not permit injustice, nor do they deny what is right. In my view, speaking the truth constitutes the foundation of all deeds. No benefit can be greater than that derived from truthfulness. Hearing the truth is difficult; it may feel like poison, yet once lived by, it is sweeter than honey. In other words, to live by the truth is as sweet as honey, while accepting it may taste like poison.

In this context, judges and prosecutors must strictly avoid ostentation, hypocrisy, unlawful conduct and falsehood. They should always be content with what is earned through honest labour, in other words, through what is lawful and morally sound. They must carry no burden of the rights of others. Such rights are of great importance and are not forgiven merely through acts of worship. Therefore, they should strive after even the slightest amount of what is lawful, while turning away from unlawful gain, even if it were to come to them in abundance without effort. We should never forget that Allah does not allow unlawful earnings to be used in a righteous way. It should be remembered that once unlawful gain becomes part of one’s life, neither piety nor fatwas can save them. Those who benefit from what is unlawful cannot perceive the truth with the eye of the heart. As long as a person lives on what is unlawful, they cannot truly see the truth. Those who prosper through what is unlawful will ultimately come to ruin.

Esteemed judges and prosecutors,

“Grant me lawful and unlawful gain, O Allah.

If I cannot benefit from it, then take it away, O Allah.

Give it to Your helpless servant, O Allah.

And in the Hereafter, hold me accountable for it, O Allah.

Punish me with fire, O Allah.”

Such an understanding and such choices lead some to desire everything in this world, while leaving the reckoning to the Hereafter and underestimating the account they will ultimately be called upon to give. Yet avoiding accountability in this world does not mean escaping accountability in the Hereafter. Let us not forget, and let us believe, that the reckoning of the Hereafter will be far more difficult and severe.

His Excellency Mr. President,

At this stage, it is evident that humanity and the world are experiencing a highly challenging period. Admittedly, this is not a condition peculiar to our age alone, as throughout history humanity has continuously shifted between periods of peace and war, confronting countless crises. However, what distinguishes the period we are living in is that these challenges unfold globally, occur simultaneously, and intensify by triggering one another. In the past, crises tended to remain confined within much narrower geographical boundaries, and their effects unfolded over longer periods of time. Today, however, the level reached in globalisation and information technologies can transform a local crisis into a threat affecting the entire world within hours. Under these circumstances, almost no state can assert with absolute certainty that it remains fully secure behind fortified borders. This harsh reality has repeatedly manifested itself across different parts of the world in recent years. Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of preserving international peace and security by its 193 member states, the United Nations has, as President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly underlined, been unable -due to structural deficiencies arising from the Security Council- to take or effectively implement decisions capable of preventing oppression and unjust bloodshed in many parts of the world, particularly in Gaza. Even this structure, comprising 193 states, has proven unable to alleviate the suffering of millions of people. Ongoing conflicts and prevailing practices impact not merely specific regions, but the world as a whole. Disruptions in the production and transportation of essential goods and commodities, particularly in energy and food supplies, are resulting in significant costs and consequences. Unless this trajectory changes, it is evident that the consequences will become much graver.

In this context, I would like to express with satisfaction that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, implemented by Türkiye under the coordination of the United Nations, demonstrated to the international community that cooperation can prevail even amid conflict, and that such cooperation may become instrumental in saving millions of lives. This represents a concrete achievement of international solidarity realised under the leadership of Türkiye.

His Excellency Mr. President,

A retrospective assessment reveals that wars in different parts of the world, deep global inequalities across various fields, severe economic crises, widening income disparities resulting from unfair distribution systems, violations of international law, and the historical legacy of colonialism have emerged as structural causes underlying many contemporary challenges, ranging from migration crises to environmental disasters. Unfortunately, it is also observed that the international community and judicial institutions have often responded to these issues with only temporary solutions and, at times, have remained silent by closing their eyes and consciences to injustice. As a result, millions have been displaced, while many women and children have lost their lives along migration routes extending from Latin America to North America and from Africa and Asia to Europe. Yet even those who succeed in reaching safe haven are, regrettably, too often confronted with racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. All of this deepens social divisions and gradually destroy the very culture of coexistence.

This situation highlights that wars and structural inequalities remain among the most significant obstacles to sustainable development and global stability. It also shows that challenges such as armed conflict, migration, racism, pandemics, and terrorism cannot be overcome by a single actor or institution. In this regard, the international system should be understood as an interconnected whole. However, it has become increasingly apparent that the current international order is no longer sufficient to address these problems effectively. Accordingly, reforming the existing international system, particularly international judicial institutions, into a framework that is fairer, more inclusive, and more effective appears to be a necessity. Indeed, there remain profound injustices that must be addressed.

The gravest injustice is war. It affects children and women most severely. It disrupts development and prosperity. It deepens hatred and leaves traumas that endure across generations. Peace, by contrast, signifies development, prosperity, justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. It means ensuring that a child can sleep safely at night. It means enabling a young person to face the future with hope. Achieving peace requires the establishment of a fair, inclusive and effective multilateral system; this is not a matter of choice, but a shared responsibility towards future generations.

We must leave them a world that is safer, more peaceful, and more sustainable. Yet this can only be accomplished through inclusive and effective international cooperation. This is a collective responsibility owed to future generations by the entire human family -by all people guided by conscience, regardless of who they are or what they believe. Today, humanity must urgently demonstrate an unwavering determination for sustainable and just peace, and for cooperation in pursuit of that noble goal. The most powerful weapon is peace, and the safest place for human life is where justice prevails. If we succeed, our greatest strength will be solidarity. We should leave to our children not conflict, but rights, peace, justice and hope.

His Excellency Mr. President,

I would like to remind those who, driven by the arrogance born of material power and wealth, regard the world as if it belonged solely to them, reject peaceful coexistence with others, and seek to shape our planet entirely according to their own arbitrary desires, of one important truth:

Power and authority are bestowed upon individuals and nations by Allah so that people may live happier, more prosperous, and more dignified lives in justice, peace, and harmony. Such power is not bestowed to trouble other peoples, deprive them of peace, or subject them to oppression. For this reason, those who believe themselves to be heirs to the legacy of Prophet Solomon but fail to uphold his mission and commitment to justice; those who inflict the gravest suffering upon babies, children, women, and countless others in Gaza and elsewhere in the world; those who commit war crimes, turn a blind eye to oppression, support the oppressors, and persist in disregarding justice by placing trust in their own power, should bear in mind that unless they return to justice without delay, the power and authority they hold may soon be taken from them, and the oppression they inflict will not remain unanswered but will inevitably return to them.

In this regard, I would like to remind them of the message conveyed in verse 42 of Surah Ibrahim in the Holy Qur’an, together with the lessons offered by the stories of Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Qarun. These narratives show that powerful figures such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Qarun, who may initially have acted in accordance with justice but later departed from it, ultimately perished because they departed from justice and exercised their power unjustly. One was defeated by a fly; another was drowned in water. Qarun, whose treasures were said to be so immense that a hundred camels were needed merely to carry their keys, saw his wealth buried beneath the earth.

In my view, power guided by justice can achieve anything, regardless of faith or identity. Yet when it proceeds without mercy or justice, it will ultimately be defeated no matter how great it may seem, even if its opponent is as small as an ant. No matter how rich or powerful a person may be, once they abandon justice, everything they possess may be taken away. One of the names attributed to Allah is The Just. Allah does not leave the cry of the oppressed unanswered. Sooner or later, retribution comes. And the justice of Allah cannot be compared to human anger, vengeance, or punishment; its magnitude is beyond human measure.

Allow me to reiterate that lasting peace and security cannot be achieved through power politics alone or through selfish interests. No state and no power that fails to act with justice can remain enduring or sustainable. Yet when power is guided by justice and aligned with truth, it can achieve great things and endure over time, regardless of faith or identity. No matter how mighty it may seem, power exercised without mercy and removed from justice will ultimately be defeated even by an adversary as small as an ant. Without justice and truth, no matter how powerful one appears in this world, that power is of no significance before Allah. Yet when one stands with truth and upholds justice, even the greatest superpower may become insignificant.

His Excellency Mr. President,

As I conclude my remarks, I would once again like to extend my sincere wishes for success to our esteemed Member, Mr. Şaban Kazdal, who assumes office today. I would also like to reiterate that the high responsibility he has undertaken is not merely an individual duty, but also a historic trust entrusted to him for the protection of the constitutional order.

On this occasion, I remember with respect and gratitude all members, rapporteurs, and staff who have served the Turkish Constitutional Court since its establishment and contributed to the administration of justice through their dedication and efforts. I pray for Allah’s mercy upon those who have passed away, and I wish our esteemed former members and colleagues good health, peace, and a long life. I also extend my wishes for success, well-being, and happiness to all our colleagues who continue to carry out their duties with great devotion and dedication. I offer my heartfelt thanks for their invaluable contributions.

I sincerely believe that the Turkish Constitutional Court, drawing on its institutional legacy, will move forward with greater confidence, and emphasised that it will contribute further to strengthening the constitutional order founded on the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, and human dignity.

Finally, on behalf of myself and the members of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our guests, particularly President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for being with us on this meaningful occasion, as well as to my esteemed colleagues.

I once again mark the 64^th anniversary of the Court, and extend my respect and sincere regards to you all.