The Institutionalization of the Constitutional Court in Turkey

This study aims to analyze the degree of institutionalization of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye. Institutionalization has become a significant focus in political science, particularly in light of the growing impact of institutional deterioration at global and local levels. The functionality and sustainability of institutions are critical for modern political systems. This study evaluates the extent to which the Constitutional Court meets key institutionalization criteria, adopting a rational institutionalism approach. The research begins with a literature review on institutionalization and develops a model specific to the Turkish context. This model enables comparative analyses with examples from national and international settings. The study evaluates institutionalization across three dimensions: autonomy, differentiation, and resilience. Autonomy involves the selection of court officials, independence in decision-making, and protection from external influences. Differentiation examines internal specialization, division of labor, and organizational complexity. Resilience considers the court’s history, physical infrastructure, budget, and staff salaries. The findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the institutionalization process of Türkiye’s Constitutional Court and judicial institutions more broadly. By identifying challenges and offering insights, the study aims to contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of institutionalization in the judiciary.