Ottoman and Turkish Law

For the last two centuries, Turkish residents have been dreaming of the realization of the rule of law. Through a collection of essays, Ottoman and Turkish Law explores this dream and shows that when Turks and their state start to believe law is above all, change will occur. In these essays, author Fatih Öztürk provides unique perspectives on why Turkey, in the aftermath of Ottoman decline, requires a closer examination of its practices under the modern rule of law. Compiled and evaluated while Öztürk was living in Ireland, the articles, written from a constitutional law point of view, revolve around the question of how fundamental rights in a liberal democracy can be protected. Furthering the goal of achieving greater protection of human rights in modern democracies, Ottoman and Turkish Law approaches the rule of law from the international perspective. It draws attention to the inability of the Turkish legal system to rid itself of arcane and outdated legal interpretations, practices, and traditions. It provides impetus for Turkey to move toward a more thorough, modern, and socially as well as historically relevant approach.