Türkiye's Official Gazette, distilled into plain English daily
Tuesday
18.08.2026
Issue 33344 · 9 documents
Today's Highlights
Justice & Law · Law
Comprehensive Amendments to Child Protection Legislation
Law No. 7593 introduces comprehensive reforms to Turkey’s legal framework regarding juvenile justice and child protection by amending several key statutes, including the Penal Code, the Child Protection Law, and the Law on Firearms. The legislation establishes a new "guidance measure" system for children in the judicial process, mandating specialized interventions such as psychosocial development programs, digital safety monitoring, and community service. It increases penalties for adults who negligently allow minors access to firearms and creates a strict regulatory framework for the sale and possession of non-firearm bladed weapons, prohibiting their transfer to individuals under eighteen. Furthermore, the law modifies sentencing guidelines for minors—specifically regarding serious crimes such as homicide and aggravated assault—revises procedural requirements for social investigations, and restructures the placement of juvenile offenders into educational facilities versus closed prisons. The amendments also refine judicial oversight regarding the emergency protection of minors with severe health or behavioral risks and introduce administrative penalties for non-compliance with court-ordered protective measures.
Labor & Social Security · Law
New Social Security and Financial Rights for Counter-Terrorism Veterans
Law No. 7594, enacted in August 2026, introduces comprehensive reforms to the Turkish Republic Pension Fund Law (No. 5434), the Anti-Terror Law (No. 3713), and the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law (No. 5510) to improve the financial and social protections for security personnel and their families. The legislation expands pension eligibility and rights for survivors of service members, increases specific pension multipliers, and establishes new disability-related monthly payments for personnel injured during anti-terror operations who were previously ineligible for full disability status. Key provisions include the standardization of salary indicators for disability pensions, the extension of additional benefits—previously reserved for War Medal recipients—to specific categories of injured personnel, and the introduction of a one-year window for qualifying individuals to apply for these newly established social benefits. Additionally, the law adjusts age-based criteria for social security coverage and mandates that the Treasury reimburse the Social Security Institution for these supplementary expenditures.
Justice & Law · Law
New Law on National Solidarity and Social Reintegration
Law No. 7595 establishes a legal framework for the conditional suspension of criminal investigations, prosecutions, and sentences related to the PKK/KCK and its affiliates, contingent upon the formal verification by the National Security Council (MGK) that the organization has ceased its operations and surrendered all weaponry. Under this law, pending investigations and prosecutions—excluding specific charges such as intentional homicide—are suspended for five or ten years depending on the severity of the alleged offense, while the execution of existing sentences is similarly deferred for individuals who meet defined criteria. The law creates a dedicated oversight Board to monitor the liquidation process and coordinate with relevant institutions, including the power to request the permanent removal of legal disabilities for participants who remain compliant during the probationary period. Individuals wishing to benefit from these provisions must apply within six months of the MGK’s official declaration, and those who commit further terror-related offenses during the suspension period face the immediate revocation of these benefits and the resumption of legal proceedings or sentence execution.
Other · Circular
Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030) Enacted
Circular No. 2026/9 implements the "Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030)." Coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the plan aims to increase AI awareness, develop qualified human resources, strengthen infrastructure, and establish a competitive, trustworthy AI ecosystem. Public institutions are required to provide necessary support for the implementation of the plan, guided by the "Recognize, Utilize, Produce, and Manage" framework.
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Legislation3
LawJustice & Law
Comprehensive Amendments to Child Protection Legislation
Law No. 7593 introduces comprehensive reforms to Turkey’s legal framework regarding juvenile justice and child protection by amending several key statutes, including the Penal Code, the Child Protection Law, and the Law on Firearms. The legislation establishes a new "guidance measure" system for children in the judicial process, mandating specialized interventions such as psychosocial development programs, digital safety monitoring, and community service. It increases penalties for adults who negligently allow minors access to firearms and creates a strict regulatory framework for the sale and possession of non-firearm bladed weapons, prohibiting their transfer to individuals under eighteen. Furthermore, the law modifies sentencing guidelines for minors—specifically regarding serious crimes such as homicide and aggravated assault—revises procedural requirements for social investigations, and restructures the placement of juvenile offenders into educational facilities versus closed prisons. The amendments also refine judicial oversight regarding the emergency protection of minors with severe health or behavioral risks and introduce administrative penalties for non-compliance with court-ordered protective measures.
Amended Legislation
2828Sosyal Hizmetler Kanunu — 2828 sayılı Sosyal Hizmetler Kanunu’nun 3’üncü maddesinde yapılan değişiklikle, kanunun tanımlar kısmında yer alan “suça sürüklenen” ibaresi “adli süreçteki” şeklinde değiştirilmiştir. Bu düzenleme ile sosyal hizmet faaliyetleri kapsamındaki tanımlamaların terminolojisi güncellenerek daha kapsayıcı ve hukuki süreçleri ifade eden bir yaklaşım benimsenmiştir; söz konusu değişiklik, çocuklara ve bireylere yönelik koruyucu ve destekleyici sosyal hizmet uygulamalarında kullanılan dilin, adli süreçteki konumlarına uygun şekilde daha tarafsız bir çerçeveye oturtulmasını amaçlamaktadır.
5237Türk Ceza Kanunu · 2 articles — Recent amendments to the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237) have significantly increased the sentencing ranges for specific offenses. The modifications to Article 31 result in harsher custodial sentences for minors aged 12–15 and 15–18 who commit crimes, effectively extending both the minimum and maximum prison terms. Simultaneously, amendments to Article 233, which covers the neglect of family obligations and the failure to provide care or support, broaden the potential punishment parameters, generally raising the minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment for these crimes to ensure stricter penalties. These adjustments reflect a legislative move toward more severe criminal sanctions for both juvenile offenders and individuals failing to meet established family-related legal responsibilities.
5271Ceza Muhakemesi Kanunu · 2 articles — 5271 sayılı Ceza Muhakemesi Kanunu’nda yapılan düzenlemelerle, adli süreçlerdeki çocukların korunması ve uzlaştırma prosedürlerinin kapsamının genişletilmesi hedeflenmektedir. Bu kapsamda 174. maddenin birinci fıkrasına eklenen bent ile on beş yaşını doldurmamış çocuklar hakkında sosyal inceleme yaptırılmadan düzenlenen iddianamelerin iade edilmesi zorunlu kılınarak, yargılama aşamasında çocuğun gelişimsel ve çevresel koşullarının dikkate alınması güvence altına alınmaktadır. Ayrıca 253. maddenin birinci fıkrasının (c) bendinde yapılan değişiklikle, uzlaştırma kapsamındaki suçlarda “suça sürüklenen” ifadesi yerine “adli süreçteki” ibaresinin getirilmesi suretiyle terminolojik bir uyum sağlanmakta ve uygulamanın daha geniş bir yasal çerçevede yürütülmesine olanak tanınmaktadır.
5275Ceza ve Güvenlik Tedbirlerinin İnfazı Hakkında Kanunu · 3 articles — Recent amendments to Law No. 5275 on the Execution of Penal and Security Measures modify several provisions governing detention and sentencing: Article 11 is updated to broaden the scope of juvenile protections to include both convicted minors and detainees, while permitting prison authorities to classify minors based on the nature of their offenses. Article 15 is revised to formalize new procedural requirements regarding the execution of sentences, and Article 107 is amended to adjust the criteria for conditional release (parole), effectively refining the legal framework under which inmates are processed and classified within the Turkish correctional system.
5326Kabahatler Kanunu — Law No. 5326 (the Misdemeanors Law) has been amended through the insertion of Article 43/C, which follows Article 43/B. This legislative change introduces new provisions regarding administrative sanctions and procedures within the scope of the existing legal framework, though the specific nature and substance of these newly incorporated requirements are contingent upon the text of the enacted article.
5395Çocuk Koruma Kanunu · 20 articles — Law No. 5395 on the Protection of Children has been amended to replace the term "children driven to crime" (suça sürüklenen çocuk) with "children in the judicial process" (adli süreçteki çocuk) or "children against whom judicial proceedings are conducted" throughout various provisions, including the law's scope, definitions, and procedural articles (Articles 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20, 24, 26, 30, 31, 34, 37, and 39). Beyond this terminological shift intended to reduce stigmatization, the amendments incorporate substantive additions to Articles 5/A, 9, 15, 23, 35, and 45, which expand the scope of protective and support measures, refine procedural requirements for judicial oversight, and adjust the operational mandates for authorities involved in managing children within the juvenile justice and social welfare systems.
6136Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanunu — Law No. 6136 on Firearms, Knives, and Other Implements has been amended by the introduction of Article 13/A, which establishes criminal liability for the negligent storage of firearms. Under this new provision, any individual who fails to exercise necessary care and caution in securing a firearm, thereby allowing a child to gain access to it, is subject to a prison sentence ranging from one to three years, provided the act does not constitute a more severe offense under existing law.
Child Protection Law · juvenile justice · child rights · criminal liability · legal reform
New Social Security and Financial Rights for Counter-Terrorism Veterans
Law No. 7594, enacted in August 2026, introduces comprehensive reforms to the Turkish Republic Pension Fund Law (No. 5434), the Anti-Terror Law (No. 3713), and the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law (No. 5510) to improve the financial and social protections for security personnel and their families. The legislation expands pension eligibility and rights for survivors of service members, increases specific pension multipliers, and establishes new disability-related monthly payments for personnel injured during anti-terror operations who were previously ineligible for full disability status. Key provisions include the standardization of salary indicators for disability pensions, the extension of additional benefits—previously reserved for War Medal recipients—to specific categories of injured personnel, and the introduction of a one-year window for qualifying individuals to apply for these newly established social benefits. Additionally, the law adjusts age-based criteria for social security coverage and mandates that the Treasury reimburse the Social Security Institution for these supplementary expenditures.
Amended Legislation
3713Terörle Mücadele Kanunu · 3 articles — Law No. 3713, the Anti-Terror Law, has been amended through an omnibus act to refine the scope of administrative and procedural provisions. These changes include the repeal of the final sentence of Article 21, paragraph 1, clause (h), alongside the insertion of a new paragraph into Article 21 to adjust its application; a restructuring of the payment/benefit table located in Article Ek 3, paragraph 1, paired with the addition of a new paragraph to that article; and the introduction of a new provisional article, Geçici 20, into the legislation. Collectively, these amendments adjust the regulatory framework governing the rights, benefits, or compensation structures tied to the law, thereby altering the practical scope of assistance and fiscal provisions afforded under the Anti-Terror Law.
5434Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Emekli Sandığı Kanunu · 2 articles — 5434 sayılı Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Emekli Sandığı Kanunu’nda yapılan düzenlemelerle, vefat eden erbaş, er ve yedek subay/yedek astsubay okulu öğrencilerinin ana ve babalarına sağlanan aylık bağlama şartlarında kapsam genişletilerek uygulama kolaylaştırılmış, ayrıca kurumca ödenen ek tazminat miktarlarında artışa gidilmiştir. Bu kapsamda, ilgili kanunun 72’nci maddesinde yapılan değişiklikle, aylık bağlanması sürecinde uygulanan ibareler sadeleştirilerek “ana ve babalara” genel ifadesi getirilmiş, ek 77’nci maddede gerçekleştirilen düzenlemeyle ise söz konusu personelin hak sahiplerine ödenen tazminat tutarının hesaplanmasında esas alınan katsayı “iki katı”ndan “iki buçuk katı”na yükseltilmiştir. Söz konusu değişiklikler, şehit veya görev malulü personelin ailelerine yönelik sağlanan sosyal güvenlik ve mali desteklerin kapsamının genişletilmesini ve hak sahiplerine yapılan ödemelerin iyileştirilmesini sağlamaktadır.
5510Sosyal Sigortalar ve Genel Sağlık Sigortası Kanunu — 5510 sayılı Sosyal Sigortalar ve Genel Sağlık Sigortası Kanunu’nun Geçici 18 inci maddesinin üçüncü fıkrasında yapılan değişiklikle, hak sahipliği veya sağlık sigortası statüsüne ilişkin yaş sınırı düzenlemesi güncellenmiştir. Söz konusu fıkrada yer alan “askerlik çağı dışına çıktıkları” ifadesi “55 yaşını doldurdukları” şeklinde değiştirilerek, ilgili kişilerin sigortalılık ve hak sahipliği durumlarının belirlenmesinde askerlik çağı kriteri yerine sabit bir yaş eşiği olan 55 yaş kriteri esas alınmıştır. Bu düzenleme ile uygulama pratiğinde belirsizliklerin giderilmesi, yaş tespiti süreçlerinin standartlaştırılması ve ilgili mevzuatın güncel demografik ve sosyal güvenlik parametreleriyle uyumlu hale getirilmesi hedeflenmektedir.
7082Olağanüstü Hal Kapsamında Bazı Tedbirler Alınması Hakkında Kanun Hükmünde Kararnamenin Kabul Edilmesine Dair Kanun — Law No. 7082 has been amended to clarify the internal terminology of Article 14 by replacing the word "article" with "paragraph" in its first paragraph's second sentence, ensuring more precise reference within the text, while simultaneously expanding the article's scope through the addition of a new paragraph.
Counter-terrorism · Veterans · Social security · Compensation · Public personnel
New Law on National Solidarity and Social Reintegration
Law No. 7595 establishes a legal framework for the conditional suspension of criminal investigations, prosecutions, and sentences related to the PKK/KCK and its affiliates, contingent upon the formal verification by the National Security Council (MGK) that the organization has ceased its operations and surrendered all weaponry. Under this law, pending investigations and prosecutions—excluding specific charges such as intentional homicide—are suspended for five or ten years depending on the severity of the alleged offense, while the execution of existing sentences is similarly deferred for individuals who meet defined criteria. The law creates a dedicated oversight Board to monitor the liquidation process and coordinate with relevant institutions, including the power to request the permanent removal of legal disabilities for participants who remain compliant during the probationary period. Individuals wishing to benefit from these provisions must apply within six months of the MGK’s official declaration, and those who commit further terror-related offenses during the suspension period face the immediate revocation of these benefits and the resumption of legal proceedings or sentence execution.
Amended Legislation
•Soruşturma ve kovuşturmaların ertelenmesi: Upon the official verification of the organization's dissolution, ongoing investigations and prosecutions for specific terror-related crimes are suspended for five or ten years, during which the statute of limitations is paused.
•Koruma tedbirleri ve mevcut dosyalar: It is stipulated that arrest or judicial control measures for eligible crimes shall be reviewed for cancellation, and pending appellate or supreme court cases shall be remanded.
•İnfazın ertelenmesi: The execution of sentences for convicted individuals, excluding specific exceptions like intentional homicide, is suspended for defined periods, during which the statute of limitations for the sentence is paused.
•Kurul ve denetim mekanizması: A committee composed of high-level officials is established to manage and monitor the implementation of the law, with the authority to request the removal of legal disabilities and a mandate to report regularly to the Parliament.
•Silah teslimi ve sorumluluk muafiyeti: The law mandates the registration of surrendered weapons and materials, and grants immunity from administrative or criminal liability to public officials performing duties under this act.
social integration · counter-terrorism · legal framework · rehabilitation · social peace
Ümraniye-Kavacık-Beykoz Rail Line Added to Ministry's Project Scope
The rail system line connecting Ümraniye, Kavacık, and Beykoz districts has been included within the scope of projects undertaken by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, authorizing the Ministry for the acquisition and completion of the line.
Change: The "Ümraniye, Kavacık, Beykoz Rail System Line" has been added as a new item to the list of urban rail transport systems and metro projects under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, established by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 2010/1115.
railway system · Ümraniye · Kavacık · Beykoz · Ministry of Transport
The presidential decrees published in the Official Gazette on August 18, 2026, include appointments for senior management positions in the Council of Forensic Medicine, the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Social Security Institution, the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Meat and Milk Board, ÖSYM, and various universities. Additionally, numerous diplomatic appointments and provincial tax office directorship assignments were finalized.
Appointment · Presidency · Rector · Ambassador · Public Administration
Amendment to DEU Child Education Center Regulation
The amendment to the Dokuz Eylül University Child Education Application and Research Center Regulation expands the scope of the center's activities to support the educational development of children aged 0-18. The center is mandated to participate in national and international projects, organize comprehensive programs including for children with special needs, and provide advisory services for relevant activities within the university.
Change: The scope of the center's objectives has been expanded to include the development of children aged 0-18; duties regarding international projects, organizing activities for children with special needs, and providing consultancy for internal university projects have been clarified.
Dokuz Eylül University · Child Education · Research Center · Regulation Amendment
Amendments to Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Dentistry Regulation
The regulation introduces updates to the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Dentistry Education and Examination Regulations by standardizing terminology, revising clinical practice requirements, amending conditions for make-up examinations, and aligning disciplinary procedures with current statutory law.
Change: The amendment replaces the term "internship" (staj) with "clinical practice" (klinik uygulama) in various articles, corrects spelling, updates prerequisites for exams and course completion, adjusts the policy for single-course make-up exams, and updates disciplinary procedural references to Law No. 2547.
Dentistry · Higher Education · Clinical Practice · Examination Regulation · University
Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030) Enacted
Circular No. 2026/9 implements the "Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030)." Coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the plan aims to increase AI awareness, develop qualified human resources, strengthen infrastructure, and establish a competitive, trustworthy AI ecosystem. Public institutions are required to provide necessary support for the implementation of the plan, guided by the "Recognize, Utilize, Produce, and Manage" framework.
artificial intelligence · action plan · digital transformation · technology · strategy
Court of Cassation Rulings on Appeals in the Interest of Law
This document compiles rulings from the 3rd, 7th, and 9th Civil Chambers of the Court of Cassation concerning appeals in the interest of law. Key matters addressed include: the distribution of rental income following property transfer; the return of organization fees in savings finance contracts; the procedural handling of evidentiary advances in consumer disputes; the legal classification of improvements in partition cases; administrative allocation of real estate; and procedural requirements for electronic notification and fixed-term employment contracts in labor law. In each instance, the Court of Cassation identified judicial errors in the lower courts' initial rulings and ordered them to be overruled (quashed) in the interest of law.
temyizbozma
Court of Cassation · Appeal in the interest of law · Civil Law · Consumer Rights · Labor Law