Grand National Assembly of Turkey Facts for Kids

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey, often called the TBMM or simply the Parliament, is Turkey's main law-making body. It's like the country's main decision-making group. This Parliament is the only part of the government that makes laws, as stated in Turkey's Constitution.

It was started in Ankara on April 23, 1920. This happened during a very important time called the National Campaign.

Since 2019, Mustafa Şentop has been the leader of the Parliament.

What is the Turkish Parliament?
How the Parliament Started
Important Moments in Parliament's History
How the Parliament Works Today
Images for kids
See also

What is the Turkish Parliament?

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey is a single-chamber legislature. This means it has only one main group of members who make laws. It is the most important government body in Turkey. Its main job is to create, change, and approve the laws of the country.

How the Parliament Started

The Parliament was founded during the Turkish War of Independence. This was a big fight for Turkey's freedom. The country needed a strong government to lead it. So, on April 23, 1920, the first meeting of the Grand National Assembly took place in Ankara. This date is now celebrated as National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who later became the first President of Turkey, was the first leader of the Parliament. He played a huge role in setting up this new government.

Important Moments in Parliament's History

Over the years, the Turkish Parliament has seen many changes. In 1935, something very important happened: eighteen women became members of Parliament for the first time. This was a big step for women's rights in Turkey.

The Parliament has moved to different buildings over time. The first building in Ankara is now a museum called the War of Independence Museum. It helps people remember the early days of the Turkish Republic.

How the Parliament Works Today

Today, the Parliament continues its work of making laws and overseeing the government. Members of Parliament are elected by the people of Turkey. They represent different parts of the country. The Parliament holds meetings where members discuss new laws, debate important issues, and vote on decisions that affect everyone in Turkey.

The Speaker of the Parliament is like the chairperson of the meetings. They make sure discussions are fair and follow the rules.

Images for kids

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the first speaker of the Grand National Assembly.
President Atatürk and his colleagues leaving the building of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (today the Republic Museum) after a meeting for the seventh anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey (1930).
Eighteen female deputies joined the Turkish Parliament with the 1935 general elections.
The War of Independence Museum (Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi), housed in the first Turkish Grand National Assembly building in the Ulus district of Ankara.
The chair of the Speaker of the Parliament.
Grand National Assembly of Turkey during the funeral of Süleyman Demirel.
The current TBMM front facade.
The old TBMM.
Balcony of the old TBMM.
The General Assembly is the meeting place of the TBMM.
President Atatürk entering the TBMM.
Funeral of President Demirel.
Garden of the second TBMM.
A scale model of the current TBMM.
Discussion in the TBMM in the 1980s.
Hatı Çırpan at the rostrum.
The predecessor of the TBMM was the Ottoman Parliament.
The Ottoman Parliament in 1877.