Öz
Constitutionalism is about restriction of power and securing of rights and freedoms. In this context, there is balance and control in the essence of constitutionalism. On that sense, constitutionalism brings about a series of values such as rule of law, separation of powers and pluralistic democracy. This series of values come to existence around the democratic state of law. Democratic state of law is a very valuable and tangible achievement obtained while trying to achieve the ideal. On the other hand, it would not be wrong to classify the democratic state of law as an equation with multiple variables that reflect a concrete view of good governance that can be implemented in the world. Therefore, democratic state of law does not have a simple and singular structure. Constitutionalism and associated series of values make the democratic state of law a very sophisticated structure. Answers are sought to the following question in the present study: Is Turkish constitutionalism going back in time? Political and legal attitudes that are distant to a somehow functioning democracy and state of law caused Turkish constitutionalism in a position that is one step forward two steps back. Considering the recent developments, monopolization and singularizing of the government around executive power visibly reset the entire progress. The indistinct nature of balance and control that form the essence of constitutionalism and return of the judicial power from “judicial activism” to “judicial pacifism” in terms of human rights have been the main factors that influenced the process. In our opinion, Turkish presidential system caused political and legal system went back to the period before 1909 when changes were made in Kanun-i Esasi. However, it is required to overcome this vicious cycle. The way to achieving this goes through democratic state of law that is shaped around universal values.