Politics and Public Libraries in the Republic of Turkey

This paper explores the phenomenon of the absence of public libraries from the politics and agendas of the Republic of Turkey, which was founded in 1923. Every institution is established and developed within the framework of the laws of its country. Both the successes and failures of institutions are directly proportional to the understanding of democracy in that country. In countries where democracy is not indigenized, the desires of the rulers in power may forge ahead regardless of what the legislation stipulates. The library as a social institution is an indispensable component of the dynamics of any democratic country. Therefore the question being asked is, to what extent can public libraries fulfill their objectives and functions in countries like Turkey, where democracy is not yet fully indigenized? With this question in mind, the paper first determines the place and function of politics in the general history of public libraries in Turkey; it then goes on to reveal how library institutions are affected when politics and democracy do not overlap. The methodology used for the study is an analysis of documents such as government programs, development plans, and laws and regulations. Data show that what has been promised directly or indirectly by some government programs has never been realized. It is concluded that unstable politics and the involvement of politicians in the operations of libraries hinder public libraries in performing their role.