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Ombudsman institutions is the real token of this tradition, representing
a new way of governance understanding that is put into life. So far, as
I have reiterated many times, the concept of ombudsman instruction
is not something that we have just discovered or something adopted
to Turkey from a different place. We must also establish this fact. The
gist of this practice is derived from our history. In the Ottoman and
Seljuk States, many mechanisms were created to listen to the citizens’
complaints and demands. The fact that such Turkish states prevailed
for many centuries in a broad geography happened due to this healthy
and strong relationship with their citizens. Likewise, strong emphasis
on the right of the individuals and compassion constitutes the basis
of the relationship between the state and the individual. Just like
foundations as a tool of civil society, ombudsman institution is a body
created by other countries on the basis of practices in our history and
set example to the world.
After long time, we have instutionalized this understanding again.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this process, on
behalf of my country and nation.

Distinguished guests,
Turkey registered significant progress in all fields including democracy,
fundamental rights and freedoms as of the beginning of 2003. Within 3 rd INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTIONS
this framework, many constitutional amendments have been made.
Basic laws have been renewed from the bottom to top. According to
us, plurality, diversity, efficient and commonality of the relationship
between the state and the citizens is an indication of a healthy
functioning. Today, there are means and channels through which
our citizens can directly submit their demands and seek a remedy
to their problems via my office, ministries, municipalities and many
other public administrations. Legal basis has been laid upon the Law
on Right to Information. In particular, Members of the Parliament
have the liberty of following up the demands by the citizens via the
info centers in my office and office of the Prime minister acting as a
mediator between the citizens and the government and keeping track
of their requests.
Meanwhile, this channel of communication has been also instilled
in village and neighborhood headman (muhtar) offices reaching

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