"The Red Book"... the secret constitution of the Turkish state

Red Book information is strictly confidential (Getty Image)

The National Security Document in Turkey is a secret document known as the “Secret Constitution” or the “Turkish Red Book.” It defines the state’s orientations towards internal and external threats, and sets a framework for the security policies and procedures that must be followed to ensure national security. It is updated periodically every 5 years at Council meetings. National security, according to emerging threats.

Historical context and significance

In the corridors of Turkish politics, the National Security Document “Red Book”, also known as the “Secret Constitution”, constitutes a pivotal element in shaping the country’s defense strategies. This document, prepared with great care by the Turkish National Security Council, in a size comparable to the constitution and encased in a red cover, places in its folds An in-depth analysis of the threats facing Turkey's existence, both internal and external, with a special focus on counter-terrorism measures.

At the heart of the Turkish legislative process, this document plays a crucial role, much like the “sword of Damocles” hanging over the heads of decision-makers, as it is used as a deterrent tool that prevents the adoption of laws or decrees that conflict with the principles of national policy stipulated in the document.

When it is stated that a particular proposal “does not comply with such-and-such article” of the book, it becomes impossible to pass it, which highlights the great influence and oversight role that this book plays in directing policies and legislation in the country.

The history of the “Red Book”, which constitutes the cornerstone of Turkey’s national security strategies, dates back to the first moments of the founding of the National Security Council in 1961, and Alp Arslan Türkesh, founder of the Nationalist Movement Party and Turkey’s representative in NATO, was the first to highlight On this extremely important document, he unveiled a document consisting of 10 to 15 pages bound in a red leather cover, which was known at the time as the “Principles of National Security Policy.” He then declared, “The state has a red book,” thus emphasizing the pivotal role that this document plays. The document in shaping Turkey's security policy.

Regarding the method of preparing the document, security assessments are conducted by the relevant ministries and sent in the form of drafts to the General Secretariat of the National Security Council. The drafts are then combined to form the “final version” of the document, which is then presented for discussion in the sessions of the National Security Council in the presence of the President of the Republic and the President of the Republic. General Staff, Minister of National Defense, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Treasury and Finance, Minister of Education, and Commanders of the Land, Navy and Air Forces.

These sessions, which witness presentations from the relevant units and extensive discussions, culminate in the drafting of the final document that becomes the “State’s National Defense Document” after its approval by the President of the Republic, and is updated every 5 years, unless an emergency occurs that requires an early update.

During the thirty years that preceded the Justice and Development Party assuming power in 2002, the book witnessed 3 updates, and was changed 5 times during the 22 years of the party’s arrival to power.

During the rule of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey, the document witnessed 5 changes in 22 years (Anatolia)

Secrecy and influence on politics

Turkey's national security policy document constitutes a critical element of great importance in the country's legislative structure, as it requires every new parliament to work in accordance with its requirements without room for neutralization or amendment, thus preventing any attempt to pass legislation or take decisions that conflict with its directions.

Despite this essential role, the details of this document remain secret even from members of Parliament themselves, due to its classification as “top secret” information, and this complex dynamic puts decision makers in a very strict position, as they are required to adhere to guidelines that they do not even have the right to review. Or discuss it.

The process of exchanging the book takes place within a framework of secrecy and extreme security, as the departing president hands it over to the new president as part of the transfer of power procedures. In this context, the Turkish Intelligence Service is responsible for transferring the book safely to the relevant advisors.

Changes in listed threats and political orientations

The content of the Red Book regarding internal and external threats is shrouded in secrecy, as this information can only be accessed to a limited extent through statements issued after periodic meetings of the Turkish National Security Council, or through rare media leaks.

But with regard to internal threats, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was able to reformulate the directions of the Red Book regarding Islamic groups, which were previously considered an internal threat, and direct attention towards terrorist groups that misuse religion to destabilize the state.

For example, the Fethullah Gulen group, known as the “Parallel State Organization,” was excluded from being an element of the internal threat under the heading of “religious groups,” but it returned to the top of the list of threats in 2015 after an attempt to overthrow the government, while the Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah were among the most prominent external threats at the time.

The "secret constitution" also dropped Syria, Iran, Greece (partially), Bulgaria, Armenia, and Georgia from the list of countries that threaten Turkey, after these countries, before the amendments, were considered the most threatening to Ankara.

Turkish media reported that the amendment, which took place in 2010, focused mainly on the fact that instability in the region was caused by Israeli activity and Tel Aviv’s policy, which caused an arms race in the region.

In general, issues such as the dispute with Greece over the 12-mile maritime zone, nationalist and sectarian disputes, and the Cyprus problem continue to have their place on the Red Book agenda.

Also, Israel’s actions, especially regarding its response to the “Al-Aqsa Flood Battle” and its aggression against the Gaza Strip, may classify it as one of Turkey’s external threats, especially in light of the tensions witnessed in relations between the two countries during the war, and events in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Africa remain a focus. Important.

Political indicator

The Turkish government cited the Red Book to respond to the accusations leveled against President Erdogan of transforming Turkey into a one-man-led regime. In this context, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz stated that the Red Book is a testimony to the extent of the administration’s commitment to the stipulated procedures and to taking all necessary measures for consultation processes, which It reflects the structure of institutional governance rather than focusing on individual power.

Source: Turkish press