A HISTORICAL EVALUATION ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE İN TURKEY: (1983-1989)

Abstract

Main aim of this study is to reveal the development policies implemented in Turkey between 1983- 1989, the reforms made for the economy to be outward oriented in globalization process, the problems experienced in the transition from liberalism to neo-liberal economy policies. Turgut Ozal became prime minister in the general elections of 1983 and 1987 and ultimately became one of the important names direct the economy. As soon as Ozal became the head of economy, he made financial adjustments to ensure Turkey's integration with the European Economic Community in line with globalization. He then implemented the framework of the economic and development plan in line with the January 24 decisions and the principles set out in the party programme. During his premiership, he wanted to complete infrastructure works as soon as possible for the development of the industrial and service sectors. He also wanted to eliminate regional differences and carry out Southeastern Anatolia Project to develop Southeastern Anatolia Region. During his period, political bans were lifted, and Turkish society gaining the right to make individual applications to the European Court of Human Rights, experienced important developments in terms of democratization. In this research, with an interdisciplinary approach, and an attempt was made to penetrate the period by making use of official publications, archival documents, Cumhuriyet and Milliyet newspapers. In addition, the process of the plan's arrival in Parliament from the Budget Commission and discussions in Parliament were examined. With this study, it is aimed to contribute to the literature by revealing the effects of neo-liberal policies in education and other fields, which were followed as an economic model together with globalization during Ozal's premiership, the extent to which the new system benefits economic and community development, with its historical and sociological dimensions.