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Political
Tansu Ciller becomes the first women prime minister of Turkey and Demirel is elected president. -
Political
Largest party in parliament, Welfare Party, was banned. Yilmaz resigned during time of corruption and Bullent Ecevit replaces him. -
Social
Major earthquake devestates Northwest Turkey, a very populted area and killed approximatly 17,000 people. In November, a second quake occurs, killing hundreds more. -
Political
Contitutional Court bans opposition pro-Islamic Virtue Party because it focused on anti-secular activities. New pro-Islamic Party created in July. -
Social
Turkish men are no longer considered head of the family by law. This move gave women equality. -
Political (present)
Eyeing future EU membership, parliament passes laws easing restrictions on freedom of speech, Kurdish language rights and reducing political role of military. In 2004, Turkey eliminates death penalty under all circumstances to increase chances of becoming member of EU. -
Social
State TV broadcasts first Kurdish-language program. Four Kurdish activists are freed from jail. -
Economic
New lira currency introcudced with six zeroes are removed from original lira. This ended the era in which banknotes were denominated in millions. -
Economic (present)
Multi-billion dollar Blue Stream pipeline carrying Russian gas under the Black Sea to Turkey opens in the port of Samsun. -
Social
From August to September bombers target Istanbul. Kurdish separatist groups take responsibility and warn that it will turn "Turkey into hell" -
Social (present)
Parliament approves constitutional amendment that enable women to wear Islamic headscarfs to universities and thousands protest. -
Social (present)
"Kurdish Initiative:" The government introdues measures in parliament to increase Kurdish language rights and reduce the military presence in southeast, mainly Kurdish land. -
Political (present)
Parliament begins debating constitutional changes aimed at making Turkey more Democratic. The opposition Republican People's Party argue that the ex-Islamic party is seeking more control over the secular judiciary with some proposals.
