Turkey's Timeline 1950-2004 By nadihass Jan 1, 1950 Republics first open Election- won by Democratic party Period: Jan 1, 1950 to Jan 1, 2004 Timespan May 13, 1952 Turkey Abandons Ataturk's neutralist policy and joins NATO May 13, 1961 New constitution established a two chamber parliament May 13, 1965 Suleyman Demierl becomes prime minister May 13, 1974 Turkish troops invade northern Cyprus May 13, 1976 Earthquake kills more than 5,000 people inn western Van province May 13, 1982 New constitution creates seven-year presidency rule May 13, 1987 Turkey applies for full EEC membership May 13, 1992 20,000 Turkish troops enter Kurdish save haven May 13, 1999 Earthquake kills 17,000 people May 13, 2002 Turkish men are no longer regarded as the "Head of the Family" May 13, 2002 Justice and Development Party wins election