THE TRANSITION FROM DIVAN-I MEZALIM TO OMBUDSMAN: ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR PUBLIC MONITORING

Authors : Mustafa Demirkol

Pages : 33-44

Doi:10.58348/denetisim.1539584

View : 60 | Download : 50

Publication Date : 2025-02-16

Article Type : Conference Paper

Abstract :The concept of accountability is undoubtedly one of the most emphasized democratic issues in modern administrations. The concept of accountability has a very important place in Turkish administrative culture. The institution of Divan-ı Mezalim, of which we observe prominent examples in the Seljuk Empire, represents a primitive form of today\\\'s ombudsman from the trend of providing citizens with a platform to voice their complaints against government misconduct. This function developed in the Ottoman period with institutions such as the Divan-ı Hümayun, Şeyhülislam, and Kadı courts to ensure that the people\\\'s complaints were heard and addressed. In today\\\'s Turkey, the Ombudsman institution was established to act as a bridge between the state and citizens, reflecting an ancient tradition of public oversight and accountability. This study aims to show how the Divan-ı Mezalim, as a platform for seeking rights, may have opened the door to the Ombudsman in theory and practice. The study uses qualitative methods such as descriptive and historical analysis. The findings indicate that the institution of the Ombudsman has played a crucial role as a modern expression of accountability and public oversight mechanisms stretching back to the Ottoman era. Notably, the Ombudsman practice initiated in Sweden under Ottoman influence highlights how effective governance models can inspire other cultures
Keywords : Divan-ı Mezalim, Ombudsman, Hesap Verebilirlik, Kamu Denetimi, İdari Gelenek