MHP's Yıldız: Bilge Kağan Inscription as Oldest Turkish Constitution, Pillar of Justice

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — NOVEMBER 15, 2025

MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız drew attention to the 735 AD Bilge Kağan Inscription, one of the most foundational documents of the Turkish state tradition, emphasizing that the provisions within the inscription constitute the "oldest known Turkish Constitution" and largely align with contemporary modern constitutional principles.

Yıldız stressed that the inscription, which dictates that justice is the pillar of the state and teaches the importance of equality, illuminates the path from ancient times to the present day. He recalled the immutable principles of Turkish state philosophy with the quote: “A Kağan must uphold justice and maintain the Töre (Law). If the Töre is abolished, the state is abolished.”

Constitutional Principles in the Bilge Kağan Inscription

Yıldız pointed to the principle of the supremacy of the constitution with the statement: "The Töre is singular, sharp, and definite. No one is above the Töre," and listed the provisions of the inscription that parallel fundamental principles found in modern constitutions.

• Supremacy of Law and Justice: Mandates such as "Everyone shall act with justice" and "If the Töre is abolished, the state is abolished" stress that law and justice are essential for the state's existence.

• Principle of Equality: The inscription's declaration, "No one shall claim superiority; there shall be no difference between the white skinned and the dark skinned, nor the dark skinned and the red skinned, nor the red skinned and the yellow skinned," aligns directly with the modern principle of equality before the law.

• Social Responsibility and Welfare: Provisions like "Show mercy to the oppressed, and affliction to the oppressor" and "You shall not raise a hand against the weak, the wounded, a child, or a woman" demonstrate early traces of positive discrimination and social responsibility.

Emphasis on Environment and National Identity

MHP Deputy Chairman Yıldız also underlined the principles of environmentalism and social morality contained within the text.

The inscription includes environmental directives such as: "You shall not cut down trees unnecessarily, you shall not pollute the water."

It also provides guidance on preserving national identity and wisdom: "Do not remain a stranger to your nation. Do not be deceived by fine silk or sweet words, do not assimilate to them," and "Consult those who know, and do not claim to know what you do not."

Concluding his remarks, Feti Yıldız stated that this text laid the foundations of the Turkish state tradition centuries ago, asserting the Turkish nation's resolve for independence and commitment to its Töre with the profound closing words:

"O Turkish Oğuz Beys, O my people, listen! Unless the blue sky above collapses and the brown earth below gives way, who can abolish your State and your Töre?"

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