​​The role of human rights violations in shaping Turkey’s European Union membership bid

The process of Turkey’s accession to European Union has been marked by continuous concerns surrounding human rights violations within the country. This mainly qualitative research is aimed at investigating the role of human rights violations as a significant factor influencing Turkish politics and its ability of EU membership. Through an examination of legal frameworks and case studies the study finds that gravity of human rights issues, particularly in areas such as freedom of expression, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, freedom of religion, raises complex questions about the possibility of Turkey’s future membership aspirations and integration into the European Union.