[1] The group was informally founded on 26 December 1992 by liberal intellectuals and gained official status as an association under Turkish law on 1 April 1994.

It supports research and carries out studies that serve understanding the Turkish society.

It also organizes essay contest aimed primarily at university students for encouraging the study and dissemination of liberal thought.

President of the Association Atilla Yayla is also columnist in the liberal-conservative newspaper Yeni Şafak.

The Association was a co-sponsor of the 2008 denialist International Conference on Climate Change, with the Heartland Institute as the main sponsor.