The president directs the executive branch of the national government and is the commander-in-chief of the Turkish military.

[2][3] Traditionally, the presidency was mostly a ceremonial position, with real executive authority being exercised by the prime minister of Turkey.

[6][7] The president of Turkey is referred to as Cumhurbaşkanı ("Republic leader"), and previously archaically as Cumhurreisi or Reis-i Cumhur, also meaning "head of the republic/people".

From this date until 2014, all presidents except Kenan Evren were elected by the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

[11] The presidents of Turkey are widely perceived as regional power due to the country's strategic importance, geopolitical influence, economic and military strength, cultural heritage, and historical ties.

Their active engagement in regional diplomacy, mediation efforts, humanitarian assistance, and economic cooperation underscores Turkey's role as a key player in shaping regional dynamics and promoting stability and prosperity in the broader neighborhood.

To serve as president, one must: If a presidential candidate is a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, they must resign their seat due to separation of powers.

[15] Before the constitutional amendments approved in the 2007 referendum, the Grand National Assembly would elect one of its members as the President.

This is the only component in the inauguration ceremony mandated by the Constitution: In my capacity as President of the Republic, I swear upon my honour and integrity before the Great Turkish Nation and before history to safeguard the existence and independence of the state, the indivisible integrity of the country and the nation, and the absolute sovereignty of the nation, to abide by the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy, the principles and reforms of Atatürk, and the principles of the secular republic, not to deviate from the ideal according to which everyone is entitled to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms under conditions of national peace and prosperity and in a spirit of national solidarity and justice, and do my utmost to preserve and exalt the glory and honour of the Republic of Turkey and perform without bias the functions that I have assumed.

The oath is broadcast live on TBMM-TV regardless of it is a regular business day of the Grand National Assembly.

An exception exists when a president's term ends with a parliamentary decision (i.e., impeachment and removal from office).

In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant for any reason and there is more than one year remaining for the general election of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the presidential election is held on the last Sunday within forty-five days following the day the office is vacant.

The investigation would be carried out by a commission of fifteen members of the Assembly, each nominated by the political parties in proportion to their representation therein.

Before the 2017 constitutional referendum, the president was not accountable for its actions and orders, except for impeachment due to high treason.

The decisions and orders signed by the president on his own initiatives may not be appealed to any judicial authority, including the Constitutional Court.

It was formally inaugurated as the official residence of the president by Erdoğan on the country's Republic Day, 29 October 2014.