Abstract
<jats:p>The penetration of artificial intelligence systems as general-purpose technologies into every aspect of social and economic life tests the adaptation capacity of legal systems to this dynamic process. This study analyses Türkiye's current position in AI governance and its future regulatory trajectory across three fundamental layers. First, although Türkiye does not yet have a stand-alone AI-specific statute, it evaluates how existing legal norms, such as the Law on the Protection of Personal Data, the Turkish Code of Obligations, and the Turkish Criminal Code, are applied to AI applications. Second, it posits that harmonisation with the EU AI Act (AIA) is not a mere policy choice but a commercial and technical necessity due to the Customs Union relationship between Türkiye and the EU. In this context, the nature of the AIA as a product safety instrument and its direct implications for Türkiye are examined. Third, the institutional transformation and the future AI governance landscape in Türkiye is addressed through the allocation of mandates between the newly established cybersecurity authority (SGB) and the Directorate General for National Technology and Artificial Intelligence (MTYZGM) under the Ministry of Industry and Technology. By providing a critical analysis of the recent legislative proposals submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the text emphasises the importance of Türkiye developing a unique regulatory strategy that fosters innovation while protecting fundamental rights. The study concludes that AI is not a transient hype but becoming a permanent and horizontal element of the Turkish legal framework.</jats:p>