The Concept of Political Rule in Aristotle and a Critique af the Turkish Translations of Politics

This article examines Aristotle‘s concept of political rule (politikē archē) and its relationship to the the three correct political regimes and, in particular, politeia. Politeia is a moderate type of political regime, which is limited by the rule of law and based on the principle of civic equality and freedom. To understand this regime correctly, its relationship with politikē archē must be understood properly. Aristotle presents this issue as an important question at the outset of the Politics. This article attempts, on the one hand, to clarify this question, which is central to Aristotle‘s political philosophy; and on the other hand, present the significance of Politics in the history of Western political thought. Another leg of the article consists of a critique of the Turkish translations of Politics. It is argued that the currently available Turkish translations of Politics get in the way of a proper understanding of the afore-mentioned question.