"Freedom of
expression" is a concept that has various interpretations and readings.
Sometimes it is thought that it is a combination of two apparently different
rights, the other part of which is the freedom of thought or belief. The basis
of this idea is that without the right to freedom of thought and opinion, the
right to freedom of expression is incomprehensible and perhaps unattainable. On
the other hand, the approach of international fundamental rights, international
documents, and rules, as well as national basic rights is such that they
basically differentiate between freedom of expression and freedom of thought or
opinion. In this article, while examining the concept and definition of freedom
of expression by referring to the opinions of thinkers and examining the views,
and referring to relevant domestic and international documents and regulations,
an attempt is made to examine the theoretical foundations of freedom of
expression, its main characteristics, and differences from other homogeneous
freedoms such as freedom of thought, freedom of religion and freedom of belief
should be explained. The question that should be answered is whether a
difference exists between freedom of expression on the one hand and freedom of
speech, thought, belief, and religion on the other hand or not.