The European Union has welcomed Turkey's adoption of sweeping democratic reforms.
The reform package, which was passed after a heated debate in the Turkish parliament, includes the abolition of the death penalty in peace time.
It also includes expanded cultural rights for the Kurdish people, including the right to broadcast in the Kurdish language on radio and television.
The abolition of the death penalty could save condemned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan from execution.
The move is seen as an important step towards starting negotiations for Turkey to join the EU.
