Attempted Coup d’État in Turkey - July 15, 2016

On July 15, 2016, Turkey experienced a significant and tumultuous event when a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted a coup d’état. This attempt to overthrow the government was ultimately unsuccessful but had profound implications for the country.

Background

The political landscape in Turkey leading up to the coup was marked by tensions between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and various factions within the military and other state institutions. The military in Turkey has historically seen itself as the guardian of the secular constitution, intervening in politics multiple times throughout the 20th century.

The Coup Attempt

• Initiation: The coup attempt began on the evening of July 15, 2016, when a faction within the military, calling themselves the “Peace at Home Council,” sought to seize control of key government institutions, including the parliament, presidential palace, and media outlets.
• Actions Taken: Tanks rolled onto the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, and fighter jets flew over the capital. Key bridges, such as the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, were blocked by soldiers.
• Communication: The coup plotters took control of state television, announcing a curfew and martial law. However, President Erdoğan managed to communicate with the public via a FaceTime call broadcasted on national television, urging citizens to resist the coup.

Public Response and Government Reaction

• Civilian Resistance: Thousands of Turkish citizens took to the streets in response to Erdoğan’s call, confronting the military forces. This civilian resistance played a crucial role in thwarting the coup.
• Military and Police: Loyalist military units and police forces also resisted the coup attempt, leading to clashes with the coup plotters.

Aftermath

• Casualties: The coup attempt resulted in over 300 deaths and more than 2,100 injuries.
• Arrests and Purges: In the aftermath, the Turkish government launched extensive purges across the military, judiciary, civil service, and educational institutions. Tens of thousands of individuals were arrested or dismissed from their positions, accused of having links to the coup plotters.
• Fethullah Gülen: The Turkish government blamed Fethullah Gülen, a cleric in self-imposed exile in the United States, and his followers for orchestrating the coup. Gülen denied any involvement.

Broader Implications

• Political Climate: The failed coup attempt led to a significant consolidation of power by President Erdoğan. It provided the impetus for a state of emergency, which lasted until July 2018, allowing the government to rule by decree.
• Constitutional Changes: In 2017, a constitutional referendum was held, resulting in the approval of changes that expanded the powers of the presidency, effectively transforming Turkey’s political system from a parliamentary to a presidential republic.

The attempted coup of July 15, 2016, remains a pivotal moment in Turkey’s modern history, reshaping its political landscape and affecting its domestic and international relations.