Inside the Turmoil: Unveiling the Military’s Attempted Coup in Turkey

In the late hours of July 15, 2016, Turkey was shaken by an attempted coup d’état. A faction within the Turkish Armed Forces, known as the Peace at Home Council, launched a coordinated operation in several major cities to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The coup attempt was marked by significant violence, with over 300 people killed and more than 2,100 injured. However, the coup ultimately failed, with government forces regaining control the following day. This article aims to delve into the details of this event, exploring how the military was able to attempt such a coup and the factors that led to its failure.

The Build-Up to the Coup

The roots of the coup attempt can be traced back to the deep-seated tension between Turkey’s secular military establishment and the increasingly authoritarian and Islamist-leaning government of President Erdoğan. The military, which sees itself as the guardian of Turkey’s secular constitution, had grown increasingly concerned about Erdoğan’s consolidation of power and his perceived attempts to undermine secularism.

The Execution of the Coup

The coup plotters, who were mainly mid-ranking officers, launched their operation by seizing key locations in Istanbul and Ankara, including the state broadcaster TRT. They declared martial law and announced that they had taken control of the country. However, their attempt to capture President Erdoğan, who was on holiday at the time, failed. Erdoğan was able to rally his supporters via a FaceTime call broadcast on CNN Türk, urging them to take to the streets to resist the coup.

The Failure of the Coup

The coup attempt was marked by a lack of coordination and widespread support. Many senior military officials, including the Chief of General Staff, were not involved in the coup and quickly declared their loyalty to the government. The coup plotters also failed to secure control of key communication infrastructure, allowing Erdoğan and his allies to rally public support. Furthermore, the coup was met with widespread resistance from the public, who took to the streets in large numbers to oppose it.

The Aftermath of the Coup

In the aftermath of the failed coup, the government launched a massive purge, arresting thousands of military personnel and others accused of being linked to the coup. The government also embarked on a major restructuring of the military to prevent future coup attempts. The coup attempt and its aftermath have had profound implications for Turkey, leading to increased polarization and authoritarianism.

In conclusion, the attempted coup in Turkey was a complex event with deep historical and political roots. It was marked by a lack of coordination and widespread support, which ultimately led to its failure. However, its impact continues to be felt in Turkey’s political landscape.