Quasi-Coup in Turkey

Turkish media reported around 11 PM the presence of several armored tanks and combat forces on the routes to the Bosphorus bridges of İçi and Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Moments later, the military took control of the control tower at Atatürk Airport in Turkey. Shortly thereafter, the closure of airports in Ankara and Izmir was announced, and the regular programming of Turkey's state television (TRT) was suspended. Almost at midnight, a TRT news anchor read a statement from the 'Peace Supporting Government,' emphasizing the military's control over state institutions and urging people to stay indoors. The statement mentioned that the coup aimed to support the secular republic, maintain Turkey's national unity, and protect the Turkish government and its democratic system, which had been threatened by the 'previous regime' (Erdogan). Meanwhile, conflicting reports circulated in domestic (private networks) and foreign media indicating a coup was underway. However, Turkish officials, through interviews via Skype or phone, reported the government's control over institutions and attributed the coup attempt to a group of military personnel linked to a parallel government known as the followers of Fethullah Gülen. Although Fethullah Gülen condemned the coup attempt hours later and distanced himself from the incident, the Turkish Prime Minister and other government officials insisted that these individuals were part of a parallel movement against the government. Early in the morning, CNN Türk announced that Colonel Muharrem Kosa, who previously served as the legal advisor to the army command, was leading the coup. Muharrem Kosa had been arrested and imprisoned during the capture of the leaders of the military action known as Balyoz but was later pardoned and released. All these events occurred while Erdogan called on the people to support the legitimate government by coming out of their homes and gathering in city squares. Meanwhile, opposition party leaders, including Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the Republican People's Party, and Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, condemned the coup attempt and expressed their support for Erdogan's government. The presence of Erdogan's supporters in the streets caused military forces to avoid Atatürk Airport and Taksim Square in Istanbul. The incident continued from midnight until 6:30 AM with movements from the coup plotters and government forces along with the police. During this time, the upper floor of the Turkish Parliament building was targeted by helicopter gunfire, and Sikorsky helicopters attacked the location of Turkey's intelligence and security organization (MIT). Additionally, two bombs exploded around the presidential palace in Beştepe, Ankara, and at the special police training facility in Gölbaşı, Ankara, resulting in several casualties. Rumors of Erdogan fleeing the country circulated until, after the military retreated from Atatürk Airport, Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared before television cameras at the airport, spoke of the government's control over the country, condemned the rebellious actions of the military group, and threatened them with severe punishment. Meanwhile, officials from various countries expressed concern about the current situation and condemned the rioters. Federica Mogherini held an urgent meeting of EU foreign ministers present in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to discuss the current situation in Turkey, coordinate political messages, and support EU citizens in Turkey. The foreign ministers of the EU also expressed their support for Turkey's democratic institutions and condemned the use of violence against them. As day broke, key communication bridges over the Bosphorus Strait fell into the hands of police forces, and the coup plotters retreated. According to the country's prosecutor's office, more than 750 military personnel were arrested, most of whom were identified, and soldiers involved in the coup were also arrested and handed over to police forces. A look at Turkey's coup history shows that the current coup attempt does not possess the characteristics of the post-modern coup that occurred in 1997 by the Turkish army against Necmettin Erbakan, the leader of the Welfare Party, who was considered the Prime Minister of a coalition government, nor is it similar to the coup that occurred in September 1980 by General Kenan Evren against the government of Süleyman Demirel. In the coup against Necmettin Erbakan, known as a post-modern coup, the military sent an official memorandum requesting his resignation from the government, deeming him unfit to govern due to his Islamist tendencies, which were contrary to the principles of Turkey's secular republic. That coup was realized without bloodshed and resulted in Erbakan's resignation and a change of government. However, the coup that took place in the 1960s against Adnan Menderes and the coups that occurred in 1971 and 1980 against Süleyman Demirel's government had characteristics that aligned with all coups that have occurred worldwide. The insurgent forces quickly overthrew the government by occupying the parliament, radio and television, declaring a public curfew, arresting government ministers and some representatives, and issuing a statement declaring a military government. However, this time, the rebellion did not exhibit such prominent and distinct characteristics. Firstly, the timing of the coup attempt was inappropriate, occurring while people were still in the streets. The movements began in the afternoon, with tanks moving from military headquarters and armored barracks within the city, easily positioning themselves in the Bostancı area, the Bosphorus Strait, and Atatürk Airport, with no security or military forces investigating the reasons for these movements. Secondly, despite the presence of party representatives in parliament, where government ministers were also present for decision-making, this location was not attacked and was only besieged in the early morning hours. Thirdly, only the Turkish radio and television building was seized, while private networks affiliated with the government continued to broadcast messages and guide the public against the insurgents. Meanwhile, helicopters only attacked the location of President Erdogan at a hotel in Marmaris, Muğla province, while the President had flown to Istanbul two hours earlier. What should not be forgotten and overlooked is that such a coup attempt is more of a quasi-coup than a serious action, as it lacks the necessary characteristics and parameters. It seems that this event, whether as a coup or quasi-coup, even with the involvement of the parallel government of Gülen or any other group or think tank, will allow the government to easily purge the military and subsequently implement any plans and demands, such as a presidential system and constitutional changes, more easily based on this event. This incident has led to a renewed awareness that the people of Turkey are no longer the same as in the past and are committed to democracy, and despite protests against the government, they are determined to maintain political, economic, and social stability in society. Most importantly, party leaders, both supportive and opposing, have united in support of national pillars and the ideals of the Republic of Turkey, and the mobilization of people against the insurgents demonstrates national unity.