State of Emergency Declared in Turkey and Its Consequences

On the night of July 20, following the failed coup attempt in Turkey, the first National Security Council and Cabinet meeting was held, during which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a three-month state of emergency. In his speech after the two sessions, he stated that the powers of governors would be increased in such critical conditions and that he has not compromised democracy to date and intends to uphold it moving forward. It is natural that during the three-month state of emergency, governmental affairs will undergo significant changes. He stated that the declaration of a state of emergency was aimed at combating and swiftly purging the Gülen movement. Following Erdoğan's speech, the Turkish National Security Council also issued a statement indicating that this decision was made based on Article 120 of the Constitution. Although the political world reacted with various viewpoints to this news, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged the Turkish government to shorten the duration as much as possible. He also stated, "Once again, we have seen how recourse to a coup has negative impacts on politics in Turkey... of course, the state of emergency should not be applied against those who are merely suspected." In response to his comments and those of other European political officials, Erdoğan asserted that Europeans have no right to criticize Turkey's government decisions, as they have implemented similar measures under comparable circumstances. Concerns have arisen among the public and party officials as Erdoğan, alongside declaring this state, referred to himself as the Commander-in-Chief of the military and deemed coup plotters as a cancerous virus, insisting on fighting them to the end. However, the reaction of opposition parties is noteworthy, as they had shown necessary solidarity and cooperation with the government during the coup attempt. Özgür Özel, the deputy group leader of the Republican People's Party, stated in an interview with CNN that such a situation represents a form of betrayal against the cooperation of the parliament and that one should not break bread with those who have shared the table. It should first be noted that in a political state of emergency, the government can impose financial and monetary restrictions on citizens. The use of civil and social rights, either partially or entirely, can be limited by the government, or certain activities may be prohibited. The declaration of such a state is considered a form of civil coup. Similar reactions were shown by Ayhan Bilgen, a representative from Kars in the Turkish Parliament from the Peoples' Democratic Party, who tweeted: "The news that was referred to as a good omen turned out to be the declaration of a state of emergency. Some, like a Japanese soldier unaware of the end of the war, still speak of democracy with this declaration. For those who have not yet understood the situation, let me remind you that when a coup occurred in Egypt, the coup plotters declared a state of emergency after their success and threatened with executions... Only we (the Turkish nation) are unique in the world that we are not worried about the declaration of a state of emergency and still defend democracy. Let us understand that the coup plotters declared a state of emergency and then claim they will implement democracy." Now the question arises as to what might happen after the declaration of a state of emergency for three months and what impacts this situation will have on Turkey's political, social, and economic structure. Initially, it should be stated that in a state of emergency, the government can enact any resolution or agreement as law and implement it, and in such conditions, the Constitutional Court is passive and has no right to intervene, express opinions, or reject resolutions. Additionally, in the declaration of a state of emergency, the leadership of the country will be under the presidency, and thus, currently, the cabinet will be led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as President, marking the beginning of characterizing the presidential system in place of the parliamentary one. Governors, as the full representatives of the government, will have special powers, and just as the President or Prime Minister will coordinate and supervise all governors and their lower ranks, governors will also be empowered to establish necessary coordination systems in their provinces, where all security and intelligence conditions will be under their control as representatives of the government. In fact, it will resemble a form of military rule or governance through military administration. Restrictions on the publication of books, newspapers, and other media will be under government supervision, and necessary censorship will be carried out. For instance, following the declaration of this state, some local and national newspapers have been inspected and searched. In a state of emergency, based on Article 19 of the Turkish Constitution, arrest, surveillance, and detention of individuals can be extended. This law stipulates that any individual arrested must be presented to the first judicial authority in the province within 48 hours for trial and punishment. In a state of emergency, what might the social conditions be? Restrictions on movement in cities, prohibition of presence in areas designated by security agencies, limitations on public, cultural, scientific, and political programs for both public and private institutions can be among these measures. Meanwhile, the police can inspect and search workplaces, residences, or individuals whenever they wish under such conditions. Night movements may be restricted, and security measures and checkpoints will be implemented. Additionally, travel from one place to another within the country may be under control or require government permission. Although today, Jüdet Yılmaz, Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Development Party, announced that there would be no changes in normal life conditions with the declaration of a state of emergency, it should be noted that with the first notification regarding anti-system actions, the government will be able to change the conditions to ensure security. Restrictions on the publication of books, newspapers, and other media will be under government supervision, and necessary censorship will be carried out. For instance, following the declaration of this state, some local and national newspapers have been inspected and searched. Furthermore, any audiovisual materials will be reproduced under the supervision of the government and its approved institutions. Alongside this, the execution of any performances, screenings of any films in cinemas and on television will be under the control and approval of the radio and television regulatory authority. The entry and exit of land and air borders will be conducted with special security measures, and contracts for cooperation and employment of foreign nationals in Turkey will be carried out with greater scrutiny and control. The entry and exit of land and air borders will be conducted with special security measures, and contracts for cooperation and employment of foreign nationals in Turkey will be carried out with greater scrutiny and control. In cases of suspicion regarding foreign individuals or a lack of necessity from the perspective of emergency coordination organizations in provinces managed by governors, they will be canceled. If there is a perceived threat from neighboring countries or their nationals, the government will be able to prohibit or restrict the entry and exit of foreign nationals during the state of emergency or suspend its relations for a period. It is noteworthy that after declaring a state of emergency in the country, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "During the implementation of this state, no restrictions will be imposed on individual freedoms and basic rights of the people. And we ourselves are the guarantors of this claim."