A military coup attempt began on the afternoon of Friday, July 15, 2016. However, the Prime Minister made the first announcement at 11:30 PM, telling the public it was a failed attempt. Even though tanks had already been deployed in the streets, several airports, including the capital's airport, were closed.
The presidential palace, the headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development Party, the capital's security directorate, and the TV station T.V., where the coup statement was broadcast by force, were all surrounded.
The parliament building and intelligence headquarters were bombed by aircraft, roads and bridges leading to the capital were closed, and units from the coup army spread across the country with heavy equipment like tanks, armored vehicles, and helicopters.
Who Led the Coup?
According to CNN Turk, the coup's mastermind was the Sufi Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, who lives in Pennsylvania, USA. The coup on the ground involved the Chief of Staff's planning advisor, the Military Prosecutor General, the Infantry Commander, the Gendarmerie Commander, and the Air Force Commander, along with 46 senior army leaders, 104 government officials, and 754 soldiers with their weapons.
What Actions Took Place?
Significant movements occurred within three hours, and you can see the full details through this link: https://goo.gl/lnklUy.
What Was the International Reaction?
The first international response came from the Qatari government, which strongly opposed the coup. This was followed by the British government expressing concern and the Iranian government calling for unity. Then, U.S. PresU.S.t Barack Obama firmly rejected the coup and supported Erdoğan and his government. U.S. SecrU.S.y of State John Kerry also communicated with him. NATO also expressed its support for Obama.
What Was the Media's Reaction?
Foreign media reported the coup events with extreme caution. The most credible and objective channels covering the events were CNN, Reuters, Huffington Post, and BBC. On the other hand, Arab media had a very biased image.
Egyptian and Emirati media, which oppose Erdoğan, portrayed the coup as a successful revolution, spreading false news like Erdoğan fleeing and seeking asylum in Germany, even though he was in a Turkish city and returned to the capital as soon as he learned of the coup.
Meanwhile, Qatari media, which supports Erdoğan, showed that Erdoğan was entirely in control, despite his communicating with the public through phone apps like "FaceTime" and "Skype" rather than the official television.
What Was the Arab Media's Reaction?
There was a large wave of hostility towards Erdoğan and the Turkish experience in general, especially from supporters of the current Egyptian regime. All media figures working in Egyptian satellite channels and newspapers openly expressed schadenfreude towards Erdoğan and wished for the coup's success. On the other hand, media figures who supported Erdoğan and his government simply prayed for Turkey's safety from the coup's horrors.
What Was the Reaction of Arabs and Egyptians?
Most Arabs and Egyptians sided with Erdoğan and his government against the military coup. Coup supporters were a minority, according to participants in hashtags on Facebook and Twitter, because it was clear from the start that the coup did not come from the people and did not serve any political or social aspirations.
Was the Coup a Staged Event by Erdoğan to Remove His Opponents?
If the coup had been staged, the names of senior leaders wouldn't have been publicly arrested, nor would the officers and soldiers involved have been dragged in front of the public. Staged events usually end with investigations that last for years without identifying the culprit. Only two leaders were in favor of the coup, while the rest were against it, as evidenced by helicopters being shot down by F16 jets. The coup was real, and the state was on the verge of collapse.
Why Did the Coup Fail?
The coup failed for several reasons, including:
- High awareness among the Turkish people, who took to the streets in massive numbers to support Erdoğan and his government against the coup.
- The awareness and opposition of secular parties to the coup, with many joining the street protests.
- Full support from the Interior Ministry, which fought bravely against the coup military, resulting in 45 martyrs and over 100 injured.
- Erdoğan and his government maintained control over the situation, with the ruling Justice and Development Party fully controlling the government alongside other army forces, such as intelligence, navy, air defense, and the General Staff.
- Economic prosperity under Erdoğan's government left no room for anyone to consider an alternative.
- Erdoğan's extensive diplomatic relations, especially with the United States and NATO.
What Are the Consequences of the Coup?
There will likely be several consequences, including:
- A complete retreat of the military from power, possibly deterring the army from considering another coup for maybe 100 years.
- Erdoğan is expected to become the absolute leader until his death, with unprecedented influence and power.
- Restructuring the state and purging it of destructive units within the government, possibly leading to immediate executions.
- Involving several opposition party leaders in the government who stood against the coup.
- Reassessing Erdoğan's relations with all countries that gloated over the coup, like Egypt and the UAE.
- Working diligently for the upliftment of Turkish citizens in recognition of their sacrifices in facing tanks with their bare chests.
Conclusion:
This was a brief but significant experience worth reflecting on, and any free person who desires a dignified life can learn from it.