One year after the July 15 coup attempt: Vigilance, unity, and the resilience of democracy.. By: Turkish Ambassador Topaz Nur Sonmez

Ten years have passed since the failed coup attempt that Turkey witnessed on July 15, 2016, an event that stands as one of the most influential milestones in the history of the Republic of Turkey. The events of July 15 were not merely an attack on a democratically elected government, but also an assault on the constitutional order, national sovereignty, and the democratic values cherished by the Turkish people.

The Gülen Terror Organization (FETÖ), which stood behind this attempt, had spent decades building a clandestine network disguised under a misleading public image, falsely presenting itself as an “educational movement and civil society organization” while concealing its true objectives. On July 15, 2016, elements of the organization, having infiltrated the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow the constitutional order through violence. That night, an assassination attempt was made against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Parliament), which embodies the democratic will of the nation, was subjected to shelling.

State institutions were targeted, and innocent civilians were shot at, as the coup plotters sought to impose the will of a clandestine organization upon a democratic nation. However, what they failed to anticipate was the resolve and firm determination of the Turkish people to defend their democracy and their homeland. In response to this aggression, millions of citizens from all segments of society took to the streets to confront the coup plotters, displaying exceptional courage. Regardless of their political affiliations or social backgrounds, they united around a single principle: the defense of democracy and the legitimate constitutional order. By the dawn of the following day, it was clear that the coup attempt had failed, albeit at a heavy price: 253 martyrs fell, more than 2,200 people were injured, and many buildings and institutions suffered severe damage.

What the Turkish people demonstrated that night was not merely the thwarting of a coup attempt, but also sent a powerful message: “The will is ours, the victory is ours.” By defending their national will, citizens affirmed the enduring truth that democratic legitimacy derives solely from the will of the people and cannot be seized or replaced by coercion, infiltration, or the use of force.

The events of July 15 revealed not only a coup plot but also the true nature of the Gülen Terror Organization (FETÖ). What the Turkish people faced that night was the culmination of decades of clandestine work by this organization, which systematically infiltrated state institutions while hiding its true objectives behind facades of education, charity, dialogue, and civil society activities. Subsequent investigations and court rulings have proven that FETÖ was not an ordinary religious or educational movement, but a highly disciplined clandestine organization with its own leadership structure, organized recruitment mechanisms, financial networks, and operational objectives serving its secret agenda.

Of particular importance are the testimonies provided by former members of the organization, who later expressed regret and cooperated with judicial authorities. Many individuals, tried for their involvement in the organization’s activities, publicly admitted during court sessions that the July 15 coup attempt was planned and executed by FETÖ. They revealed that organization members infiltrated state institutions through illegal methods, including manipulation of admission exams, illegal surveillance, blackmail, intimidation, fabrication of evidence, and other unlawful means. Numerous judicial proceedings have linked the organization to a wide range of criminal activities far exceeding the coup attempt itself.

The danger of FETÖ lies particularly in its ability to conceal its true intentions behind structures that appear legitimate on the surface. The organization should not be viewed solely as an internal threat; it is a transnational network whose activities and methods pose serious security risks wherever it operates. For this reason, Turkey continues its close cooperation with other countries and international partners to raise awareness about the nature and methods of this organization. Its operational methods, secret communication channels, and widespread international presence raise serious concerns, especially given its links to intelligence structures and external networks whose interests may not align with those of the countries in which the organization operates. The international community should not ignore these concerns.

Furthermore, the death of Fethullah Gülen in October 2024 should not be interpreted as the end of the threat posed by FETÖ. History has shown that clandestine organizations built over decades rarely disappear with the death of their founders; networks, financial resources, institutional structures, and ideological mechanisms often persist for long periods even after leadership changes. Therefore, complacency or excessive reassurance would be a grave error.

Thus, the lesson drawn from the events of July 15 is not one that concerns Turkey alone, but serves as a reminder to all countries that organizations operating under the banners of education, charity, dialogue, or civil society should be evaluated not based on their carefully crafted public image, but according to their actual behavior and level of transparency. For years, FETÖ presented itself as a movement committed to education, intercultural dialogue, and universal human values. However, Turkish authorities and many critics argue that this image was used to conceal infiltration into state institutions, opaque financial networks, and other illegal activities.

On July 15 of each year, Turkey commemorates Democracy and National Unity Day. This occasion provides an opportunity to honor our martyrs, express gratitude to our soldiers and veterans, and renew our firm commitment to democracy, the constitutional order, and national unity. On the tenth anniversary of the July 15 events, the spirit of that day remains a source of strength and inspiration. It reminds us that democracy is not guaranteed, and that the firm will of the nation is stronger than any conspiracy targeting it.

As we remember those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our Republic, we do so with feelings of gratitude, appreciation, and deep respect. We ask Almighty God to have mercy on our martyrs, to grant our soldiers health and well-being, and to preserve the unity, stability, and prosperity of our beloved nation.

The will is ours, the victory is ours!