Ten years after the July 15 coup attempt: Vigilance, unity, and the resilience of democracy

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

The Gülen Terror Organization (FETÖ), which orchestrated this attempt, had spent decades building a clandestine network disguised behind a misleading public facade, falsely presenting itself as an “educational movement and civil society organization” while concealing its true objectives.

On July 15, 2016, infiltrators from the organization within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to overthrow the constitutional order through violence. That night saw an assassination attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Parliament), which embodies the democratic will of the nation, was bombed. 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.

What they failed to anticipate, however, was the unwavering 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, but at a heavy price: 253 martyrs were lost, more than 2,200 people were injured, and numerous buildings and institutions suffered severe damage. The Turkish people’s actions that night did more than merely thwart the coup; they 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 through 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 had 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 the Gülen Terror Organization (FETÖ) was not an ordinary religious or educational movement, but a highly disciplined clandestine organization with a distinct leadership structure, organized recruitment mechanisms, financial networks, and operational objectives serving its secret agenda.

For this reason, Turkey continues to cooperate closely with other countries and international partners to raise awareness about the nature and methods of this organization.

This is particularly critical given its ties to intelligence structures and external networks whose interests may not align with those of the countries in which the organization operates. The international community must not disregard these concerns.

Furthermore, the death of Fethullah Gülen in October 2024 should not be interpreted as the end of the threat posed by the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ). History has shown that organizations built up 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. For this reason, 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 assessed not based on their carefully curated public image, but according to their actual conduct and level of transparency. For many years, the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) presented itself as a movement committed to education, intercultural dialogue, and universal human values. However, Turkish authorities and many critics view this image as a cover for infiltration within state institutions, opaque financial networks, and other illegal activities.

On July 15 each year, Turkey commemorates Democracy and National Unity Day. This occasion provides an opportunity to honor our martyrs, express our 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, reminding us that democracy is not guaranteed and that the nation’s resolute will is stronger than any conspiracy targeting it.

As we remember those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our Republic, we do so with profound feelings of gratitude, appreciation, and deep respect.