One year on, the failed coup of July 15 2016 continues to define Turkish politics
- For supporters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the way ordinary citizens blocked the coup makes the party’s democratic credentials unquestionable
- The emergency powers enacted following the coup attempt have been justified on the basis of defending democracy, but have increasingly been used to stifle voices critical of the government.
- The question of democracy and authoritarianism after the coup is driving a potential realignment in Turkish politics, deepening some divides while bridging others
On July 15 2016, elements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) operating outside of the official chain of command attempted to take control of the country. Strategic infrastructure was seized, tanks deployed on the streets, and Special Forces sent to capture President Erdoğan.
This was the sixth time that the military has sought to take power in the Republic of Turkey, but the first time that a coup was thwarted through the intervention of ordinary Turkish citizens…
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Photo credit: PBS
13 July 2017