Dr. Mehmet Mustafa Göksu
10 years ago, on July 15, 2016, Türkiye experienced an unprecedented and hazardous coup attempt by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation (FETO) led by Fethullah Gülen, who died in 2024.
The main goal of this treacherous attempt was to establish a radical, fundamentalist regime, loyal only to their ringleader Fethullah Gülen.
In pursuit of their malicious objectives, members of FETO on that night targeted critical state institutions with heavy weaponry including tanks, fighter jets and helicopters. Among the sites bombed were the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Presidential Complex and the very symbols of nation’s sovereign will.
However, in defiance of this treacherous failed coup attempt, upon the call of H E Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, millions of Turkish citizens took to the squares and streets to defend their democracy with their lives. Furthermore, the ruling and opposition parties stood united in the Turkish Parliament, declaring their collective rejection of any attempt aimed at toppling the democratically elected government. As a result of these terrorist acts by FETO traitors, 253 Turkish innocent citizens were martyred and more than 2000 people were injured as they were defending Turkish democracy, state and its independence.
The treacherous coup attempt was overcome thanks to the nation’s resolute stance and its defence of the national will. This unprecedented resistance against the coup attempt has demonstrated the strength of Turkish nation’s spirit of unity and solidarity to the entire world.
Despite the grave threat posed by FETO and the attempted coup on July 15, 2016, Türkiye emerged stronger both at home and on the international stage. The nation’s democratic institutions proved resilient, and the unity of the Turkish people transformed a night of betrayal into a symbol of national courage and the victory of Turkish people’s will.
In the years that followed, Türkiye achieved notable milestones: strengthening its democratic governance, enhancing its economy, advancing its local industries such as defence and technology, expanding its global humanitarian outreach, and continuing to play a pivotal actor in regional diplomacy and beyond. The July 15 resistance was not merely a victory over a treacherous plot, but it marked the beginning of a renewed national journey driven by reform, and progress.
To prevent FETO or any similar organisation to threaten other countries, it is important to showcase the true face of the FETO, since this dark organisational structure -manipulative, opportunistic and corrupt- abused universal values for its own purposes, posing a danger to all societies it touched.
Since its formation in 1960’s, FETO deliberately targeted our brightest young minds, through its schools and universities, utilising them to spread deviant ideology. At the same time, the group expanded its influence across key sectors including banking, media, and education. These operations served the purposes of generating substantial income, laundering money and sustaining the organisation’s activities.
FETO members also infiltrated some of the highest positions within the state by systematically stealing exam questions and orchestrating broad fraud in public examinations. Furthermore, they tried to unlawfully eliminate those they perceived as obstacles to the organisation’s hidden agenda in the public and private sectors. This cult organisation has portrayed itself as follower of Islam, but actually never refrained itself from instrumentalising its sacred values.
FETO with its links to organised crime and secret agenda, unfortunately, still operates in some countries under myriad covers, in particular education. Since FETO is a threat to all countries and societies, it is important to remain vigilant. The organisation continues its activities in the fields of education, finance, media and trade and its schools are still active and recruiting the youth of those countries. Should the competent authorities of the countries in which FETO operates, examine the organisation, the unlawful and suspicious activities would be brought to light.
This shadowy and shady organisational structure, which abuses all universal values for its own secret agenda, poses a major national security threat to all countries and societies in which it operates. To avert this threat, international cooperation is crucial in preventing FETO from regrouping and posing a danger.
To this end, through Türkiye’s active diplomacy many FETO-affiliated schools have been handed over to Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) which is operating now in 66 countries with 600 educational institutions to provide quality education for more than 75,000 students that aligns with Turkish values and educational standards.
Furthermore, through diplomatic efforts, Türkiye continues its efforts for extradition of FETO members, freezing of assets, and shutting down of their NGOs across the world.
In this regard, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
Al-Thani was the first leader to express solidarity with Turkish people and government by holding phone call with H E Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. Qatar has been a steadfast ally in this endeavour, demonstrating solidarity with Türkiye in its fight against terrorism. The strong bilateral relations between our nations have been instrumental in addressing the FETO threat.
These acts not only further strengthened friendly and brotherly ties between Türkiye and Qatar, but also showed all the world that Qatar once again stood on the right side of the history. Turkish nation will always remember the support and solidarity shown by the brotherly State of Qatar and its people.
Türkiye and Qatar stand by each other in their challenging times. H E President Erdoğan, expressed our country’s condemnation of any kind of violations against Qatar’s sovereignty and Türkiye will always be on Qatar’s side with all its capabilities.
On this solemn occasion, we cannot fail to remember Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, a steadfast supporter and sincere friend of Türkiye, who played a pivotal role in elevating Turkish-Qatari relations to the unprecedented level they enjoy today. Through his visionary leadership, the enduring bonds of fraternity between our two nations were further strengthened, paving the way for a strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, genuine respect, and a shared commitment to justice and common values. May Allah have mercy upon him.
On behalf of Turkish nation, on the occasion of our July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, we pray for the mercy of Allah upon our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives while standing up for their state, nation, independence, and will.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Peninsula’s editorial policy.
