How President Erdogan Reshaped Turkiye After the Failed Coup Attempt

 

The Pakistan Times Live | Islamabad Times 

The night of July 15, 2016, is regarded as one of the most significant and turbulent moments in modern Turkish history. On that night, a faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Tanks rolled onto the streets of Istanbul and Ankara, fighter jets flew at low altitude, the Turkish Parliament was bombed, and attempts were made to seize key government institutions. For several hours, it appeared that Türkiye might once again fall under military rule. However, events took an unexpected turn, the coup collapsed, and the government quickly regained full control. The failed coup later became the foundation for far-reaching political, military, judicial, and foreign policy changes that reshaped the country.

Türkiye had experienced several military coups in the past, which is why many initially believed that the 2016 attempt might also succeed. This time, however, circumstances were different. President Erdoğan addressed the nation through a live video message, urging citizens to take to the streets in support of the elected government. Thousands of people responded, while many units of the military and police refused to support the coup plotters. Within a matter of hours, the coup had failed, and the government restored order across the country.

Soon after the failed coup, the Turkish government accused the movement led by Fethullah Gülen of orchestrating the attempt, an allegation that Gülen consistently denied. A nationwide state of emergency was declared, and a large-scale crackdown followed. Thousands of military officers, judges, civil servants, teachers, police officers, and other public employees were arrested, suspended, or dismissed from their positions. The government argued that these measures were necessary to remove individuals who could threaten the state in the future. Critics, however, claimed that the campaign extended far beyond those directly involved and affected many people against whom no clear evidence had been presented.

In 2017, Türkiye held a constitutional referendum that replaced the parliamentary system with an executive presidential system. The reforms significantly expanded the powers of the presidency. Supporters argued that a stronger presidential system was essential for political stability, faster decision-making, and national security, particularly at a time when the country faced terrorism, the Syrian conflict, and growing regional tensions. Opposition parties and several international observers, however, expressed concern that the reforms concentrated too much power in the hands of a single office.

The failed coup also influenced Türkiye's foreign policy. Ankara increased its focus on building a self-reliant defence industry, invested heavily in drone technology, and adopted a more active regional role. Türkiye became increasingly involved in developments in Syria, Libya, the South Caucasus, and the Eastern Mediterranean. During the same period, its relations with Russia, the United States, and the European Union experienced both cooperation and tension, reflecting Ankara's efforts to pursue a more independent foreign policy.

The country's economy also faced a mixed trajectory. While the government highlighted progress in infrastructure, defence production, and exports as major achievements, later years were marked by rising inflation, the depreciation of the Turkish lira, and investor concerns. Critics argued that political uncertainty and institutional changes had contributed to economic challenges, whereas the government pointed to global economic conditions and regional conflicts as key factors behind the difficulties.

Nearly a decade later, the events of July 15, 2016, continue to shape Turkish politics. The government presents the failed coup as a defining moment in the defence of democracy, while critics argue that it marked the beginning of significant changes in the balance of power, freedom of expression, and the country's political environment. Although opinions remain divided, there is broad agreement on one point: the failed military coup permanently altered Türkiye's political landscape, leaving a lasting impact on its institutions, governance, and international relations.

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