Dr. Mehmet Mustafa Göksu
Six years ago, on July 15, 2016, Turkish state was faced with a terrorist coup attempt. Fetullah Gülen, a sinister cult leader and his insidious terrorist organization FETO (Fetullahist Terrorist Organization), tried to overthrow the legitimate government in Türkiye and assassinate its democratically elected leaders.
His disciples within the armed forces did not shy away from using lethal military force against innocent civilians, killing 251 and wounding 2196.
This was one of the most tragic and shocking political developments in our recent history, as the people of Türkiye had turned the page on military coups and authoritarian rulers for decades, and moved firmly toward a stable and prosperous democracy.
What is FETO? Who are FETO members? What do they want? First, let’s have a look at this secretive cult. Its leader, Fetullah Gülen, still lives in the US in a self-imposed exile. The followers of Gülen believe that he is the “messiah” or “Imam of the universe”. Violating any legal, religious or ethical codes is fully legitimate for them to advance their own interests. It is an exceptional terrorist organization based on hypocrisy, concealment and secrecy. For decades, FETO members did everything to infiltrate into all critical state organs, such as the police, judiciary, and armed forces in line with the instructions given directly by their leader Fetullah Gülen. The heinous July 15 coup attempt was their most vicious act; so far.
On July 15, a group of FETO-linked rogue generals betrayed the constitution, violated the chain of command of the Turkish army -one of most formidable and professional militaries in the world- and followed the instructions of Fetullah Gülen. However, the people of Türkiye from all across the political and social spectrum proved much more mature than the putschists had expected. They persisted in their belief in democratic values and the rule of law, and confronted the betrayers with extraordinary bravery and solidarity. That’s why this day was named as “Democracy and National Unity Day” after July 15, 2016.
His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, led the people’s counter-offensive for the protection of the constitutional order and legitimate institutions. His call to the people of Türkiye to stand up for their freedom and dignity, and for the protection of their democratic rights, were met with enthusiasm and effectiveness: brave citizens flooded the streets of Ankara, Istanbul, and other cities, and stood firm in the face the putschists.
It was one of the most heroic moments of our time. In a few hours, the constitutional order was secured, and Türkiye’s democracy overcame this betrayal, and emerged more established and more self-confident than ever.
On that night, all political parties represented in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, both in government and in opposition, published a joint declaration and condemned the heinous coup attempt.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, was the first leader of a state to contact His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and to express his support during this trial of the Turkish nation. The solidarity of His Highness and the people of Qatar with Türkiye on that fateful day will be remembered forever. This solidarity was a manifestation of the brotherly relations and strategic partnership between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar—a partnership that is deeply rooted in the shared history and values of the two nations, and the common interests of the two countries.
The relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Qatar have evolved over time, from a protocol on cultural cooperation thirty-five years ago to a strategic alliance today.
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar brought the relations between the two countries to new heights through the creation of the Türkiye-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee in 2015, and through their frequent summits and coordination in all manner of serious issues that matter to both nations. The 8th edition of Supreme Strategic Committee Meeting is planned to be held in Türkiye in the fall in this year.
As the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Qatar, I am committed to further strengthening this strategic relationship and vibrant partnership. The deepening of our relations is in the interest of our two countries, the whole region, and the entire world.
Türkiye and Qatar are two responsible states. They share a common vision regarding the peace and prosperity of the world, and they earned the respect of the international community for their positive roles in facing regional and international challenges, and for their constant effort to make the world a more humane and equitable place.
