Dr. Mehmet Mustafa Göksu
On July 15, 2016, Türkiye survived a treacherous coup attempt. On that night, rogue elements within the Turkish Armed Forces, influenced by Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), led by Fethullah Gülen who is living in the US for more than 20 years, sought to overthrow the democratically elected government. They attacked critical government buildings, including the Presidential Complex and the Parliament, and attempted to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The coup plotters used tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters against civilians who courageously took to the streets to defend their democracy. The brutal assault resulted in the loss of 251 innocent lives and left over 2,000 people injured.
The July 15 coup attempt was a stark manifestation of FETÖ’s ambitions. All concrete evidence, including the confessions of the plotters, show that the attempted coup was meticulously planned and executed by FETÖ. This event not only challenged our nation’s democracy but also highlighted the insidious nature of FETÖ’s infiltration into various state institutions.
However, the swift response of loyal military units, police forces, and millions of Turkish citizens thwarted their plans. The unity and bravery displayed by the Turkish people during this critical time were instrumental in preserving our democracy.
Origins and Structure of FETÖ
The damage inflicted by FETÖ extends beyond the tragic events of that night. The coup attempt was not only intended to seize the state and take over the administration of the country, but also aimed to deal a heavy blow to Turkish society. FETÖ presents itself as a religious and educational movement. However, beneath this facade lies a network that has methodically infiltrated Türkiye’s military, judiciary, law enforcement, and educational institutions over decades. This clandestine group’s primary objective is to undermine the state and establish a parallel structure loyal only to Gülen. The organization’s members are highly secretive, often using code names and communicating through encrypted methods to avoid detection.
All these characteristics clearly demonstrate that FETÖ is a “cult” espionage organization. However, FETÖ-linked individuals who have surrendered their will, mind and conscience to this terrorist organization are still unable to comprehend this simple fact.
They Poisoned the Brightest Minds
For years, the organization systematically eroded public trust in state institutions through corruption, blackmail, and manipulation. It recruited members through a sophisticated and manipulative process in educational institutions, where the group identifies promising young students and indoctrinates them with its ideology under the guise of providing educational and moral support. The organization operated a vast network of schools and universities both in Türkiye and abroad, where it promoted its ideology under the guise of providing quality education. Thus, FETÖ’s destruction in social life has been felt most by the country’s brightest children and their families.
FETÖ-run schools and universities indoctrinated and poisoned young minds of the country’s brightest children with their ideology while simultaneously exploiting them for financial gain. These institutions often prioritized loyalty to FETÖ over academic excellence, resulting in a generation of students indoctrinated with extremist views. Thousands of the country’s brightest children were turned into pawns by exploiting their religious and nationalist feelings, unaware of the organization’s real goals.
These individuals are then strategically placed in key positions within state institutions, where they can serve the organization’s interests. This methodical infiltration allowed FETÖ to amass significant influence and power, posing a substantial threat to national security.
Families deceived by the promise of “raising a golden generation” handed over their children to the educational institutions of this organization in the hope that their children would receive a good education. On July 15, 2016, they were devastated when they learned that their children were working against their country, nation and state. Some of these people fled abroad, some brought to justice. The organization darkened the lives of thousands of young people and caused their families to suffer for years.
Shattering Religious Life and the Belief System
FETÖ has also caused great damage to religious life by destroying the belief and understanding of Islam by using religion as a cover. In order to hide the members recruited to serve the organization, it issued fatwas allowing them to act against Islam. The use of religion as a cover for an organization that blackmails, conspires and kills people has severely damaged the view of religious people and the flow of religious life.
Especially among our youth, this mental reckoning has gone as far as questioning religious belief. Due to the trauma caused by FETÖ, some of our young people have turned away from religion and started to distance themselves from everything religious. Many people who started to question their beliefs unfortunately went to extremes.
An Anti-National Diaspora Has Emerged
Immediately after the failed coup attempt, many FETÖ members fled to other countries and gained different citizenships, changed their names and became an apparatus used by foreign intelligence agencies. Also, through the media organizations, think tanks and NGOs they established abroad, they began to spread misinformation, baseless reports and documents.
FETÖ is a Threat to Us All!
FETÖ and its manipulative, opportunistic and corrupt elements, which exploit universal values for their end, present a threat to all countries and societies connected to Türkiye. Several countries have already taken steps to curtail FETÖ’s influence by closing down its affiliated institutions and freezing its assets.
Although many FETÖ-affiliated schools have been handed over to Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) which is operating in 52 countries with 467 educational institutions to provide quality education that aligns with Turkish values and educational standards, unfortunately FETÖ still operates in some countries. The organization 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.
There is more needs to be done. International cooperation is crucial in preventing FETÖ from regrouping and posing a threat to other nations. Qatar has been an unwavering ally in this effort.
Turkish nation will always be grateful to H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who was the first foreign leader to call President Erdoğan on the night of the coup attempt, and to people of Qatar for their support. In cooperation with Türkiye, Qatar has implemented the necessary measures in fight against FETÖ without hesitation.
As we remember the victims of the coup attempt and honour their sacrifice on July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, Türkiye, under the leadership of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the administration of H.E. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, remain steadfast in our resolve to eliminate all forms of terrorism and uphold the values of Turkish Republic. By working together, we can ensure that justice is served and that the values of democracy and the rule of law are upheld. By remaining vigilant and united, we can prevent similar threats in the future.
