Politics
Turkish defense chief says military stronger as FETÖ purge continues
Türkiye’s military has strengthened its institutional structure, rebuilt its education system and restored critical personnel capacity in the decade since the failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and the head of the National Defense University said.
Speaking to Sabah newspaper, Güler said that the fight against the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) was continuing without interruption and with the same determination shown in its immediate aftermath.
He said 24,008 personnel had been dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) while the ranks of 2,198 retired personnel had been revoked as part of investigations into alleged links to the group.
“The most important issue for the Turkish Armed Forces is not the figures, but the uncompromising continuation of the struggle against this treacherous structure that attempted to infiltrate the state,” Güler noted.
He said new information and documents were being evaluated in coordination with relevant institutions and that judicial procedures were being carried out with what he described as great sensitivity.
“Our struggle against those who betrayed our state and nation will continue with the same determination until not a single affiliated member remains,” he stressed.
The minister described July 15 as one of the darkest nights in the country’s history, but also as one of its most significant democratic resistance movements.
He said the attempt was defeated through the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, public resistance and the efforts of members of the security forces and military who remained loyal to the constitutional order.
“The nation showed the entire world that it would never surrender to any center of tutelage or act of betrayal.”
Underlining that the central lesson of the failed coup was the need to preserve national unity and solidarity, Güler added that the military introduced extensive reforms over the past decade in recruitment, professional military education, career planning and internal oversight.
He said a personnel system built around merit, discipline, transparency and the rule of law had helped the armed forces become more effective, respected and capable of deterrence.
FETÖ had sought to weaken the military’s institutional structure, undermine unity of command and damage public confidence in the armed forces, but had failed to achieve those aims, according to him.
He recalled that the military was currently conducting some of the most extensive operations in its history, including border security missions, counterterrorism operations, maritime deployments and international assignments.
Citing domestically produced defense technology, improved training standards and qualified personnel as factors that had increased the military’s operational capacity, Güler said planned recruitment and training programs had largely resolved the shortage and that the air force was now capable of conducting its missions inside Türkiye and across its borders.
Furthermore, National Defense University (MSÜ) Rector Erhan Afyoncu said the military education system had to be effectively rebuilt from the ground up, describing the coup attempt as more than a conventional military takeover, calling it an attempt by an espionage network to occupy Türkiye and provoke civil war.
He noted the group had gradually placed members in military high schools and academies beginning in the 1970s, intensifying those efforts after 1980.
According to Afyoncu, the network recruited children, prepared them for military careers and helped them rise through the ranks, while allegedly forcing out students who were not affiliated with the group.
He said unusually high numbers of dismissals from military schools before 2016 should have raised concerns among senior commanders.
Afyoncu said about 16,000 students were removed from military schools following the coup attempt, leaving the system without a functioning structure.
The National Defense University was established later that month, bringing army, navy and air force education institutions under a single civilian-supervised organization.
Afyoncu said the new structure introduced joint civilian-military administration, revised curricula and courses on democracy, civil society, military history and what he called Turkish war philosophy.
He said the university’s curricula were also aligned with the standards of Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education and pointed out that public interest in military education remained high despite fears that families would be reluctant to send their children to military schools following the coup attempt.
“When we began accepting students only a few months after the coup, people came in large numbers,” he said. “The Turkish nation protected its own military education system.”
The university has since graduated nearly 67,000 officers and noncommissioned officers, he remarked, helping fill much of the personnel gap created by the dismissals.
Afyoncu said the graduates had enabled the military to maintain operations in multiple regions and continue naval and overseas deployments.
“Without those 67,000 graduates, these military operations could not have been carried out,” he said.
Afyoncu also added that Türkiye had expanded military education cooperation with partner countries. Foreign enrollment at the university had risen from students representing 16 countries at the time of its establishment to students from around 50 countries.
Similar military universities had also been established or were being developed in Azerbaijan, Syria and Uzbekistan, he noted.
Both Güler and Afyoncu said reforms were intended to prevent similar networks from infiltrating the military in the future.
Güler said the armed forces would continue to serve under the Constitution and laws, under civilian authority and in the service of the nation.
“We will continue working with the same determination and sacrifice for the security, independence and survival of our country,” he emphasized.
Turkish authorities detained six suspects Thursday in a second wave of an investigation into alleged bribery and extortion at Istanbul’s Beykoz Municipality, prosecutors said.
The Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention warrants for eight suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of bribery and extortion linked to the tenure of former Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler, who was previously suspended from office.
According to prosecutors, the latest operation was launched based on evidence collected during the investigation, statements from complainants and testimony provided by suspects under Türkiye’s effective remorse provisions.
The suspects include businesspeople, a Beykoz municipal council member and former municipal employees who are alleged to have participated in the offenses under investigation.
Six suspects were detained during coordinated police raids, while efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining two suspects are ongoing.
The investigation remains underway.
Earlier this month, former Beykoz Mayor Köseler was arrested as part of the investigation into alleged bribery, extortion and zoning-related corruption. Prosecutors said the case was supported by witness testimony and statements given under Türkiye’s effective remorse provisions.
Dozens of mayors and municipal bureaucrats from Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) were detained or arrested in the past two years in investigations focusing on corruption. The majority of allegations involve bribery in return for construction permits, which are otherwise subject to strict regulations, and rigging the lucrative tenders of municipalities.
While the CHP is facing internal chaos and a leadership crisis between the former head, Özgür Özel, and CHP Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has seen a stream of new transfers in the past two years.
Since the 2024 elections, 15 mayors have left their parties and joined the AK Party. Most of them were formerly members of the CHP.
The ousted chair of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) reaffirmed that he is planning to found a new party next month.
Özgür Özel sought to end speculations about his political future in an interview with pro-CHP Sözcü TV on Wednesday, two days after he told journalists that he decided on the name of the new party before adding “just kidding!”
He appeared serious this time, telling the broadcaster that preparations were underway for the new political party. He said any formal step would wait until after ongoing legal proceedings. In May, Özel was ousted from office when a court annulled CHP’s 2023 congress that elected Özel as chairperson, citing allegations of fraud in favor of Özel in that vote. The court verdict also reinstated Özel’s predecessor, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. He was quick to proceed with his plans to restore the party’s image stained with allegations of corruption engulfing CHP mayors and Özel himself.
Özel’s supporters branded Kılıçdaroğlu as a “traitor” who sought to hinder CHP’s ambitions to win the next presidential race under Özel. Meanwhile, he repeatedly called on the Kılıçdaroğlu administration to hold another party congress, believing that he would win the intraparty election again. Currently, the party is practically divided into two, one camp supporting Kılıçdaroğlu and another one supporting Özel, who now holds the title of CHP’s parliamentary group chair.
Kılıçdaroğlu said in a recent interview that he opposed the split within the party. The Özel camp says that the former leader has a better chance in the next presidential election scheduled for 2028, based on opinion polls, while Kılıçdaroğlu, almost every week, removes the party’s top figures pledging loyalty to Özel through disciplinary action. The expulsions, at times, led to violent confrontations between supporters of Özel and Kılıçdaroğlu. In some provinces, provincial chairs of the party removed from their post by the Kılıçdaroğlu administration for their loyalty to Özel, refused to leave the office.
Özel said the legal proceedings on an appeal to the ruling that ousted his leadership and a request to hold an extraordinary party congress could be completed within a couple of weeks, and if they are blocked, a new party could then be set up.
“A formal step could be taken toward the end of July or the beginning of August,” Özel said when asked about the timing of the establishment of the new party.
He has been discreet about the new party as rumors were swirling and only hinted at it in speeches as he launched a campaign against the current CHP administration. The Özel camp has been quick to shoot down rumors that they would join an existing party instead of establishing a new one while Özel prioritized staying within CHP, to the chagrin of some supporters who urged him to act swiftly before losing the potential to run in the next general election.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Wednesday that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership and the Turkish people’s unity were decisive in defeating the failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt, describing the events as a defining moment in Türkiye’s modern history.
In a message marking Türkiye’s Democracy and National Unity Day, Aliyev commemorated those killed while resisting the coup attempt and extended his condolences to their families and the Turkish people.
Aliyev described July 15 as one of the most tragic as well as one of the most honorable chapters in Türkiye’s recent history, saying the attempted coup targeted the country’s constitutional order, democratic institutions and national will.
He said the attempt was thwarted through what he called the Turkish people’s determination, courage and commitment to their country, citing Erdoğan’s leadership in helping steer Türkiye through the crisis.
Referring to the Turkish leader, “Your determined and farsighted leadership, together with the unity of your people around you and their immediate response to your calls, became one of the main factors that saved your country from a great disaster on that critical night,” Aliyev said in the message.
He added that Türkiye emerged stronger from the failed coup attempt and demonstrated the strength of its national will and state traditions.
Azerbaijani president said the events of July 15 showed that attempts to undermine the state could not succeed in the face of unity between the nation and the government. He described the annual commemoration as a symbol of the Turkish people’s solidarity, resilience and commitment to democratic institutions.
Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s support for Türkiye, Aliyev underlined that Baku stood in solidarity with Ankara during the coup attempt under the principle of “One nation, two states.”
He said that solidarity reflected the enduring brotherhood between the two countries and expressed confidence that their strategic alliance would continue to deepen through joint efforts.
Aliyev concluded his message by wishing Erdoğan good health and continued success, while expressing hopes for lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Türkiye.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined lawmakers for a commemoration event at Parliament on Wednesday, on the 10th anniversary of heroic resistance to the July 15, 2016 coup attempt by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).
Hailing the resistance to the coup by the nation and lawmakers who defied airstrikes targeting Parliament 10 years ago, Erdoğan warned that FETÖ was alive, especially in online black propaganda against Türkiye. He ruled out any possibility of amnesty for FETÖ members while emphasizing that the group continued collaboration with “enemies of Türkiye.”
“Though they failed 10 years ago, they are seeking to revive their sinister ambitions. They are cooperating with everyone hostile to the Turkish nation to avenge their failure,” Erdoğan said in reference to the terrorist group.
“(FETÖ) is using social media to incite strife. FETÖ terrorists are servants of Türkiye’s enemies,” he noted. Erdoğan stressed that they were lobbying in cooperation with anti-Turkish lobbies. “They are resorting to every lie to target Türkiye,” he said. Erdoğan said, “FETÖ terrorists who sold their souls for $1 are also servants of avowed enemies of Türkiye.” He was referring to $1 bills with a serial number starting with the letter F, which was used by secret members of FETÖ to recognize each other.
Erdoğan said that “the honorable nation made a sacrifice to disrupt the dirty plot” on July 15, 2016, and spoiled “the imperialist project.” The president linked the accomplishments of Türkiye in the past decade, from the defense industry to security and foreign policy, to the “removal of FETÖ” from the state institutions and other places they infiltrated into.
He noted that the 2024 death of FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen upset the motivation of the group, but they were still dangerous. “FETÖ threat is quarantined, but danger prevails. We are talking about a mindset pointing guns at this nation, we should remember that,” he said.
A group of members of the group calling themselves “Yeni (New) Herkul,” in reference to a website publishing Gülen’s so-called sermons in the past, have penned a public letter to Erdoğan and condemned the coup attempt while seeking to redeem themselves. Erdoğan did not openly mention the letter but was blunt in his opposition to FETÖ: “Mercy for the oppressor is oppression of the innocent. We should not fall for this,” he said.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said Thursday that civil society organizations must operate transparently and remain subject to legal oversight regarding an ongoing investigation into the Ahbap charity, while authorities continue a probe into alleged financial crimes involving several members of the organization.
Speaking at the Judicial Evaluation Meeting attended by chief public prosecutors and heads of judicial commissions from all 81 provinces, Gürlek emphasized that no organization operating on public trust is exempt from state oversight.
“Civil society cannot serve as a shield from legal scrutiny, arbitrary conduct or the management of public trust without accountability,” Gürlek said. “The spirit of solidarity cannot be abused. For nongovernmental organizations, transparency is not a matter of preference but a legal and moral obligation.”
The minister said the investigation into allegations concerning the use of donations collected through civil society activities demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting public trust. He added that organizations working alongside the government during disasters and humanitarian crises remain valuable partners, but stressed that every donation must be fully accountable.
Gürlek also noted judicial authorities would conduct the investigation impartially and on the basis of evidence, rejecting attempts to influence the courts through social media campaigns or political pressure.
His remarks came days after prosecutors overseeing the Ahbap investigation announced the arrest of 14 suspects, including the charity’s founder, musician Haluk Levent.
According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, 25 suspects were referred to court following an investigation coordinated by the Financial Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department into allegations including establishing a criminal organization, aggravated fraud and laundering proceeds of crime.
Prosecutors said financial crime investigators examined banking records, Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports, account transactions and surveillance findings. Authorities alleged that several suspects conducted financial transactions inconsistent with their declared income, transferred large sums of money among themselves, lost substantial amounts through betting activities and carried out multiple property transfers within a short period.
Nineteen suspects were referred to court with requests for arrest, while six were referred under judicial control measures. Courts ordered the arrest of 14 suspects.
Crackdown on organized crime
Moreover, the minister also pledged to intensify the government’s fight against organized crime groups and illegal betting networks, remarking that authorities will target both criminal organizations and their financial infrastructure.
He said authorities would not tolerate criminal groups that recruit children and young people, spread fear in neighborhoods, or glorify violence and firearms. Beyond arresting gang leaders and members, prosecutors are also investigating criminal organizations’ financial resources, weapons supply networks and assets obtained through drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
“We will not leave our streets to criminal organizations,” Gürlek stressed, adding that close coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies has helped narrow the operational space of street gangs and disrupt their funding sources.
Gürlek also described illegal betting and online gambling as a multidimensional threat that harms families, fuels addiction among young people and provides financing for organized crime.
He said the government’s strategy extends beyond prosecuting suspects to dismantling the financial networks behind the operations. Authorities are strengthening measures to prevent bank accounts and mobile phone lines from being used for criminal purposes, reinforcing cybercrime investigation units within prosecutors’ offices and closely monitoring financial flows involving cryptocurrencies, electronic payment institutions and social media advertisements.
The minister said authorities remain committed to exposing the financial structures behind illegal betting operations and confiscating proceeds generated through criminal activity.
Fight against FETÖ
During his speech, Gürlek reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), saying authorities would maintain investigations into the group’s current structure, financial resources, clandestine networks, safe houses and overseas connections, stressing that all judicial proceedings would be based on concrete evidence and respect the right to a fair trial.
He described FETÖ as more than a terrorist group, accusing it of infiltrating state institutions and attempting to manipulate the judiciary, education system and security apparatus for its own interests.
“The Republic of Türkiye will never allow any tutelage, parallel structure or terrorist group to prevail over the will of the nation,” he said.
Modernizing judiciary
The minister also highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the judicial system, citing investments in new courthouse facilities and digital platforms, including the National Judiciary Informatics System (UYAP), e-hearings and the Video Conference System (SEGBİS).
Gürlek said amendments to the execution of sentences were introduced to address public concerns over perceived impunity, including requirements that offenders serve a minimum portion of their prison terms before becoming eligible for supervised release and revised sentencing rules for repeat offenders.
He said the reforms are intended to strengthen public confidence in the justice system while ensuring effective investigations, fair trials, protection of victims’ rights and the rehabilitation of convicted offenders.
A witness in an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the wife of Türkiye’s justice minister told prosecutors that two suspects discussed payment for carrying out the planned attack. The account, which investigators say is consistent with cash seized during police raids, emerged after two suspects were arrested pending trial, according to a report by Sabah newspaper.
The investigation, led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, was launched after an anonymous complaint was submitted through Türkiye’s Presidential Communication Center (CİMER), authorities said.
Prosecutors allege that suspects Uğur Yılmaz and Yavuz Canbaşı were preparing a “high-profile action” targeting Elif Gülşah Gürlek, the wife of Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. The suspects were arrested pending trial.
According to the witness’s testimony, the individual overheard several men discussing travel plans abroad while mentioning Elif Gülşah Gürlek by name. The witness said the conversation raised suspicions after recognizing the surname as that of the justice minister and later reported the matter to authorities.
The witness told investigators that Canbaşı was engaged in a video call with a man later identified as Yılmaz. According to the testimony, Canbaşı allegedly requested TL 250,000 (nearly $6,000) for carrying out the planned attack, while Yılmaz allegedly replied: “I’ll give you TL 1.5 million after the job is done. The money is ready.”
Meanwhile, investigators later seized TL 1.748 million in cash during a search of Yılmaz’s residence. The amount has drawn attention because prosecutors say it closely matches the payment allegedly discussed in the witness statement. Overall, police said more than TL 3.2 million in cash and several unlicensed firearms were seized during the operation.
In his police statement, Yılmaz denied any involvement in an alleged assassination plot.
He also denied the allegation that he promised payment for the attack and claimed the cash found at his home came from the sale of a vehicle.
When asked why he refused to provide the password to his mobile phone, Yılmaz reportedly told investigators it contained private photographs of himself and his girlfriend.
Authorities also allege that Yılmaz and Canbaşı recruited individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 on behalf of domestic and international organized crime groups. Investigators claim those recruits were later used to carry out armed attacks and shootings.
The investigation remains ongoing; both suspects remain in custody pending further judicial proceedings.
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