Ten years have passed since the 15 July coup attempt. In line with imperialism’s Middle East-centred policies, the country was driven into a major impasse as a result of a conflict of interests within the Cemaat–AKP coalition, which had set out to transform the country into an Islamist republic. The coup attempt, which AKP President Erdoğan described as ‘a blessing from God’, unfolded exactly as Erdoğan had wanted.

Through a series of moves, ranging from the Ergenekon operations to the 2010 referendum, the Gülen Movement–AKP coalition established dominance over all sectors of the country, particularly the judiciary and the military. The escalating power struggle between the Gülen Movement and the AKP, fuelled by conflicts ranging from the MIT crisis to the 17–25 December corruption operations, continued to intensify right up until 15 July. The State of Emergency and Decrees with the Force of Law, declared immediately following the coup attempt, went beyond the bounds of combating the coup plotters and were transformed into a mechanism for crushing all progressive, revolutionary, democratic and opposition groups in the country.

Under the pressure of the State of Emergency, the 2017 constitutional amendment referendum took place, and with the subsequent introduction of the Presidential System of Government, the separation of powers was completely abolished. Parliament was rendered ineffective, the judiciary was brought under the control of the palace, and Türkiye was transformed into an authoritarian family state where meritocracy had been completely eradicated. The vacated positions following the purge of the Gülen movement from the state were divided up ‘piece by piece’ amongst the religious orders. On 7 August, a rally was held in Yenikapı Square, attended by the AKP, CHP and MHP, amongst others. The current regime has continued to invoke the “Spirit of Yenikapı” at every opportunity. Speaking at his party’s parliamentary group meeting two weeks ago, Erdoğan presented the process described by the regime as a “Türkiye Free of Terrorism” as the very ground on which the “Spirit of Yenikapı” should take shape.

THEY COULDN’T SUBDUE IT

Türkiye’s progressive spirit and belief in a bright future could never be eradicated. Despite a decade of systematic repression and the mobilisation of all state resources in the service of reactionary forces, this country’s young people, women and workers did not give in.

Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday, President Erdoğan of the AKP claimed that ‘steps had been taken to safeguard democracy’ in the wake of 15 July.

Note: This article is translated from the original article titled Yıllardır ders çıkarmadılar, published in BirGün newspaper on July 15, 2026.