The Republic of Türkiye: Resilience, Progress, and Leadership in the Ninth Year After the July 15 Coup Attempt

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Monday, July 14th, 2025

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By Dr. Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of Türkiye
Nine years have passed since the unprecedented coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which sought to overthrow Türkiye’s democratically elected government. On that fateful night, the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), a clandestine group led by Fethullah Gülen, launched a violent assault against Türkiye’s institutions and citizens. Tanks blocked the Bosphorus Bridge, critical government buildings were attacked, including the Presidential Complex and Parliament, and airstrikes targeted the Ankara Police Department and Special Operations Headquarters. Communication channels such as TRT and CNN Türk were seized, while airports were closed by insurgents. These terrorists used military force against civilians, resulting in the tragic deaths of 251 citizens and injuries to more than 2,000.
The courage of the Turkish people, united beyond political divides, along with the swift response of state institutions, foiled the coup and preserved constitutional order. This resilience has since become a defining moment in Türkiye’s modern history, symbolizing the unyielding commitment to democracy and national unity.
Investigations and judicial proceedings have unequivocally confirmed that FETO orchestrated the coup attempt after infiltrating Turkey’s military, judiciary, and government institutions over decades. Operating under the guise of a religious and educational movement, FETO disguised itself as a promoter of modern Islam and interfaith dialogue, while systematically recruiting and indoctrinating youth with deviant ideology. It established a secretive hierarchical network, using deception and encrypted communication to undermine Türkiye’s institutions and sovereignty.
Despite the death of its leader, Fethullah Gülen, in October last year in the United States, Türkiye remains resolute in dismantling FETO’s global network. Legal action, consistent with the rule of law and fundamental rights, has been taken against members and affiliates within Turkey, effectively disrupting their financial and institutional operations, including numerous educational entities which have been transferred to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, a global operator with over 467 schools in 52 countries.
Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts encompass a broad spectrum of threats, including FETO, PKK/YPG/SDF, DAESH, and leftist terrorist organizations, adhering strictly to international law while actively cooperating with global partners to combat terrorism. Türkiye calls for continued international solidarity and cooperation in intelligence sharing, preventing terrorist financing, and holding FETO-affiliated actors accountable.
The principled solidarity extended by the State of Qatar during and after the coup attempt exemplifies the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two nations. Qatar’s swift support, including direct communication from HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President Erdoğan, and early visits by senior Qatari officials, underscored a strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect and trust. Over the past years, the two countries have stood together through crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gulf blockade, and Türkiye’s devastating 2023 earthquake, reinforcing their cooperation across humanitarian, political, and economic fronts.
Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, Türkiye-Qatar ties have evolved rapidly, institutionalized through the High-Level Strategic Committee established in 2014. The partnership has yielded 117 agreements spanning defense, trade, investment, energy, culture, and education. Both nations share a unified foreign policy approach, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, Syria, Somalia, and Libya, promoting peace, political stability, and humanitarian relief efforts, thereby protecting civilian lives and supporting legitimate governance.
In the aftermath of the coup attempt, Türkiye has emerged stronger domestically and internationally. The resilience of national institutions and the unity of the Turkish people have transformed a night of betrayal into a symbol of national victory. Alongside the challenges posed by the coup, Türkiye confronted the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic earthquakes of February 2023, which affected over 14 million people and caused damages exceeding $100 billion according to the United Nations Development Programme.
Despite these adversities, Türkiye’s economy remains robust, ranked among the world’s top 20 largest economies. International institutions have recently raised growth expectations for 2025, underscoring the country’s economic resilience. Türkiye’s exports hit a record $262 billion in 2024 and are projected to exceed $270 billion in 2025. The country also welcomed nearly 62 million tourists in 2024, confirming its status as a global tourist destination.
Türkiye’s military and security forces continue to safeguard national security decisively, following key operations such as Operation Euphrates Shield (August 2016), Operation Olive Branch (January 2018), and Operation Peace Spring (October 2019), targeting terrorist organizations like DEASH and PKK in Syria. These operations have contributed to efforts toward a peaceful resolution and laid the groundwork for the current political situation in Syria.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, exemplified by landmark projects such as the Eurasia Tunnel connecting Istanbul’s European and Asian sides beneath the Bosphorus, the 1915 Çanakkale Strait Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge and investments in renewable energy through the Green Energy Initiative. Türkiye is also fostering innovation and entrepreneurship with the establishment of technology parks supporting start-ups.
The defense industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with an R&D budget approaching $3 billion, over 80% domestic production, and a project portfolio exceeding $100 billion. Noteworthy achievements include the development of indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles such as Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, and Anka; armored vehicles like Kirpi and Ejder Yalçın; the Altay main battle tank; the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu; and ambitious aerospace projects like the fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN and the supersonic advanced jet trainer Hür Jet. Türkiye accounts for 65% of the global unmanned aerial vehicle market and hosts the world’s largest drone manufacturer, with President Erdoğan highlighting that two out of every three UAVs sold worldwide are Turkish-made.
The automotive sector is undergoing a transformation marked by the launch of TOGG, Türkiye’s first domestically produced electric car, signaling a new chapter in sustainable transportation. In space technology, the successful deployment of Türksat 5A and 5B satellites in 2021 has bolstered Türkiye’s technological independence and communications capacity.
Türkiye’s foreign policy has shifted significantly towards a reinforced commitment to sovereignty, security, and strategic autonomy. While maintaining traditional alliances with NATO and the European Union, Türkiye has adopted a proactive and multidimensional diplomatic approach. It has intensified efforts in Syria and Iraq to combat terrorism and prevent hostile entities from threatening its borders. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye has asserted maritime rights and pursued equitable energy cooperation. In North Africa, especially Libya, it has supported legitimate institutions and political stability to prevent bloodshed and maintain regional interests.
Globally, Türkiye has expanded outreach to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, emphasizing multilateralism and reaffirming commitment to international law, regional peace, and non-interference. Türkiye’s humanitarian foreign policy is guided by principles of humanity, compassion, and responsibility. Positioned at the crossroads of multiple regions and crises, Türkiye places human dignity at the center of its aid and development programs.
Türkiye was the first country to host the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 and is recognized as the largest humanitarian donor worldwide, notably the most generous per capita in humanitarian spending. Its humanitarian diplomacy extends beyond emergency relief to addressing root causes of displacement, promoting inclusive development, and advocating for equitable global governance.
Türkiye’s active diplomacy balances securing national interests with contributing to global peace and prosperity. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye has become a leading mediator in conflict prevention and resolution. Notable diplomatic milestones include facilitating the Ankara Declaration between Somalia and Ethiopia in December 2024, a landmark peace agreement. Türkiye remains a committed partner to Somalia, supporting development, institutional capacity building, and professionalization of security forces.
During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Türkiye played a critical role in facilitating dialogue and upholding international law. Turkish diplomacy enabled historic talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul in May 2025, and previously hosted negotiations at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in 2022. Türkiye was instrumental in brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022 with the United Nations, hosting prisoner exchange talks and consistently advocating for de-escalation and negotiated settlements.
Collaborating closely with Qatar, Türkiye has supported stability in Syria by backing the new government and mediating with the US and EU to lift sanctions. Türkiye and Libya formalized security and military cooperation to promote peace and shared interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Türkiye also supports Sudan’s sovereignty and provides humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering.
Türkiye maintains a balanced engagement policy with Afghanistan’s interim government, with diplomatic missions remaining open and active. Humanitarian efforts are carried out through TİKA, Maarif Foundation, Turkish Red Crescent, and Yunus Emre Institute, alongside initiatives like the “Goodness Trains” delivering aid in coordination with NGOs.
Türkiye vocally advocates for justice and peace in Gaza, working toward ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid flow in collaboration with regional and global partners, especially Qatar. The country recognizes and appreciates Qatar’s mediation efforts under HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which have been critical in securing ceasefire negotiations and delivering aid.
As an energy hub and transit country, Türkiye plays a vital role in global energy security. The country actively supports the development of transport corridors, including the “Development Road” project, in partnership with Qatar, aimed at fostering regional economic prosperity.
Türkiye emphasizes that global challenges require collective cooperation and effective multilateralism. As a prominent member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Developing Eight (D-8), the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, and MIKTA, Türkiye has brought efficiency and dynamism during its presidencies. Türkiye’s innovative initiatives, such as the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), have become recognized platforms for global dialogue. The 4th edition of the ADF, held in April 2025 under the theme “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” attracted broad international participation.
The transformative power of technology is embraced across all aspects of Turkish foreign policy to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Türkiye’s expanding diplomatic network is now the world’s third largest, comprising 262 missions globally, including embassies, consulates, and permanent representations.
Complementing its diplomatic efforts, Türkiye utilizes political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural institutions such as TİKA, the Maarif Foundation, and Yunus Emre Institute. TİKA operates 63 program coordination offices in 61 countries; Maarif Foundation oversees 467 schools in 52 countries; and Yunus Emre Institute runs 85 cultural centers in 65 countries, underscoring Türkiye’s broad global engagement.
Türkiye’s journey since the July 15 coup attempt reflects a story of resilience, progress, and leadership. The country has overcome immense challenges to reaffirm democratic governance, enhance defense capabilities, expand humanitarian outreach, and assert a constructive role in global diplomacy, contributing to regional and international peace and stability.