Doha, 15 July 2025 (Qatar Tribune)
By Dr Mustafa Goksu, ambassador of Republic of Turkiye to State of Qatar
On the night of July 15, 2016, Türkiye faced an unprecedented and perilous coup attempt to overthrow its democratically elected government that was orchestrated by the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), led by Fethullah Gülen who died last October after living in the US more than 20 years.
The main aim of this treacherous attempt was to establish a radical, fundamentalist regime, loyal only to their ringleader Fethullah Gülen. In pursuit of their malicious objectives, on that fateful night, members of FETO targeted key state institutions with heavy weaponry including tanks, fighter jets and helicopters. Among the sites bombed were the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Presidential Complex, the very symbol of nation’s sovereign will, as well as Ankara Provincial Directorate of Police.
However, in defiance of this treacherous failed coup Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, millions of Turkish citizens took to the squares and streets to defend their democracy with their lives. Furthermore, the ruling and opposition parties all together in the Turkish Parliament declared that they were all against to failed coup at tempt aiming at toppling
the democratically elected government.
On July 15, as a result of these terrorist acts by FETO traitors, 251 Turkish innocent civilians were martyred and more than 2000 people were injured as they were defending Turkish democracy, state and its independence. The unwavering commitment of the Turkish people to democracy and national sovereignty has been recognized as one of the most dignified acts of resistance, not only in Türkiye, but also in the broader history of global democracy.
To understand what transpired on that dark night, one has to understand the true face of the FETO, which was established in the late 1960’s as a so called “religious movement”. This organization has been a rare focal point of threat in our nation’s history. FETO run schools and universities indoctrinated and poisoned young minds of the country’s brightest children with their ideology. Moreover, FETO’s attempts to spread across all areas of the economy via its entities, particularly in the education, media and banking sectors, were used not only to generate revenue but also to launder money and fund the organization’s activities. Türkiye’s global campaign against FETO has transferring FETO-affiliated schools, with many of them now managed by the Turkish Maarif Foundation.
FETO members infiltrated some of the highest positions within the state by systematically stealing exam questions and orchestrating widespread fraud in public examinations. At the same time, they unlawfully eliminated those they saw as obstacles to the organization’s hidden agenda. By doing this, it has deceived thousands of our youth in the name of sacred values and turned them into a machine that betrays their own homeland, nation, and sacred values.
Under the guise of promoting education and inter-faith dialogue, it managed to cover its malign intentions by portraying itself as “representing the modern and moderate Islam” and hiding behind notions like integration and dialogue. Even though, this cult organization has portrayed itself as following Islam, but actually never refrained itself from exploiting its sacred values, as
seen in the news, in the funeral ceremony of the cult leader Fethullah Gülen on 24 October 2024, a customary Islamic performance like recitation of Quran was not followed.
This dark organizational structure and its manipulative, opportunistic and corrupt elements, who abuse all universal values for their own purposes, pose a danger to all societies. Despite the grave threat posed by FETO and the attempt ed coup on July 15, 2016, Türkiye emerged stronger both at home and on the international stage. The nation’s democratic institutions proved resilient,
and the unity of the Turkish people turned a night of betrayal into a symbol of national courage and the Victory of Türkiye.
In the years that followed, Türkiye achieved notable successes: strengthening its democratic governance, enhancing economy, advancing its defense industry, expanding global humanitarian outreach, and continuing to be a pivotal actor in regional diplomacy and beyond.
The July 15 resistance was not only a victory over a treacherous plot, but the be ginning of a renewed national journey driven by determination, reform, and progress. The death of the organization’s ringleader Fetullah Gülen in the United States on October 20, 2024 without being brought to justice, will not make us complacent as a state. Behind the reason why I delved into all abovementioned details is that FETO, unfortunately, still operates in some countries under myriad covers, in particular education. Since FETO is a threat to all countries and societies, it is
important to remain vigilant.
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. International cooperation
is crucial in preventing FETO from regrouping and posing a threat to other nations. Most of the FETO organization in friendly and allied countries have been dismantled in an effort carried out by our country.
In this regard, the Turkish Maarif Foundation has emerged as a key global actor in the field of education. The foundation took over the management of schools that had long been exploited by
FETO in several countries and expanded its presence worldwide. Today, the Foundation operates 517 educational institutions in 55 countries, maintains official relations with 108 states, and provides educational services to more than 70,000 students.
Thanks to its straightforward cooperation, Qatar has been a steadfast ally in this endeavour, demonstrating solidarity with Türkiye in its fight against terrorism. The strong bilateral relations between our nations have been instrumental in addressing the FETO threat. A statement of condemnation was swiftly published by Qatar to denounce and deplore the failed coup attempt and
lawlessness on our streets.
H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, as the first leader of expressing solidarity with Turkish people and government by holding phone call with H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the
Republic of Türkiye, himself showcased his own humanity when he called for the respect of our people’s will. These acts not only further strengthened friendly and brotherly ties between Türkiye
and Qatar, but also demonstrated all the world that Qatar stood by in the league of right once again.
Turkish nation will not forget the support and solidarity shown by the brotherly State of Qatar and its people. Likewise, as recently shown, HE President Erdoğan, expressed our country’s condemnation of any kind of attack that violates Qatar’s sovereignty, and that Türkiye stands by brotherly country Qatar. Such exemplary acts of solidarity have long served as a central element in enduring relations between Qatar and Türkiye amid the most challenging times.
On behalf of Turkish nation, on the occasion of our July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, I pray for the mercy of Allah upon our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives while standing up for their state, nation, independence, and will.
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