Director of Communications Prof. Fahrettin Altun gave an interview to the Hürriyet newspaper regarding the 4th anniversary of the nation’s victory against the FETO’s July 15 coup attempt. Altun informed about the activities carried out by the Directorate of Communications on the 4th anniversary of July 15.
How would you evaluate July 15 on its 4th anniversary? What would you say if you were to generally evaluate it?
July 15 is one of the most glorious epics of these lands that our nation, along with its leader, wrote for independence, for the country, its dignity, and honour, ready to give their lives. It is one of the most critical events shaping our present as well as the future. July 15 is one of the symbols that come to mind when it comes to independence. It represents the time we experienced, in a night of surprise, sadness, and victory, as a tightly-knit nation. July 15 is the day when a leader who relied on none other than the will of the nation wrote the epic of independence with his nation, with the principle “So far in my life, I have never recognized any power over the power of the people”. This is the legacy of our martyrs, whose names are to live forever. However, July 15 is not only a coup attempt but also an attempt to invade the country. The intentions of those who bombed the Parliament and the Presidential Complex, that represent the nation’s will, and those who attempted to assassinate our President, were certainly not just a coup. They had come to take over every inch of our will. As a matter of fact, that night, millions of people who knew this challenged death.
Since that night, what has changed?
It is obvious that much has changed both inside Turkey and abroad. We could observe a very strong shift in our favour, from the perspective of the global powers towards Turkey. They have seen that Turkey has become one with its nation, with its chosen leader, and after July 15 this situation has determined a lot. This made it easier for Turkey to take stronger steps. They learned that there are 80 million people behind each of our policies in the international arena. Therefore our fight against these powers’ attempts at coup and invasion through FETO has become a message for the entire world. It is extremely valuable for them to see that this nation will not hesitate when it is necessary to fight for independence and to sacrifice their lives for that cause. The fact that the spirit of the fight for independence, given about a hundred years ago, continues to stand, has become a notion of confidence not only for the powers that coordinated this coup but also for other nations in our region. The night of July 15 was, in a nutshell, a night when our allies respected us more and those who harboured hostility lost.
What do you think about the stance of the international media on the night of and after July 15?
We have seen how the media and think tanks in so-called advanced democracies have positioned themselves in the face of democracy. You can be sure that history has recorded one by one, those who were concerned that the attempted coup had failed. Even after a hundred years, this shame will still haunt them. Since the day they stood by the coup plotters, the so-called groups’ analysis, rhetoric, or arguments about any issues related to Turkey, democracy, or human rights have no value at all. These groups have lost their political and moral legitimacy altogether. They have lost their credibility not only in our eyes but also in the eyes of the world public opinion that care about the truth. A rational or idealistic young intellectual who wants to understand Turkey will not care for what the coup plotters are saying, but will listen to those who demand independence and democracy, that is, those who claim their own will. We gained the upper hand in this discourse from those who argued that the concept of democracy was at the core of the national will. Today, it is very clear that no one can preach democracy or national will to our nation and leader who, for independence and national will, risked their lives.
What message did we send to terrorist organizations and the forces that used them that night?
We have sent a very clear message to those who have tried to underestimate the political wisdom and foresight of our nation, to those who have believed that this nation would not claim their country and government, and to those who have developed a strategy through it. This message was of course a very clear message not just for that night but for the future as well. In other words, our martyrs and veterans, who risked their lives that day, have ensured our independence not only for that night but also for the future. No one will ever dare to enslave this nation through coups, terror, or other means designed to create tutelage. There will always be a true spirit of July 15 resistance that the plotters will have to overcome. It is no myth or a fairy tale. They came, they saw, and they were defeated. They will always face this reality.
Where are we in the fight against FETO?
As you know, the fight against FETO is a dynamic process. Our state’s relevant institutions are making enormous and sensitive accomplishments in this regard. Even with the smallest clue, for example, the organization’s communication tactics can be disclosed and the organizational elements can be deciphered through this. After all, we are talking about the clandestine structuring and terrorists who, for thirty-forty years, disguised themselves. The sensitivity of our nation is of course very important at this point and we see that social support is really at a high level. Today, however, the fight against FETO has essentially become an international fight. Our fight against FETO continues strongly everywhere in the world as Turkey becomes a global actor. We have always said so. They are going to run, and we are going to pursue them. And we are going to apprehend them. There are several examples of this. Our government captured many of the so-called executives of FETO overseas and returned them to Turkey. We will continue to persecute them. We will hold them to account for our martyrs and veterans, and July 15. They could not beat us with character assassinations, threats, conspiracies, and they simply will not.
What sort of a process is conducted against those who were involved in the coup attempt or other members of the FETO organization?
This is an important issue because it was ensured that the coup plotters and other members of the organization were held to account before justice and received the heaviest punishment from the very beginning. There are only very few states in the world that are capable of achieving this. The murderers who martyred our 251 citizens, the traitors who bombed the Parliament and the Presidential Complex and the terrorists who attempted to assassinate our President were calmly brought to justice and punished in the most severe form because Turkey is a state of law. Obviously, some people might have expected us to behave differently, either internationally or internally. Nevertheless, at this point, the resistance of July 15 and the sacrifices made by our martyrs and veterans were not ignored. No shadow has been cast upon the moral legitimacy and rightfulness of that resistance. The majority of murderers have received severe punishments as a result of the trials. In addition, work is also underway for terrorists hiding abroad. In the upcoming period, we will keep the pro-coup terrorist accommodated by the so-called democratic countries constantly on the agenda and ensure that they are brought to the country, prosecuted, and given the penalty they deserve.
In the aftermath of July 15, an important fight has been initiated against not only FETO but also the PKK/PYD.
Yes, you are very right, because Turkey should now successfully conclude its fight terrorist organizations. Under the leadership of our President, a very strong will has been put forward to wipe out these organizations both within our borders and at their origin. Of course, at this point, cleansing the elements of FETO within our security units has created the basis for our capacity to truly combat terrorism. Substantial cross-border operations have been carried out in Syria and Iraq. The plans made by those trying to establish a terrorist state in the middle of the region have been disrupted by these operations. We had martyrs in the process. It is clear, however, that we are witnessing one of history’s breakpoints. We are experiencing one of the most important stages of this fight for freedom that continued since our fight for independence until July 15. Our greatest strength is undoubtedly based on the spirit of resurrection that was displayed on the night of July 15 and also a leader who has unified himself with this spirit.
The commemoration events of July 15 have been carried out by the Directorate of Communications for the last two years. What is on the programme this year?
In accordance with a circular issued by our President in early 2019, the task of coordinating and facilitating the events of July 15 at home and abroad was assigned to our Directorate. We conducted this process along with public institutions and organizations, universities, and non-governmental organizations for the first time last year. A great deal of work is being carried out to keep the July 15 spirit alive and also to comprehend it and transfer it to the future. Indeed, there was a need for collaboration, communication, and coordination between the institutions in terms of implementing these valuable efforts. As a matter of fact, we, as the Directorate of Communications, held and hosted the July 15 coordination board meetings and initiated the process along with all the institutions that I mentioned many months ago. We prepared the “July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Events Strategy Paper for 2020” and shared it with all the institutions. As part of this paper, cooperation was established between all public institutions, civil society, and universities in order to carry out the events in line with the spirit of July 15.
How many events were organized for July 15 in the last two years? Is the exact number known?
Last year, a total of 1500 events were organized both in Turkey and abroad on the occasion of “July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day”. This year this number has reached 3000. Within this scope, a total of 2236 events will take place in 2020 in Turkey; of which 1609 will be held by Ministries and public institutions, 521 by the universities, 132 by the civil society organisations. Related institutions abroad will organise 752 events. With so many projects and events, obviously, a system had to be established. To achieve this, we have developed software and carried out some technical works. The “July 15 Project Follow-up System” has been established under the auspices of our Directorate to follow and report the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the commemorative events. Our Directorate has collected data, images, videos, reports, articles, and other materials related to the July 15 events and a large digital archive is being created to keep the social memory alive about July 15.
Let’s talk about the re-opening of Hagia Sophia to worship. President Erdoğan gave a long speech about Hagia Sophia. What do you think about the discussions in general?
I wish the reopening of Hagia Sophia after 86 years to be auspicious and to promote well-being in the whole world, the Islamic world, and our country. Indeed, all of us have had the opportunity to experience a very historical moment. The longing of many years ended with the will of our President. Many prayers were uttered from pure hearts to put an end to this longing. Many words were said, many verses were written. Many scholars burnt with the longing for Hagia Sophia and refreshed their knowledge with this feeling. Many people added hope into their determination with the excitement of Hagia Sophia. Finally, the 86-year loneliness of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was used as a mosque for 481 years, has ended. The re-opening of the Hagia Sophia Mosque to worship is a continuation of our July 15 resurrection.
I don’t think there is a discussion around this topic. The majority of our nation has welcomed the decision with great joy. Except for a very small group, whose political views have blunted their conscience, almost everyone watched the historical speech of our President with tears.
Several countries showed some reaction to the opening of the Hagia Sophia Mosque
Obviously, this decision is part of our country’s sovereign rights. In addition to this, in his historical speech, our President has explained the matter very clearly and in every aspect. He has explained the historical aspect of it. He has highlighted how the decision complies with international law and conventions. He has explained with examples that this decision is in accordance with the rights and justice. He has explained why it is a must in the context of freedom of religion and belief. He has conveyed the feelings and thoughts of our nation on this issue by giving examples. Of course, our President’s address was aimed at our nation and the history to be written. His words, “The right to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque in line with its foundation charter is the same as the flag of the Republic of Turkey, its capital, its adhan, its language, its borders, and its 81 provinces.” explains everything clearly.
However, we all know very well that the reaction of the world is political. Circles that sink refugee boats, occupy countries with lies, work with terrorist organizations, provide support and legitimacy to coup plotters, lose hundreds of thousands of refugee children, adopt Islamophobia as a policy, cannot say a single word to our country, where every religion and belief has been freely practised throughout history. We are not going to ask for legitimacy from anyone while trying to sustain all the human, moral and conscientious values in all spheres that our past entrusted to us. We are the ones that are legitimate, right, and moral. As the children of this deep-rooted civilization, it is our duty to protect the legacy of our ancestors.
Hagia Sophia is a symbol for the whole world. Do you think this will change when it is converted to a mosque?
No, why should it? The doors of Hagia Sophia will remain open to everyone in the world. Everyone will be able to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, just like the Blue Mosque or other mosques. I would like to underline that the re-opening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque is a victory in terms of religious freedom. Under the leadership of our President, Turkey added the Akdamar Church in Van, the Great Synagogue in Edirne, and many of the old religious sanctuaries into the symbols of our history by restoring them. New temples have been built for people who believe in other religions. We will continue to protect and glorify our cultural heritage. All of our mosques and doors, including Hagia Sophia Mosque as well as all the others, are open to everyone.
Projects on July 15 by Directorate of Communications
July 15 on Walls of Kuleli Campus
The treachery of FETO, the fight put up by the nation and the heroism of martyrs will be featured via video mapping technology on the walls of Kuleli campus, one of the hot spots of the coup attempt on the night of July 15.
The victory of Nation in the Sky with 200 Drones
A “light show with the theme of July 15” will be conducted on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, another hot spot that has witnessed the coup attempt, with 200 drones for the first time in Turkey on the night of July 15.
Digital Display Centres
“July 15 Victory Digital Display Centre,” set to tell about the treacherous coup attempt on July 15 and the democracy victory won against it in the most effective manner, will meet with citizens at central squares in Bursa, Çanakkale, Samsun, Konya, Kayseri, Antalya and Diyarbakır in the week of July 15.
“Epic of July 15 Symphony” by Fahir Atakoğlu
Fahir Atakoğlu, one of the prominent composers in Turkey, has composed the “Epic of July 15 Symphony” in remembrance of the July 15 martyrs and to honour the democracy victory. The concert to be performed in coordination with the Presidency’s Symphony Orchestrate will be broadcast on TV channels, the July 15 portal and social media accounts.
“15 Panels on July 15”
The panel series titled “15 Panels on July 15” that will tell about the FETO structuring and the July 15 coup attempt to the international public will be held in the USA, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Kazakhstan, China, Qatar, Albania, South Africa, Bangladesh, Spain, Guatemala and Ethiopia. The panels will be held in the form of online webinars due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
July 15 Kit for International Media
Directorate of Communications will send a kit consisting of documentaries and materials about July 15 and the FETO terrorist organization to the members of the media along with chief editors of the world's leading media outlets.
Images of July 15 in World Capitals
Images of the July 15 coup attempt will be shown through digital screen vehicles in crowded squares of the USA, the UK and other countries to be selected.
Short Film and Screenplay Competition
The award ceremony of the short film and screenplay competition on July 15, launched by the Directorate of Communications in 2019 with the aim of supporting and highlighting the works that will explain the July 15 coup attempt by FETO and the dignified resistance of the nation through cinema, will also be held this year.
International Anti-Coup Hackathon
The International Anti-Coup Hackathon, which was held for the first time last year, will continue this year as well. With the Hackathon, it is aimed to reveal the results of coups that impede the functioning of democracy and to create big data on military coups.