Pure Evil

Five days after the events of July 15, 2016, a state of emergency was declared for three months. This state of emergency was subsequently extended seven times, in three-month intervals, leaving the country under the unlawful and arbitrary rule of "pure evil" for more than two years.

The Coup of 'Pure Evil': The Presidential Government System

On April 16, 2017, during the state of emergency, a referendum was held, and the so-called Presidential Government System—a so-called "domestic and national" creation—was formally implemented. This system marked the official establishment of the de facto one-man rule that had been in place since the corruption and bribery investigations of December 17-25, 2013. This new entity, embodying the "pure evil," established a system of control and suppression over the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Thus, "pure evil," officially alone at the helm, began systematically and openly engaging in human rights violations, torture, domestic and international abductions, the de facto annulment of its own constitution and parliament, lawlessness, militant jurisprudence, theft, corruption, and nepotism. While draining the treasury through exorbitantly expensive construction projects tied to foreign currency-indexed guarantees for 20-30 years, the regime also staffed government institutions with unqualified but loyal "miniature pure evils" through interviews, disregarding merit. The security apparatus—General Staff, Gendarmerie, Police, and Judiciary—was entirely redesigned.

The Public Encounters 'Pure Evil': The Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

Over the last six years, the "pure evil" regime has relentlessly escalated its actions, victimizing hundreds of thousands to consolidate its power. While groups like those who suffered repression after the corruption investigations of 2013 and the July 15 events were already familiar with "pure evil," the broader public encountered it firsthand on the cold morning of February 6, 2023.

Turkey, a country prone to earthquakes, has experienced four major tremors in the last quarter-century: the Gölcük and Düzce earthquakes of August 17 and November 12, 1999; the Van earthquake in 2011; and, most recently, the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake. Official records indicate that approximately 77,000 people lost their lives in these disasters.

The twin earthquakes of February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 and epicenters in Kahramanmaraş's Pazarcık and Ekinözü districts, respectively, affected 10 provinces with a combined population of 13.5 million in the country's south and southeast. Officially, 47,975 people died, hundreds of thousands were injured, and millions were forced to leave their homes amidst the harsh winter. According to the coordinator governor appointed by "pure evil," the actual death toll was at least three to five times higher than the announced figures.

'Pure Evil': "No Instructions Were Given"

In natural disasters, especially earthquakes, the first 48 hours after the event are critical for rescuing survivors and saving lives. The vast majority of rescue efforts take place within this window. However, during this crucial period, "pure evil" failed to deploy any official aid or rescue organizations to the disaster zone. Decision-makers were unreachable, and local authorities responded with "No instructions were given."

Not only did "pure evil" neglect to act, but it also obstructed foreign aid organizations, volunteer citizens, and aid deliveries from reaching the region. In some instances, aid that managed to arrive was delayed or hindered by bizarre excuses, such as stamping AFAD logos on tents sent by the United Nations. Stories shared by foreign teams returning from the region and social media reports from the disaster area provide numerous examples of these deliberate obstructions.

As professional rescue teams failed to reach the region during the critical first 48 hours, countless individuals who could have been easily saved perished, primarily from hypothermia. It wasn't until the third day that "pure evil" permitted limited rescue efforts by foreign teams and volunteers who were already present. Only then did the government make a token appearance in the region.

People Died, but 'Pure Evil' Didn’t Stop

Even as people remained trapped alive beneath the rubble, "pure evil" inexplicably ordered the immediate clearance of debris. This time, "instructions were given." The heavy machinery that had remained idle for the first 48 hours now began indiscriminately hauling debris, crushing the bodies of those still alive and loading them onto trucks. These acts of cruelty were carried out in plain sight of desperate family members waiting by the rubble.

During these premature debris removal efforts, some survivors likely lost their lives. Estimates suggest over 100,000 bodies remain beneath the rubble as machines continue their work uninterrupted. Many deceased individuals, unearthed by local and foreign rescue teams, were buried en masse in bags, sacks, or even trash bags without autopsies or proper identification.

'Pure Evil' Addresses Earthquake Survivors: “Disrespectful, Immoral, Dishonorable, Vile”

The only measure "pure evil" has taken against earthquakes in Turkey has been to impose taxes. Temporary levies introduced after past earthquakes have been made permanent, becoming a regular revenue source in the state budget. Under the 20-year rule of "pure evil," these special taxes, collected without interruption, were used not to prepare Turkey for earthquakes scientifically but to fund palaces, airplane fleets, and massive construction projects handed to favored contractors. They were also used for electoral bribes and other improper purposes.

More than a month after the earthquake, survivors in the disaster zone still lack basic necessities like shelter, heating, clothing, food, showers, and toilets. What little aid is provided arrives with great difficulty and is woefully inadequate.

This cannot be explained by lack of resources, coordination failures, or incompetence. It is a display of power by "pure evil." The same entity that failed to provide tents and turned the Turkish Red Crescent into a political spoils system insulted survivors with epithets like "disrespectful, immoral, dishonorable, vile" simply for voicing their frustrations.

A Looming Disaster in Istanbul

Experts estimate that the probability of an earthquake in Istanbul, with a population of 16 million, is 65% by 2030. The people of Turkey, especially those in Istanbul and its environs, are moving desperately towards the days of disaster under the spell of 'pure evil'. The lives of our relatives and millions of people in Turkey are in danger at the hands of the Tayyibs who are blinded by Tayyibism, whose leaven is 'pure evil'. I wanted to be their voice, I wanted to tell you about them and what is happening.

Mehmet Akbulut