Those Who Knew and Didn't Know About July 15

Who had prior knowledge of the events that occurred on July 15, and who did not? First and foremost, an event of such magnitude cannot be orchestrated overnight. It requires extensive and meticulous planning. It must be acknowledged that within the ranks of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), there were personnel who were unaware of the operation yet found themselves caught up in it, others who had prior knowledge, and still others who not only knew about it but were directly involved in its planning and execution.

It must also be acknowledged that Public Prosecutor Serdar Coşkun, who led the investigations into the coup attempt, was among those who had prior knowledge of and took part in planning the events of July 15. This is because he was one of the first prosecutors to initiate an investigation on the night of July 15. However, he based the initiation of the investigation on an official report he drafted. In this report, he claims that the Special Forces Command had been bombed. However, the Special Forces Command was not bombed that night. The same report also states that an airstrike was carried out against the Directorate of Police Intelligence. The attack on the Directorate occurred at 00:56. In Istanbul, however, the jets took off at 02:10. Yet the Public Prosecutor in question included these details in an official report he prepared at 01:00. In other words, he documented events in the report that had not yet occurred at the time it was written. It would be inaccurate to describe him as a 'seer' in this context, because he did not merely foresee possible events—he already knew what was going to happen that night. However, even a seer would not be able to foresee future events with such clarity and precision.

Many individuals had prior knowledge of the events of July 15. As specifically stated in the defense of Lieutenant Colonel Osman Kılıç, recorded via SEGBİS (Audio and Video Information System for Trials) during the hearings held on April 8 and 9, 2019, within the scope of case file No. 2017/109 at the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court, an article dated March 22, 2016, titled “Erdoğan’s Hope to Become President Through a Coup” written by Fatma Sibel Yüksek and published on the website Açık İstihbarat.com, reveals that the incident was known to state authorities well in advance.

In her article, Fatma Sibel Yüksek states the following:

"Have you noticed that the word 'coup' has been systematically whispered into the backs of our minds for some time now? The man who owes his entire political career to coup rumors now says, "If I go, the state will collapse." Given that there will be no elections in the near future—and even if there were, he now clearly knows how not to lose them—he is, of course, implying that he would only leave through a coup. (After all, why would the state collapse just because someone left office through an election?)

Abdülkadir Selvi, a member of the official bulletin team of the coup-sympathizing figure, writes: “If a few more bombs explode, a coup will follow.”

İbrahim Karagül, the editor-in-chief of Yeni Şafak, the so-called “flagship” of the ruling power, makes calls on social media such as “Close ranks, prepare for war.”
Ruhsar Demirel from the MHP, a party that never hesitates to throw a lifeline to the AKP in times of crisis, declares: “The National Security Council must convene, and martial law should be declared as of today.”

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin offers reassurance to some by stating, “If there is a coup in Turkey, the U.S. will not support Erdoğan.”
(NOTE: The claim in the article that “anti-aircraft guns will be installed at the Illegal Palace” is quite remarkable!)

Among the nationalist and pro-Atatürk segments in Turkey, there is no small number of people who believe that Erdoğan can only be removed through a coup—and some even support this idea emotionally. Some appear to have mobilized as if to ensure that a coup takes place, with teams reportedly formed—comprising individuals from the right, the left, nationalist factions, as well as members of the MHP and AKP—tasked with covertly shaping public opinion in favor of such an outcome. It is clear that a coup would come as a remedy for some. And what could be more appealing than adding the title of “the leader who overcame a coup” to Tayyip Erdoğan’s already highly decorated political career?

These days, it is extremely important not to rush to embrace every rumor that offers a sense of relief. In his statement, Lieutenant Colonel Osman Kılıç also said: “Again, Akit newspaper, Oda TV… I am their president.” Several months before July 15, opinion columns began circulating allegations that the only way out for military officers accused of being affiliated with the Gülen movement was a coup, and that preparations were underway. Oda TV ran a headline reporting that the pro-Erdoğan Akit newspaper was being subjected to very dangerous plots. There is an article by Fuat Uğur again. Let me read it Fuat Uğur says: With intelligence monitoring their actions, the state—through its entire apparatus, including the armed forces, the chain of command, the government, law enforcement, political actors, civil society organizations, and the general public— appears to be collectively awaiting their commission of a crime. Mr. President, it seems that everyone has heard or knows something—except for us. Mr. President, in an article published on Oda TV, a retired officer—previously a defendant in the Balyoz case and now aligned with Doğu Perinçek—claims that 'a coup is the Gülen movement’s only salvation.' In doing so, he also accuses thousands of military personnel, who serve under difficult conditions and great sacrifice, of being affiliated with the movement and undermining the fight against terrorism. He states: 'It seems the Gülen movement is running out of time. Whatever action it plans to take, it will have to do so before the decisions of the Supreme Military Council in August.'
Mr. President, another key figure is Erol Olçok. Mr. President, this is a significant figure—Erol Olçok, as you know, was the coordinator of the AK Party's election campaigns. He interprets the article by stating that Erdoğan is expected to soon launch a massive and destructive operation within the military against Kemalists, secularists, and members of the Gülen movement.

The significance of the article becomes clearer when its date and content are taken into consideration. He notes that certain groups have begun engaging in psychological operations and perception management efforts. He even goes further, claiming that certain groups are eager for such an event to take place. He states that teams have been formed with members from various segments of society, including individuals affiliated with the MHP and AKP, as well as those identified as nationalist factions. The article suggests not only that there was an intense effort to pave the way for a coup attempt, but also that certain individuals had actively mobilized to make it happen.

There is an even more significant point, which the author explains as follows:

"It is clear that a coup would feel like a remedy to some. After all, what could be more rewarding than adding the title of 'the leader who defeated a coup' to Tayyip Erdoğan’s already remarkable political career?"

The author in question not only appears to be aware of the preparations and attempts leading up to the coup, but—interestingly—also seems able to predict its outcome. He gives the impression of having attended a meeting held prior to the events of July 15.
Those who had prior knowledge of July 15 took precautions in line with whatever position best served their own interests.
However, many individuals within the Turkish Armed Forces and other state institutions, who had no knowledge of the events of July 15, continued their lives unaware of the consequences that would soon befall them. They were then sacrificed to consolidate Erdoğan's dictatorship and domination of the country. Their innocence meant nothing. Because such an opportunity could not be missed. For Erdoğan, this was a major opportunity. In the end, developments unfolded that would turn the lives of millions of people in the country upside down.

Barış Küheylan
Sources:
(1) Former Pentagon Official: "If a coup takes place in Turkey, no one in the U.S.
will stand by Erdoğan"
(2) Open Intelligence Platform – Article ID: 5138