After the Coup Attempt, Erdogan Feels Like a Sultan

• 07.20.2017, 19:02
• Greta Avetisyan
•  Region,  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  World,  Analytics

A year after the failed coup attempt, Turkey, in the face of Erdogan, has a leader with  extended powers. It is still difficult to say who exactly were the authors of the coup attempt and who needed it, but one thing is clear. From the very beginning of the coup attempt, Erdogan has benefited and continues to benefit from the current situation.

‘’Thanks’’ to the state of emergency in the country, as well as with the excuse of struggling against Gulen, Erdogan succeeded in carrying out "cleaning" operations in the country in order to get rid of those who hindered or could hinder the formation of his "sultanate."

The policy of Turkey against the Kurds got especially tense. More active Kurdish figures (including the 2 Co-Chairs of the pro-Kurdish PDP) who could directly and indirectly impede Turkey's policy against the Kurdish factor, were persecuted and arrested. A number of media outlets related to the Kurds were closed.

The restrictions on the freedom of speech, the repression and arrests of dissidents and journalists have been unprecedented during this year. And in order to make the picture clearer, it is enough to present a few details. Over the past year, about 160 news outlets have been closed in Turkey and over 150 journalists have been arrested. Recently, 10 human rights defenders have been arrested in Istanbul during the conference.

The failed coup attempt also made a pretty good ground for the realization of constitutional changes without causing serious shocks. In order to make the country's security more efficient, Erdogan was able to convince the citizens to vote in favor of expanding his powers.

In summary, it should be noted that today's Turkey is moving towards the establishment of an authoritarian regime. Erdogan has almost succeeded in becoming "the last sultan" who controls everyone and everything.