Turkey in Turmoil

Synopsis

Turkey faces significant turmoil after a failed coup attempt earlier this month. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tightens his grip on power by declaring emergency rule. Author Alv Scott, who recently returned from Turkey, discusses the situation alongside Hugh Carnegy from the Financial Times. Scott notes that Erdogan has called citizens to the streets multiple times, particularly in Taksim Square and Istanbul, where the majority of demonstrators are his supporters. These gatherings exhibit a patriotic and Islamic flavor, although opposition parties also participate to celebrate the quashing of the coup. Hugh highlights that Erdogan has purged military personnel, teachers, academics, journalists, and judges, suggesting he is using the coup attempt as a means to undermine basic freedoms and consolidate his power. Erdogan's declaration that the coup was a 'gift from God' raises concerns about his intentions to further erode the rule of law in Turkey.