Today marks the 64th anniversary of the 1960 coup d’état in Türkiye, a pivotal event that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape. On May 27, 1960, 38 young Turkish military officers orchestrated a coup against the democratically elected government of the Democrat Party, an act that set a precedent for future military interventions in Turkish politics.
The coup, known as the 27th May Revolution, was the first of its kind in the Republic of Turkey. Led by General Cemal Gürsel, the officers acted outside the established military chain of command, successfully overthrowing Prime Minister Adnan Menderes. This abrupt power shift challenged the democratic order and left a lasting impact on the nation’s governance.
The backdrop to the coup was a period of significant socio-political turmoil and economic hardship. The dwindling US aid from the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan forced Prime Minister Menderes to seek alternative financial support, even considering a visit to Moscow. However, the coup abruptly ended these plans, plunging Türkiye into political uncertainty and disruption.
The aftermath of the coup was marked by severe repercussions. Adnan Menderes, along with two of his ministers, Fatin Rüştü Zorlu and Hasan Polatkan, were tried and executed. The military junta that took power implemented a new constitution and declared May 27 as the “Day of Independence and Constitution.” This upheaval set the stage for subsequent coups and further political instability in the country.
Reflecting on the 1960 coup, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently called it a “bleeding wound in the heart of our nation.” The site of the trials, Yassiada, has since been transformed into Democracy and Freedom Island, symbolizing Türkiye’s complex political journey and its efforts to reconcile with its turbulent past.
As the nation commemorates this solemn anniversary, it serves as a time for reflection on the sacrifices made, the lessons learned, and the resilience that has emerged from those dark times. The 1960 coup remains a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.