In July 2016, a failed coup attempt occurred in Turkey aimed at overthrowing the government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A faction within the Turkish military attempted to seize control, resulting in clashes and significant unrest across the country. The government quickly responded by declaring a state of emergency and detaining thousands of military personnel, civil servants, and others suspected of involvement. The coup was attributed to followers of Fethullah Gülen, a cleric living in exile in the United States. The Turkish government accused Gülen and his supporters of orchestrating the coup, leading to a widespread crackdown on dissent and a significant shift in the political landscape of Turkey.