Military Academy graduation fuels polarization in Türkiye—here is why

On Aug. 30, 2024, following the Turkish Military Academy graduation ceremony a group of army lieutenants broke protocol to chant, “We are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers.”

Controversy erupted after images and videos of the lieutenants went viral across Turkish social media channels. The incident sparked a wide debate between the supporters of the lieutenants and those seeking repercussions. 

Türkiye’s history of coups has fostered a heightened sensitivity to any actions by the Turkish military that could be seen as political, making the chant a source of political sensationalism.

The fact that the chant was used by Türkiye‘s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) during political rallies created extra tension. Critics accused the soldiers of displaying a political stance.

Due to the country’s unique history, any indication of military involvement in elected civilian management of Türkiye often prompts reactions from the government and public.

What happened

The 2024 lieutenant graduation ceremonies witnessed three Turkish women rising as valedictorians of the air force, navy and army academies. Ebru Eroglu, at the top of her class, gathered with her classmates to take a separate oath from the army.

The officers were warned on at least three separate occasions before the graduation ceremony, after their requests were rejected, to refrain from holding such a celebration. They had initially submitted their request to change the event on Aug. 13.

A number of graduates, not reflective of the entire class, took a separate oath with their swords stretched out after President Erdogan had left the area. The six lieutenants involved, including Eroglu, were referred to the Higher Disciplinary Council of the Turkish military with a request for dismissal. 

On Nov. 13, Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler stated, “As a society, we have to wait patiently until November 25. However, as the Turkish Armed Forces, our understanding of discipline is always at the forefront in our view of such incidents… We will make the decision at the Supreme Disciplinary Council.”

The charges

The charges against the lieutenants include Article 20 and Article 40 of the Turkish Armed Forces Disciplinary Code within the Turkish Armed Forces High Disciplinary Rules Regulation.

Article 20 of the law deals with the heading “Indiscipline requiring the penalty of separation from the Armed Forces”, under which the lieutenants are going to be evaluated for “engaging in behaviors that hinder service.”

The board which will decide on the repercussions can impose a “dismissal” penalty, light penalty, or return the file.

If a dismissal verdict is issued, the lieutenants have the right to challenge the decision in administrative court, where it could potentially be overturned.

Commentaries from politicians

In a statement on the subject, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “We will ensure that whoever is involved in this business receives the punishment they deserve.” 

Erdogan also commented that consultations over the issue occurred with the rector of the National Defense University Erhan Afyoncu, Commander of the Land Forces Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and the Minister of Defense Guler. 

AK Party Bursa deputy and former industry and technology minister compared the lieutenants to soldiers taking part in the July 15 coup attempt.  

AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik, however, defended the lieutenants in statements, saying, “These (lieutenants) are the sons of the nation … It is unacceptable to insult the lieutenants.” Trying to placate both sides on the matter. 

The ruling government’s junior partner, Nationalist Action Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahçeli, commented, “We will follow the issue closely,” while questioning why so much media attention had been focused on the incident.

Main opposition CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel meanwhile commented, “Were they going to say, ‘We are all the soldiers of Trikopis?’ Of course, they are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers,” referring to Nikolaos Trikopis, who fought against the Turkish Army during the War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

‘We are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers’

The origin of “We are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers” is uncertain but accepted to be used over the decades.

It is unofficially used within Turkish military ranks. The term refers to a political stance in Türkiye’s complex political spectrum as the chant is often used by the main opposition party CHP.

The saying of course refers to Turks being the soldiers of the military general turned statesman Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who in 1923 founded the Republic of Türkiye.

Yet, the conservative bloc in Türkiye often embodies mixed ideas regarding the nation’s founder.

While appreciation for his ability to fight half a dozen foreign powers to create the nation is not questioned, often it is the secular regime his ideals installed after the creation that is a point of contention.

“Kemalism” for many years suppressed and belittled Türkiye’s conservative segment.

Much attention is paid to the military in Turkish politics as it is at the center of the very nation-state itself and historically the branch of the government to engage in coups.

Expected sentence

In this particular case, users on social media platforms Instagram (Meta) and X, formerly Twitter, aggravated the situation, drawing much public attention and highlighting ideological fissures.

Not only had the lieutenants requested to conduct the oath, but for many years that same oath would take place in a private setting at the inner yard of the battalion building in the evening before graduation.

It had occurred in 2023 and in previous years, but this year the superiors had not allowed for an unspecified reason.

The incident has two dimensions, the primary issue of which is that the Turkish armed forces prides itself on maintaining strict order. Not listening to orders is the primary concern. The second dimension is the one that became political.

With the messaging from AK Party headquarters as well as various public calls, it appears that on Nov. 25 some disciplinary action will be taken and while dismissal is on the table, it appears to be an unlikely outcome.

Ministry of Defense weighs in

Leading up to the verdict, on Nov. 21, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced, “As Ataturk stated, ‘Without discipline, armies cannot be dispatched.’ Attitudes and behaviors that will create a perception of separation over our common value of Ataturk are unacceptable.”

“The alleged crime is not to lift a sword or say ‘We are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers,’ but to commit deliberate and organized indiscipline despite the warning of superiors.”