Turkey coup attempt: Lives resume under state of emergency By Selin Girit

BBC News, Istanbul Published duration 21 July 2016

image copyright Reuters image caption Supporters of the president have come out in force every day since the coup was thwarted

In the heart of Istanbul, Turkish flags dominate Taksim Square. For five days in a row since the failed coup, people have taken to the streets here to show their support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government.

On the steps of Gezi Park, which was the epicentre of anti-government protests three years ago, is a recently-erected platform. Between them hangs a banner with a Turkish flag imprinted on it that reads: "Sovereignty belongs to the Nation".

Thousands gathered here to watch President Erdogan on giant screens on Wednesday night as he announced the implementation of a three-month state of emergency. Some in the crowd burst into applause, clearly appreciative of the measure.

Mr Erdogan pledged that the country's democracy would not be harmed and fundamental rights and freedoms would not be curbed.

"This step is taken to cleanse the supporters of the Fethullah Gulen terrorist organisation from state bureaucracy, to place the state in strong hands in order to make democracy function better," he said.

The headline of one pro-government daily on Thursday read: "No compromise from democracy", highlighting Mr Erdogan's comments. Another read: "State of emergency for the coup plotters, peace for the citizens".

image copyright EPA image caption A state of emergency came into force in Turkey on Thursday

But that is not a mood shared by everyone in Turkey, which is already a country divided along political or ideological lines.

Amongst the government's critics there are concerns that the announcement of a state of emergency might lead to more authoritarian rule, giving President Erdogan greater powers to sideline parliament.

Our lives will be tougher: View from Istanbul

On the streets of Istanbul, people hesitate to speak on the subject. Those who agree to speak ask for their last names to be withheld.

"I do not think we deserve this," says Sengul, a journalist. "The coup attempt was horrible. But what we are going through at the moment is awful too."

"The state of emergency will affect our daily lives. I do not see any reason why censorship will not be extended," she says.

Elif, an architect, shares similar fears. "We jumped out of the frying pan into the fire," she comments. "The arrests of thousands of people, followed by a state of emergency in the whole country, make us think our lives will be tougher."

Turkey's thwarted coup

image copyright AFP image caption Protesters try to take over a tank in Ankara in the early hours of 16 July

22:00 (19:00 GMT) Coup attempt launched in Istanbul and Ankara on 15 July

Coup attempt launched in Istanbul and Ankara on 15 July Bosphorus bridges blocked in Istanbul; warplanes attack police and intelligence buildings in Ankara

Midnight: President Erdogan, who is on holiday in south-west Turkey, appears on CNN Turk via FaceTime to urge resistance

President Erdogan, who is on holiday in south-west Turkey, appears on CNN Turk via FaceTime to urge resistance Parliament in Ankara is bombed and soldiers and tanks fire at protesters

03:00 President Erdogan arrives safely at Istanbul airport and is mobbed by supporters

President Erdogan arrives safely at Istanbul airport and is mobbed by supporters 06:00 Soldiers surrender on the Bosphorus bridges

Soldiers surrender on the Bosphorus bridges At least 260 people were killed and 1,400 wounded

All timings approximate

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus assured Turks on Thursday that the government would not declare any curfews, free market rules would not be affected and fundamental rights would not be compromised.

"Our business has suffered. People do not want to go out on the streets unless they have to," says Kemal, a taxi driver.

"Now we have to wait and see. If they abuse the power to issue decrees, then we will be facing further problems," he says.

"I am anxious for the future of Turkey," says an academic whose work-trip to Canada has been blocked due to the latest crackdown. He does not want to give his name, and says no more.

Shattered lives

At Caglayan Court House, families of privates and military students accused of taking part in the coup attempt await the latest news.

Ahmet's 16-year-old son, studying at a military high school in Istanbul, was detained on Saturday morning and then imprisoned. He says he has seen him only once since then, and waved to him from a distance.

"I am worried," he says. "These kids had no idea what they were doing. Those who deceived them should be punished. But some say there will not be a fair trial anymore."

image copyright AP image caption Relatives of the detained wait in vain for news of their loved ones

"We don't know what will happen to us now," says Rifat, whose son - also a military school student - is detained.

"Will they extend the detention period? Will justice work? We don't know."

He says their lives are now completely shattered.

"Yesterday, the door bell rang. My nine-year-old daughter ran to open it, shouting: 'It's my brother!' My wife collapsed to the floor in agony," he says, unable to hold back his tears.