40 years since the 1980 coup, a black stain on the history of Turkish democracy

Sept. 12 marks the anniversary of one of the bloodiest coups in Turkey's history. The Turkish military seized power through "Operation Flag," which effectively shut down the government and Parliament.

The aftermath of the takeover was characterized by a string of anti-democratic activities from the closure of political parties to the banning of nongovernmental organizations, as well as the removal of key politicians, who were briefly exiled, from government

National Salvation Party (MSP) Chairman Necmettin Erbakan (L), Konya deputies, Tahir Büyükkorukçu (C) and Şener Battal (R), being arrested on Oct. 15, 1980.

Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel (2R) and Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Bülent Ecevit (L) and their spouses Nazmiye Demirel (R) and Rahşan Ecevit (2L) brought to Etimesgut Military Airport following detention, Oct. 11, 1980.

Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel (2R) and Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Bülent Ecevit (L) and their spouses Nazmiye Demirel (R) and Rahşan Ecevit (2L) wait for a flight following their detention on Oct. 11, 1980.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Bülent Ecevit (L) being taken to Etimesgut Military Airport, Oct. 11, 1980.

Chairman of the National Security Council (MGK) and Chief of General Staff, Gen. Kenan Evren, makes his first statement to the press following the coup at the Turkish Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Sept. 12, 1980

Chairman of the National Security Council (MGK) and Chief of General Staff, Gen. Kenan Evren (C) makes his first statement following the coup to the press, Sept. 12, 1980 at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, alongside Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Nejat Tümer, Commander of the Air Force Gen. Tahsin Şahinkaya, Land Forces Commander Gen. Nurettin Ersin and Gendarmerie General Commander Sedat Celasun were also present in the statement in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (from right to left)

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Alparslan Türkeş (C) arrives to make a statement at the Ankara Courthouse, Dec. 11, 1980.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Alparslan Türkeş (C) makes a statement at the Ankara Courthouse, Dec. 11, 1980.

Car passes a soldier in the wake of Sept. 12, 1980 military coup.

People form long queues in front of a bakery on the morning of Sept. 12, 2020.

Soldiers stand guard on the streets in the wake of Sept. 12, 1980 military coup.

Soldiers speak to a man in the wake of Sept. 12, 1980 military coup.

Soldiers speak to a man in the street following Sept. 12, 1980 military coup.