Specialist Sergeant Selim
A young specialist sergeant who risked his life in urban operations finds himself in Şırnak Prison after 15 July. “Specialist Sergeant Selim” is a story about soldiers branded “traitors”.
Author
Ali Çağlar
39 articles · Writing for PUGAT 2021–2026 · 5 series
Articles · page 4
The Third Party in Roboski
On 28 December 2011, 34 civilians were killed in an air operation in Roboski. Ten years later, the author questions the role of a “third party” beyond the two dominant views of the incident.
Specialist Sergeants
Fifty-six specialist sergeants serving in Libya were dismissed for filing a collective complaint of mobbing with CİMER. Through the battalion commander’s words, the author questions the notions of hierarchy and honour in the army.
Death Fast, Bloody Iftar: The “Return to Life” Operations
Launched simultaneously in 20 prisons in December 2000, Operation Return to Life is etched in memory with death fasts and dozens of deaths. The author, trained at the gendarmerie school, questions the background of the operation.
The Story of an Extraordinary Soldier
The story of Australian military doctor Charles Ryan at Gallipoli was told to Türkiye’s first ambassador to Australia at a dinner. An extraordinary tale linking the two sides of the war.
The Village Guards
Allegations of serious crimes against some village guards have reopened the debate on the village guard system. The author assesses the system, covering nearly 70,000 armed personnel, together with the arguments of all sides.
The People Said HDP, but the PKK Has the Guns
After the trench operations, the government’s answer to the Kurdish question was TOKİ housing and trustees. The author comments on the impasse in which, although the people chose the HDP at the ballot box, the PKK’s guns remained decisive.
Navê Te Çi Ye Zarok? What Is Your Name, Child?
People fleeing Şırnak before the curfew in March 2016, and a child met at a checkpoint. “Navê te çi ye zarok?” What is your name, child? A testimony.
Trench Operations: Let He Who Is Without Sin Throw the First Stone!
Like the Irish soldiers written off in the Siege of Jadotville, the soldiers in the trench operations paid the price for political mistakes. The author asks where the responsibility lies.
