A Purge after the May 27, 1960 Coup: Retired Revolution Officers (EMINSU)

After the May 27, 1960 military coup, the National Unity Committee planned radical changes in the state structure and attempted purges in many areas in this context, including the military and universities. In this study, the purge in Turkish Armed Forces, which is the first and most important, has been analyzed. The purge, implemented as part of the Law No. 42 which was enacted by MBK, was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, 235 Generals and Admirals, including the Chief of General Staff, General Ragıp Gümüşpala, were pensioned on August 3, 1960 and the staff of high command in Turkish Armed Forces was completely replaced. Then, in the second phase of the purge operation, which took place between August 20 and September 2, 1960, over 4000 officers including majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels were pensioned from Turkish Armed Forces. Pension processes were kept in strict confidence. The main reasons for the retirement of more than 4000 officers were the overpopulation and the intention of rejuvenescence in the army. In consequence of the purge, a new form of army occured. After the purge in the army, new assigments were also made for the high commands, so the threats that could have come from them against the May 27 movement were also prevented. The officers who were retired and dismissed from the army united under the name of the Association of Retired Revolutionary Officers (EMINSU) in order to stuggle with the consequences of what they thought was an unjust action against them and started a movement for their rights. In this context, actions such as press releases, public demonstrations and protest marches were carried out to condemn the attitudes of the MBK, which carried out the purge, and the governments in power, which did not fulfill their demands, and to demonstrate their desire to return to their former positions in the army. The retired officers would later be known as "Eminsus" because of the association they founded. The EMINSU Association went through various stages until it was shut down by the 1980 military coup. It was shut by the MBK, then reestablished, and another association which was splitted from them was formed later. No matter how hard the Eminsus fought to return to the army, their attempts were unsuccessful.