EMİNSU association as a military centered nongovernmental organization

Civil society, whose intellectual foundations date back to the works of Aristotle, was used synonymously with the state until the 18th century. In later periods, however, the emphasis shifted to opposition to the state. The concept has become a crucial tool in establishing a culture of democracy, developing civic consciousness, and mediating the relationship between the state and society. Following the military coup on May 27, 1960, the National Unity Committee enacted Law No. 42 on August 2, 1960, which led to the retirement of 235 generals and admirals and approximately 7200 officers. This purge reduced the officer corps by more than fifty percent. The officers who were dismissed from the military formed a civil organization called the Association of Retired Revolutionary Officers (EMİNSU) on September 6, 1960. As a civil society organization with military roots, EMİNSU engaged in various activities to regain their lost rights and sought to return to the military. They maintained constant relations with the government but were unable to rejoin the military. The struggle of the EMİNSU Association, which continued until the 1980s, resulted in the attainment of some financial rights. Keywords: Civil Society, Civil Society Organizations, Association, Army, May 27, EMİNSU