Turkey managed to overcome one of the toughest challenges facing it in its recent history by thwarting Friday evening’s military coup.

Foiling this coup attempt was not only a triumph for Turkey’s political establishment, but for democracy, the Turkish people, and the stability and prosperity of this country as well as the region.

As soon as news of this coup were developing, countries from around the world rushed to urge all sides in Turkey to support the democratically elected government in Ankara and safeguard the principles of democracy.

And that was what hundreds of thousands of Turks did by taking to the streets late Friday and early Saturday to oppose the move by the rebel forces of the army. 

It was a spontaneous expression of the Turkish people’s desire to defend the country’s democracy. Decisive positions taken by the country’s opposition forces during these tough hours were exemplary as the vast majority expressed support for the democratically elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite disagreements with him and his party.

By early Saturday, the Turkish people’s desire triumphed over the uncalculated moves by some rebel army officers and soldiers that led to great losses in life, damage to property and adverse effects on the economy.

Despite these losses, it is hoped that the lessons would be learned by all, in Turkey, the region and the world.

First and foremost, no army can defeat the free will of a people and political forces have to keep in mind that any sought changes should take place through democratic means.

Governments around the world also have to keep in mind that democracy should in no way mean disregarding the opinions, fears and rights of the minority, nor in any manner turn the majority into a tyranny intimidating or depriving the minority of any rights.

Reasons for Friday’s coup attempt have to be well studied by the Turkish government, particularly fears that the secular foundations, rule of law and rights of individuals against the state are in any way threatened.