(19 Sep 2016) Students across Turkey returned to school on Monday after a summer that saw the Turkish government target academic institutions as a part of its crackdown following the failed coup attempt on 15 July.
More than 40,000 people have been detained and nearly 85,000 suspended or dismissed from a broad range of public sector jobs, including school teachers, doctors, airline staff, diplomats, judges, journalists and artists.
In addition, more than 4,200 institutions have been shut down or seized, including many schools.
The 15 July coup attempt saw elements of the Turkish army attempt to seize control of key locations in the country, attacking the Parliament in Ankara and killing over 270 people in the process, according to the government.
The Turkish government blames the coup on US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen and his followers, and academic institutions allegedly tied to the cleric and his movement have been at the forefront of those targeted.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the purges are essential to rid the Turkish state of Gulen's followers.
Gulen himself has condemned the coup and denies any involvement.
The start of the academic year comes as Turkey is still in a state of emergency declared in the aftermath of the coup.

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