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Journals / TRT Akademi / 2026 / Cilt: 11 Sayı: 15 Temmuz: Medya ve Demokrasi Özel Sayı

Media Discourse and the Construction of Democratic Resistance in Times of Crisis: A Qualitative Analysis of the July 15th Process

Kriz Dönemlerinde Medya Söylemi ve Demokratik Direncin İnşası: 15 Temmuz Sürecine Yönelik Nitel Bir Analiz

Ezgi Zengin Demirbilek(KIRKLARELİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0009-0000-8799-6223
Derya Şahin(İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi)0000-0002-5894-1554
Pages
36–61
Publication Date
2026-07-09
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that media discourse does not merely transmit information during crises; rather, it actively structures meaning through the reproduction of democratic legitimacy, the construction of collective identity and the management of uncertainty.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The July 15, 2016 coup attempt represents a critical moment that made visible the role of media in democratic processes under crisis conditions.
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Key Findings & Data:This study addresses this gap by examining how media discourse functioned in the construction of democratic resistance during the July 15 process.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that media discourse does not merely transmit information during crises; rather, it actively structures meaning through the reproduction of democratic legitimacy, the construction of collective identity and the management of uncertainty.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2016 Verileri
⚙️Variables:15 Temmuz · Medya ve Demokrasi · Demokratik Direnç

Abstract

The July 15, 2016 coup attempt represents a critical moment that made visible the role of media in democratic processes under crisis conditions. While existing literature predominantly addresses this role at a normative level, it offers limited insight into the mechanisms through which media discourse constructs democratic legitimacy and collective meaning. This study addresses this gap by examining how media discourse functioned in the construction of democratic resistance during the July 15 process. The research is based on a qualitative document analysis of publicly available television broadcasts and official statements. The findings indicate that media discourse does not merely transmit information during crises; rather, it actively structures meaning through the reproduction of democratic legitimacy, the construction of collective identity and the management of uncertainty. In this respect, the study offers a mechanism-based re-evaluation of the role of media in times of crisis.

Özet

15 Temmuz 2016 darbe girişimi, medyanın kriz koşullarında demokratik süreçlerde üstlendiği rolü görünür kılan kritik bir dönüm noktasıdır. Mevcut literatür, bu rolü çoğunlukla normatif düzeyde ele almakta ancak medya söyleminin demokratik meşruiyet ve kolektif anlam üretimini hangi mekanizmalar aracılığıyla kurduğunu sınırlı biçimde açıklamaktadır. Bu çalışma, söz konusu boşluğu ele alarak 15 Temmuz sürecinde medya söyleminin demokratik direncin inşasında nasıl işlediğini incelemektedir. Araştırma, kamuya açık televizyon yayınları ve resmî açıklamalara dayalı nitel doküman analiziyle yürütülmüştür. Bulgular, medya söyleminin kriz anlarında yalnızca bilgi aktaran bir araç olmadığını; demokratik meşruiyetin yeniden üretimi, kolektif kimliğin inşası ve belirsizliğin yönetimi yoluyla anlam üretimini yönlendiren aktif bir yapı olarak işlediğini göstermektedir. Bu yönüyle çalışma, medyanın kriz dönemlerindeki rolüne ilişkin tartışmaları mekanizma temelli bir çerçevede yeniden değerlendirmeye açmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Demirbilek, E. Z., Şahin, D. (2026). Media Discourse and the Construction of Democratic Resistance in Times of Crisis: A Qualitative Analysis of the July 15th Process. TRT Akademi, Cilt: 11 Sayı: 15 Temmuz: Medya ve Demokrasi Özel Sayı, 36–61. https://doi.org/10.37679/trta.1871703

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