The Batı Çalışma Grubu (BÇG; English: West Study Group or West Working Group) was an alleged clandestine grouping within the Turkish military said to be linked to the Ergenekon organization.[1] It was allegedly set up in 1997 by General Çevik Bir (then deputy-chief of the General Staff of the Republic of Turkey) as part of the process relating to the 1997 military memorandum (the "post-modern coup"), and active until at least May 2009. The primary activity of the group appears to have been classifying politicians, military personnel, journalists and others according to ethnic background, religious affiliation and political leanings, and to monitor the activity of those considered a potential danger to secularism in Turkey.[2] This included monitoring some religious communities outside Turkey.[3] It has been claimed that in 1997 BÇG had records on 6 million people, and offices in the Higher Education Board (YÖK) as well as in each branch of the military.[4][5]
- ^ Today's Zaman, 11 January 2009, How the mosaic of Ergenekon terror gang was created Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Today's Zaman, 31 March 2013, BÇG carried on activities until 2009, documents suggest Archived April 1, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Today's Zaman, 5 June 2012, BÇG also compiled lists to keep tabs on Turks living abroad Archived June 12, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Today's Zaman, 29 March 2013, Shady group had office at YÖK during 1997 coup, daily says Archived March 31, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Today's Zaman, 25 April 2009, Ergenekon’s Gen. Eruygur blacklisted ambassadors and bureaucrats Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine