66th Mechanized Infantry Division
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| 66th Mechanized Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
| 66. Mekanize Piyade Tümeni | |
| Country | Turkey |
| Branch | Turkish Land Forces |
| Type | Mechanized infantry and division |
| Role | Mechanized warfare |
| Size | ~4,200 personnel (core) |
| Part of | 3rd Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Çorlu, Tekirdağ Province |
The 66th Mechanized Infantry Division,[a] is a mechanized infantry and division of the Turkish Land Forces, headquartered in Çorlu, Turkey. It consists of approximately 4,200 troops and has participated in NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) since 2021, when Turkey assumed leadership of the force for the first time. It is part of the 3rd Corps and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-T).[1][2] Along with VJTF, the total personnel strength expands to around 6,400 soldiers.[3]
The 66th Mechanized Infantry Division is part of the 3rd Corps under the command of the First Army, located in Şişli, Istanbul. Within the division, the 52nd Armored Division is included, which consists of the 1st and 2nd Armored Brigades. The 1st Armored Brigade is stationed in Hadımköy, while the 2nd Armored Brigade is based in Kartal, both in Istanbul.[4] The 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade was previously located in Hasdal, Istanbul. However, it was relocated to Çorlu, Tekirdağ Province.
- First Army – Selimiye Barracks, Istanbul
- 3rd Corps – Şişli, Istanbul
- 52nd Armored Division
- 1st Armored Brigade – Hadımköy, Istanbul
- 2nd Armored Brigade – Kartal, Istanbul
- 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade – Çorlu, Tekirdağ Province
- 52nd Armored Division
- 3rd Corps – Şişli, Istanbul
Coup attempt
In the indictment concerning 132 high-ranking officers, 55 of whom were under arrest as of 2017, details emerged about their involvement in the 2016 coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). These personnel were allegedly responsible for organizing the coup on the European Side of Istanbul and held a meeting at the 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Command in Esenler.[5] The brigade played a central role during the coup attempt, with armored vehicles being deployed to key locations such as Atatürk Airport and Vatan Avenue.[6] The indictment included details reflected in the crime scene's camera footage, providing crucial evidence of the events that transpired at the brigade command.[5]
Following the failed coup attempt, armored vehicles were relocated from the Baştabya Barracks, affiliated with the 66th Mechanized Armored Infantry Brigade Command. This was part of a broader initiative to move military barracks out of Istanbul and Ankara.[6]
Since the coup was executed, the brigade was permanently moved to Çorlu district of Tekirdağ Province in the same year on 22 August 2016.[7][8]