CAIRO, Jul 21 (Aswat Masriya) – Egypt's foreign ministry said that the Turkish President's statements to al-Jazeera on Wednesday do not reflect "sound judgement" and echoes the "tough conditions" that the president is going through.

In an interview with al-Jazeera on Wednesday night, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that "the Egyptian and Syrian people are longing for democracy", while al-Sisi has "nothing to do with democracy", and has "killed thousands of his people".

Foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement on Thursday that Erdogan "seems to be unable to distinguish between a popular uprising backed by the armed forces and a military coup in the traditional sense."

Erdogan added that his government is keen on abiding by the law. He further accused Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of instigating the coup attempt. Turkey has formally requested the extradition of Gulen from the United States, where he lives in self-imposed exile. 

Rebels initiated a coup in Turkey that was crushed by forces loyal to Erdogan on Friday night, after crowds answered to his call to take to the streets in support of the government.

In the aftermath of the failed coup attempt, Erdogan has launched what has been described as a "purge" of those who are perceived to be disloyal to the government.

The crackdown initially targeted thousands of military personnel but has since expanded to include teachers, academics, and the media.

According to news reports, Erdogan affirmed that over 9,000 people have been suspended from their jobs and 1,933 arrested, adding that these figures are bound to increase as current investigations with detainees may reveal others involved in the coup attempt.

International observers including the United Nations and rights group Amnesty International have expressed their concern, urging Turkey to abide by the law and respect freedoms and human rights.

Ties between Egypt and Turkey have been strained since Mursi’s ouster by the military following mass protests against his rule. Erdogan has been openly critical of Mursi's ouster. In April 2015, Erdogan stated that before Ankara could consider improving ties with Cairo, Egypt should free Mursi from jail and lift its mass death sentences.

In Dec. 2014, Egypt imposed restrictions on Egyptians' travel to Turkey demanding potential travelers to acquire security approvals from designated authorities.