Turkey commemorated the ninth anniversary of the failed July 15, 2016, coup attempt with nationwide tributes and ceremonies on Tuesday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to democracy and national unity.
Speaking at a solemn event held at the Turkish Parliament in Ankara, President Erdogan honoured the more than 250 people who died and over 2,000 who were wounded while resisting the coup attempt. He described their sacrifice as the bedrock of a new chapter in Turkey’s history.
“The struggles of our martyrs and veterans have never been in vain, and they will never be,” Erdogan declared. “A terror-free Turkey, which we are building step by step, will be their legacy.”
The 2016 coup attempt, orchestrated by elements within the military allegedly linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), saw key government buildings bombed and an attempt made on Erdogan’s life. The President called the night of July 15 a defining moment, where ordinary citizens stood in defiance of tanks and bullets to safeguard the country’s democratic order.
“We prevailed that night against those who sold their souls,” Erdogan said. “The trap of the FETÖ leader was shattered by the courageous stance of our nation.”
Describing the failed coup as both an act of betrayal and an attempted invasion, Erdogan underscored the resilience of the Turkish people. “July 15 was a victory over betrayal and a reaffirmation of the Turkish people’s will,” he stated.
He also addressed divisions within society during the coup, pointing out that while some rushed to defend democracy, others waited passively. “All of these have taken their place in our nation’s memory, to be remembered with shame,” he noted.
Commemorative events were held across Turkey, including at the Grand National Assembly, the July 15 Democracy Museum in Ankara, and the July 15 Memory Museum in Istanbul. International journalists were invited to cover the day, reinforcing its global significance.
President Erdogan closed his remarks with a call for continued national solidarity: “Those who defended the national will under this noble roof have been engraved in golden letters in the hearts of the nation.”
