Azerbaijan’s president commends Türkiye’s resistance against 2016 coup plot In a commemorative letter to Erdoğan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a heartfelt letter to President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the occasion of July 15 – Democracy and National Unity Day, which commemorates the thwarting of the 2016 coup attempt and the defence of Türkiye’s constitutional order and democratic foundations.

In his letter, President Aliyev paid tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives resisting the coup attempt nine years ago, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“I honor the cherished memory of all our brothers and sisters who were martyred to thwart the attempted coup in Türkiye nine years ago with deep respect and reverence, and extend my deepest condolences to their families and to all the people of Türkiye.

The Azerbaijani leader emphasised the heroic response of the Turkish people on that fateful night: "That night, brotherly Türkiye wrote the greatest heroic epic in its modern history. Your courageous and persevering people rose to defend their homeland, flag, and state, resisting the bloody coup attempt that threatened the constitutional and democratic foundations of the Republic of Türkiye, making their chests a shield. Today, we can proudly say that July 15 – “Democracy and National Unity Day” stands as a landmark date that honors the triumph of strong and unshakable will, national unity, solidarity and patriotism."

"From the first moments of the treacherous coup attempt, the Azerbaijani people and state demonstrated their support and solidarity by standing by brotherly Türkiye, which was once again a clear manifestation of the "One nation, two states" principle, and a shining example of our brotherhood," President Aliyev added.

He also praised President Erdoğan’s leadership and the unity of the Turkish people that ultimately defeated the coup attempt. "This heinous attempt against the Turkish state was thwarted thanks to your leadership, profound steadfastness, and the unwavering unity of your people. Your brotherly country emerged from this challenging test with a clean conscience and even stronger, once again proving its power to the whole world,” the head of state said in his message.

“Today, you are working with resolve and determination to achieve the goal of a 'terror-free Türkiye' and to leave a safe, peaceful, and prosperous nation for future generations. The recent decision of the PKK terrorist group to disband and lay down its arms stands as a powerful testament to your strong political will — a triumph of national unity and solidarity," Aliyev wrote.

Looking forward, Aliyev expressed confidence in the continued strategic partnership between the two countries. "Today, Azerbaijan and Türkiye are confidently and successfully moving forward shoulder to shoulder towards the future. The unshakable brotherhood, unparalleled unity and strategic alliance between our countries are a key factor of security, partnership and development for our region and beyond. I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen and deepen our strategic alliance, which stems from the will of our brotherly peoples, who have historically supported each other, as well as the Shusha Declaration," the president said.

"Availing myself of this opportunity, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace, prosperity and well-being to the brotherly people of Türkiye,” Ilham Aliyev added.

The July 15, 2016, coup attempt in Türkiye, orchestrated by elements within the military linked to the Gülenist movement (FETÖ), aimed to overthrow Erdoğan’s government. The coup involved attacks on key institutions, including the parliament and presidential complex, resulting in 251 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. Turkish citizens, rallied by Erdoğan’s call to resist, took to the streets, thwarting the coup alongside loyal security forces.  

By Khagan Isayev