Turkish president honours July 15 martyrs: "A heroic epic written by the people"

Following the events of July 15, 2016, people around the world prayed for Türkiye and solemnly honored the memory of those who died defending their homeland.

According to TRT Haber, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the remarks during an event marking Democracy and National Unity Day at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

"That night—July 15—was a severe trial, which we endured with great honor as a state and as a nation. It became one of the most significant turning points in our history," Erdoğan stated.

He emphasised the extraordinary unity and determination shown by the Turkish people that night.

"We recited the Fatiha for the souls of our beloved martyrs who gave their lives to defend our independence and future," he said.

According to Erdoğan, the Turkish people wrote a heroic epic on July 15.

"This was a victory of bare hands over tanks. A victory over those mindless traitors who turned against their own country," he added.

On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces, linked to the Gülenist movement (referred to by the Turkish government as the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization, or FETÖ), attempted to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The coup attempt, marked by coordinated attacks on key institutions, was a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s modern history, resulting in 251 deaths, over 2,200 injuries, and a profound reshaping of the country’s political, military, and social landscape. The event, now commemorated annually as Democracy and National Unity Day, showcased the resilience of Turkish citizens who took to the streets to resist the plotters.

By Khagan Isayev