July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day
July 15 marks the second anniversary of the defeated coup during which the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) -- a clandestine group organized under the guise of education which infiltrated state offices, especially the military, judiciary, civil service, and treasury, and which tried to take over the government -- attempted a coup in 2016.
Turkish citizens have found diverse ways to pay their respects to the martyrs of the July 15 failed coup attempt. Some visited cemeteries while others hiked to the top of mountains or went long distance bike riding.Turkey commemorates martyrs of failed July 15 coup
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The night of July 15, 2016, the coup attempt saw tanks closing down a bridge in Istanbul that connects Asia to Europe, and fighter jets and helicopters flying down over Istanbul and Ankara and bombing the presidential complex, parliament building, police and intelligence headquarters, while civilians came out to resist the coup.
Then-Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar was taken hostage by the putschists, as he said he would not support the coup bid.
Turkey’s parliament speaker said Sunday that their aim is to keep alive the spirit of national unity that flowered in the face of the defeated July 15, 2016 coup.Speaking to reporters following his visit to the Karsiyaka Martyrs' Cemetery in Istanbul, Binali Yildirim said, citing Turkey’s current population: “Our aim is to keep the spirit of July 15 alive, make the brotherhood, unity and solidarity of 81 million everlasting.”The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.Turkey marks the historic day as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.“We commemorate with mercy and gratitude, our martyrs, who devotedly, willingly sacrificed their lives on July 15 in defense of our land,” Yildirim said.He added that commemorative events will be held throughout the day by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, government ministers, and various institutions.Erdoğan will also take part in a march on Istanbul’s July 15 Martyrs' Bridge, where he will make an address.Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15Erdoğan recites Quran for martyrs of July 15 coupUS media shortchanges FETÖ threat: Film director
Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15
During the defeated coup, a total of 251 people including police and civilians were martyred, and nearly 2,200 were wounded.
The coup attempt, orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), led by the U.S.-based so-called “cleric” Fetullah Gulen, aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government and capturing the state.
In a television appearance at 11.02 p.m., then-Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said it was a revolt and they were evaluating the possibility of a coup attempt. He added: “Those who are involved in this unlawful act will pay the heaviest price."
15 July Martyr Bridge is closed to traffic due to the commemoration of the victory over the coup attempt which took place on 15th July 2016. The view is seen from the air.View of 15 July Martyr Bridge from the air
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Speaking to CNN Turk at 12.24 a.m., President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said: “This incident, unfortunately, is the coup attempt of a minority within the Turkish Armed Forces. This is a revolt encouraged and used by the parallel structure (FETO) as its mastermind."
The president called on the Turkish people to take to the streets in order to stop the coup-plotters.
In response, people poured into the squares to protect democracy all around Turkey, especially in the capital Ankara and Istanbul, climbed on tanks, stood against guns, and defeated the heinous coup attempt.
The Turkish Embassy in Baghdad held a ceremony on Sunday to mark the 2nd anniversary of the defeated coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.“Sacrificing our lives for the sake of homeland is not strange to the Turkish people,” ambassador Fatih Yildiz told the ceremony."What makes July 15 so special is that our unarmed people, not just the armed forces, have taken to the streets to defend Turkey's sovereignty and honor," he said.Sunday’s ceremony was attended by representatives of Turkish companies in Iraq, Turkmen NGOs and embassy staffers.The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.Turkey marks the historic day as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.Erdoğan recites Quran for martyrs of July 15 coupWhat happened night of July 15 at Turkey's parliament?US media shortchanges FETÖ threat: Film directorTurkey’s great struggle against FETÖ
Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15
In the legal process in the years since, in 194 cases concluded out of 289, a total of 2,381 people convicted of involvement in FETO have gotten jail terms, including 1,624 life sentences.