Democracy, National Unity Celebrations: Turkiye Relives 2016 Aborted Putsch Sacrifices, Victory

The government and people of Turkiye have resolutely put behind them the ugly incident of July 15, 2016 that dented their democratic standing. On that day, a group of military officers, backed by some politicians and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), unleashed what would become Turkiye’s bloodiest incident in the modern era. The putsch, however, was successfully crushed by loyalist forces, with the massive support of the population. But hundreds of people lost their lives.

200 Journalists Invited
On the occasion therefore of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications, through its International Media Coordination Office, has organized a comprehensive media programme from July 14 to 18, 2025, in Ankara and Istanbul, Türkiye. The media programme is attended by 200 journalists - 81 local media representatives from all the 81 provinces of Türkiye - 120 international journalists from 41 countries.

Tribute To Defenders Of Democracy 
Over the years, the attempted coup anniversary has been marked in Turkiye as a reminder to the people to jealously guard their democracy. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an addressed Parliament in the capital, Ankara on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, which was declared a public holiday. He recalled that the night of July 15, 2016 was a sad day for Turkish democracy, caused by people he described as ‘traitors.” 
But the citizens rose up in their numbers to defend their future and that of the country against the traitors. The President paid tribute to all those who contributed in saving the country’s democracy.

With Bare Hands
“All over the world, people and their leaders expressed support and prayers were made for Turkish people and their democracy,” President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an said. “That night, a new Turkey rose up to defend its democracy… The day is a reminder to oppressed people all over the world to defend their rights,” the Turkish leader admonished. 
“People with bare hands braved rebel tanks to bar the way to their movements…. People received bullets why trying to stop the coup. This was unprecedented!” President Erdo?an commented. “The sacrifice of our people will not be in vain,” he concluded as lawmakers broke into a long applause.

Meticulously Orchestrated Putsch 
In a statement released earlier in the day, the Turkish leader recalled that July 15, 2016 was not an ordinary coup attempt; rather, it was a meticulously orchestrated historical dividing line that if crossed, would have caused the country and nation to diverge in entirely new directions. He paid tribute to Turkish people who immediately flooded the streets, avenues, and squares without hesitation to defend their democracy, putting their bodies in the way of tanks, planes, helicopters, and barrels - thereby setting an example for the rest of the world. 

At The Cost Of Their Lives
The President vowed that Türkiye will never be captured or the Turkish people will never be brought to their knees, as they united as one and took up cudgels to defend the Republic, democracy, and all the accomplishments, at the cost of their lives.

Robust Governance System
Following the failed coup, the President said Turkiye has paved the way for important reforms and investments by approving the implementation of the Presidential Government System for a greater and more powerful Türkiy...