July 15, 2016 Botched Turkish Putsch : Senior Official Explains Why Anniversary Is National Holiday

According to a senior Turkish official who spoke to Cameroon Tribune, choosing to remain anonymous, the country decided to mark the July 15, 2016 failed coup anniversary by declaring it "Democracy and National Unity Day." Which is also a national holiday. The coup attempt was led by the Fethullah Terrorist Organization, FETO. 

Darkest, Most Honorable Day 
“July 15, 2016 stands out as one of the darkest, yet most honorable days in Türkiye’s democratic history. On that night, our people courageously resisted a violent coup attempt that sought to overthrow the constitutional order and national will. Their resistance was not merely in defense of a government, but of democracy, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the people." the official notes.

In Remembrance Of Martyrs 
“Therefore, the annual commemoration of July 15 is of great significance. It serves to keep democratic awareness alive, to honor the memory of our martyrs and veterans, and to pass down a sense of national responsibility to future generations,” he explains.
He points out that on the night of July 15, 2016, citizens from all walks of life responded to the call to defend democracy, taking to the streets without regard to political, ideological, or social differences. This, according to him, demonstrated how deeply rooted democratic values are within the Turkish people and their determination to protect their nation’s future.

Rare Collective Resistance 
Similarly, he argues, by standing in front of tanks and under the threat of gunfire, ordinary citizens defended not only their elected government, but also the legitimacy of constitutional authority and the dignity of an independent nation. “It was a rare and powerful moment of collective resistance and civic courage in modern history,” the senior official remarks.

Infiltrative Insurgent Structures
To him, the bloody botched coup, which left 253 dead and more than 3,000 injured, revealed the vital importance of democratic governance, institutional transparency, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. It also exposed the risks posed by infiltrative structures operating within state institutions.

Value-based Reforms 

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