Erdogan Slams 2016 Coup Plotters, Praises Public Resistance Against Putschists

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the eighth anniversary of Turkiye’s thwarted coup attempt on Monday with solemn ceremonies and speeches, honouring the memory of the 252 people who lost their lives defending democracy.

Erdogan began the day by laying flowers at a monument near Istanbul’s July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, a symbolic gesture reflecting the nation’s resilience against the coup plotters affiliated with the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO). July 15 is now observed as Democracy and National Unity Day in Turkiye, commemorating the victims and celebrating the unprecedented public resistance that prevented the coup.

Accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan, public officials, and families of victims, Erdogan participated in Quranic recitations and prayers at the monument, which bears the names of those who were martyred in the coup attempt. He later addressed a gathering, highlighting the heroic stand of Turkiye’s citizens against the putschists.

“We will never forget the 34 sons and daughters of this country who were martyred on this very bridge,” Erdogan stated, referring to the tragic events of July 15, 2016. “Our nation defied tanks and lethal weapons with bare hands, demonstrating legendary courage and determination.”

Erdogan underscored that Turkiye would continue to thwart any threats to its independence and sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of unity among its people. He also criticized those who have attempted to undermine the significance of the coup attempt.

“We will never forget those shameless individuals who dared to claim that this coup was staged,” Erdogan asserted. “Their actions are part of a broader conspiracy against Turkiye.”

“This nation derailed every plot aimed at its independence, its will, and will continue to do so,” Erdogan added. “Those behind the ugly slander are part of dirty plots against Turkiye,” he said.

Across the country, other ceremonies and events were held to honour the memory of the victims. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya attended a ceremony at the July 15 Martyrs’ Cemetery in the capital, Ankara. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş praised the nation’s unity and resilience during the coup attempt.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed Turkiye’s determination to bring FETO members abroad to justice and emphasized the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its independence.

The commemoration also received international attention, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressing solidarity with Turkiye and condemning the coup attempt as treachery.

15 Temmuz’da, yedi düveli arkasına alan bir ihanet çetesinin 40 yıllık planını bir gecede bozarak tarihimize ve bizden sonraki nesillere şeref madalyası olarak iftiharla taşıyacakları yeni bir zafer armağan ettik. pic.twitter.com/WR76a447l2

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) July 13, 2024

In a statement, First Lady Emine Erdogan highlighted the enduring legacy of national unity forged during the coup attempt, underscoring the nation’s commitment to preserving democracy and independence.

Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), likened FETO to the PKK and emphasized Turkiye’s resolve to eliminate both threats. He warned against any attempts to revive FETO’s influence.

Ozgur Ozel, head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), acknowledged the lessons learned from the coup attempt and called for vigilance to prevent future threats to Turkiye’s democracy.

The events of July 15, 2016, remain a pivotal moment in Turkiye’s modern history, uniting the nation in defence of democracy against internal threats.