Thwarted Coup Attempt On July 15, 2016

On the occasion of the fifth year commemoration

- H.E. R. Demet Sekercioglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey

Since her inception on October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey has faced with many challenges threatening her national sovereignty, territorial integrity and communal unity. However, the thwarted coup of July 15, 2016 was the bloodiest coup attempt and the most organized terrorist attack that Turkey had ever experienced. The members of the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) used 74 tanks, 246 armoured vehicles, three military ships, numerous weapons, 37 military helicopters and 35 military aircraft belonging to the Turkish Army to bomb the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Presidential Complex, the Police headquarters and the National Intelligence Organization’s premises.

Yet, hundreds of thousands unarmed civilians who took to the streets that night proved the attachment of the Turkish nation to the democratic and republican values. Today, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the thwarted coup, we are commemorating the 251 martyrs who sacrificed their lives and over 2500 wounded, who fought fearlessly in unity and solidarity to save the Republic. Despite the magnitude of the heinous attack, the victory gained on that night was just a clear reflection of the self-power of Turkish people.