Turkish Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran has said the nation's determination on July 15, 2016, not only defeated the coup attempt but also became "a historic turning point that secured Türkiye's future and its democratic journey."
In a message on Wednesday shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, with the hashtag #VictoryIsOurs to mark Democracy and National Unity Day, Duran stressed that July 15 remains one of the defining moments in Türkiye's history.
"Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this epic written through the courage, wisdom and unwavering resistance of our noble nation proclaimed to the world that the national will cannot be held captive by any force," he said.
Duran noted that the Turkish nation's resistance during the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt demonstrated to the world that no force can subjugate the national will.
He stressed that remembering July 15 is both a tribute to those who lost their lives and those wounded during the coup attempt, as well as a responsibility toward future generations.
"Strong states stand not only because of the resources they possess, but because of nations that protect their history, values and national memory," he said.
Marking the 10th anniversary of Democracy and National Unity Day, Duran commemorated those who lost their lives during the failed coup attempt and expressed gratitude to the veterans.
"I remember with mercy and gratitude our noble martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, and extend my appreciation to our heroic veterans," he said.
‘Fight must continue across multiple fields’
In a separate article written for Anadolu titled "July 15 in Its 10th Year: The Will Is Ours, The Victory Is Ours," Duran said the coup plotters attempted to assassinate President Erdogan, bombed parliament, opened fire on civilians and sought to render the state ineffective.
He said the attempt was defeated by Erdogan’s call and leadership and the public’s resistance, producing an outcome neither the coup plotters nor their supporters had expected.
Duran described July 15 as a “powerful manifesto of democracy” that demonstrated Türkiye’s national unity, democratic maturity and determination to restructure the state.
He also warned that FETO is seeking to maintain its presence through digital disinformation campaigns and new methods.
The fight against the group should therefore not be confined to security measures but should also be pursued through education, religion, law, and public awareness, he said, stressing the importance of teaching younger generations about the coup attempt using accurate and reliable sources.
