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Commemorative events marking the ninth anniversary of the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, continue across Türkiye. As part of Democracy and National Unity Day, official ceremonies, forums, visits to memorial museums, and meetings with public officials have been organized.

The central event on July 15 was a speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. The President stated that the country has entered a new era free of coups and terrorism, emphasizing: “The sacrifice of the heroes of that night is not forgotten — their courage laid the foundation for Türkiye’s future.” He also expressed confidence that Türkiye would take its rightful place in the world as a new center of power.

Earlier that day, participants visited the Presidential Complex and the July 15 Democracy Museum, which featured digital exhibitions and documentary materials about the events of the coup night.

As part of a media program coordinated by the Turkish Presidential Directorate of Communications, events are being held in Ankara and Istanbul for 200 journalists representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye and media outlets from 41 foreign countries.

On July 16, a panel session is taking place in Ankara, featuring a presentation by the Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran. He noted that since July 15, Türkiye has become a reliable and proactive actor in resolving international crises.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, addressing forum participants, stressed the importance of historical memory and justice, quoting Alija Izetbegović: “Do not forget — if you forget, it will happen again.” He emphasized that the 2016 coup attempt marked a turning point in Türkiye’s democratic history.

Topics on the agenda include the impact of the July 15 events on democracy, the justice system, collective memory, and international relations. Experts in media, law, and international policy are examining these issues from various perspectives.

This evening, participants will travel to Istanbul, where the program will continue on July 17 with a visit to the July 15 Memorial Museum, a media briefing, and a meeting at the Istanbul Governor’s Office. The program is scheduled to conclude on July 18.

ORIENT

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