Erdoğan calls July 15 'declaration of independence' for Türkiye Century

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the defeated July 15, 2016 coup attempt as a "declaration of independence" for the Türkiye Century. The Turkish president made the remarks in an article marking the 10th anniversary of Democracy and National Unity Day, highlighting the nation's sacrifice and resilience.

Declaration of independence

Writing in an article titled "July 15: The Declaration of Independence of the Türkiye Century," Erdoğan said the failed putsch represented not merely an assault on the government but an attack on the nation's democratic will. "July 15 was not only the night when a treacherous coup attempt was thwarted, but also a great victory for democracy, written in golden letters in history, as our nation defended its will, democracy and independence at the cost of their lives," he wrote. The president noted that 253 people were killed and more than 2,000 others wounded while resisting the coup.

Campaign against FETO

Erdoğan said his call for public resistance had reflected confidence in the nation's "democratic wisdom, foresight and courage," adding that Turkish citizens responded with the same spirit that characterized the country's War of Independence. Reviewing the decade since the attempt, he stated that authorities had pursued an uncompromising campaign against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) both domestically and abroad. "We eradicated FETO from every sector, from the bureaucracy and the military to the judiciary and the business community," he said, while stressing that the struggle had not ended.

Tenth anniversary

"The only way to prevent FETO and similar clandestine organizations from infiltrating our state and nation again is to keep the spirit of July 15 alive and pass this awareness on to future generations," Erdoğan wrote. He added that Türkiye had emerged stronger over the past decade, stating: "We continue our fight against FETO and all similar terrorist organizations with the same determination. On the 10th anniversary of July 15, Türkiye is now much stronger, more resolute and more united." The president paid tribute to those killed during the attempt as the nation prepares to commemorate the anniversary on Tuesday.