Nation ended Türkiye's coup history on July 15: Parliament speaker

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus on Wednesday declared that the Turkish people ended the nation’s long history of military coups through their resistance to the defeated July 15, 2016 putsch, describing the night’s legacy as "the victory of democracy" and "the national will." Speaking at a ceremony in parliament marking Democracy and National Unity Day, he noted that political leadership, parliament, the public, mosques and the media played central roles in defeating the attempt. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s televised appeal encouraged millions to take to the streets and resist the putschists.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum gathered in parliament while the building was under attack, demonstrating what Kurtulmus called the strength of democracy and national unity. "The nation put its stamp on the morning of July 15 and consigned the tradition of coups to the dustbin of history," he said.

Historical context

Kurtulmus emphasized that Türkiye had experienced a chain of coups dating back to the late Ottoman period and continuing throughout the republican and multiparty political era. He stressed that state institutions must not become the sphere of influence of any group, highlighting the importance of transparency, strong institutions, the rule of law and national solidarity.

July 15, 2016

On July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) attempted to overthrow Türkiye’s elected government. The plotters bombed parliament and other state institutions and opened fire on civilians, killing 253 people and wounding thousands.