Türkiye's first lady commemorates July 15 martyrs, veterans

Symbol of national resistance

Türkiye's First Lady Emine Erdoğan on Wednesday commemorated the ninth anniversary of the July 15, 2016 defeated coup attempt, describing the date as a symbol of the nation's unwavering courage and resistance. In a statement posted on NSosyal marking Democracy and National Unity Day under the hashtag #VictoryIsOurs, Erdoğan said July 15 "is the name of the resistance that rose from the homeland and of unshakable courage."

"That night, our heroes, who became a light against the darkness with their hearts, became the voice of the national will and the honorable defenders of our independence," she said. She noted that the struggle and sacrifices made to protect democracy would "live forever in the memory of our nation."

Tributes to fallen and wounded

The first lady also commemorated those who lost their lives and those wounded during the failed coup attempt. "I remember with mercy our noble martyrs who wrote the July 15 epic, and commemorate our heroic veterans with gratitude and appreciation," she said.

The July 15, 2016 coup attempt was orchestrated by the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), leaving 251 people killed and nearly 2,200 others wounded. The government has since designated the date as Democracy and National Unity Day, with annual commemorations held nationwide to honor the victims.