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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, multidimensional commemoration programs were coordinated by the Presidency of Communications and carried out across Türkiye and abroad between 14 and 18 July 2025. Through these activities, themed “The Name of the Victory is Türkiye,” the Turkish people’s resistance against the July 2016 FETÖ coup attempt their commitment to democracy and their determination to uphold the national will were conveyed to public opinion via various communication channels cultural initiatives and international organizations.
The program activities included panel meetings media campaigns special exhibitions international promotion efforts symbolic spatial interventions and thematic train journeys among other elements.
Citizens gathered at Millet Park in Kısıklı on 22 July 2016 to commemorate the FETÖ coup attempt holding torches that illuminated the Bosphorus Bridge on 21 July 2016 – (Anadolu Agency)
The theme “The Name of the Victory is Türkiye” established by the Presidency of Communications aimed to emphasize the Turkish nation’s resistance and determination to defend democracy during the coup attempt of 15 July 2016. Under this theme the message was conveyed that the victory achieved through public resistance symbolically represents Türkiye itself.
“The Name of the Victory is Türkiye” Poster – (Presidency of Communications)
The panel titled “July 15: Memory Justice and Future” held on 16 July 2025 in Ankara opened with an address by Presidency of Communications Chair Burhanettin Duran. Academics journalists and civil society representatives participated in the program. The three-session panel discussed the power of civilian resistance on the night of 15 July the political and social transformation processes following the coup attempt and the legal framework of the subsequent trials.
Comprehensive media programs were conducted in Ankara and Istanbul between 14 and 18 July 2025. A total of 200 media representatives participated in the events including 81 local media representatives from all 81 provinces and 120 foreign journalists invited from 39 countries. Delegations visited the Presidential Complex the July 15 Democracy Museum and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in Ankara and the July 15 Memory Museum and the Istanbul Governor’s Office in Istanbul. The public resistance and national solidarity demonstrated by Türkiye against the coup attempt were communicated to the global public opinion through these events.
As part of the “The Name of the Victory is Türkiye” theme Turkish flags were displayed on all three Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul. Additionally a joint exhibition organized by the Presidency of Communications the Istanbul Airport Authority and the July 15 Association was opened at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. The exhibition presented visual content highlighting the place of July 15 in the collective memory of society.
The “July 15 Democracy and National Unity Train” developed in cooperation between the Presidency of Communications and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure departed from Ankara on 14 July 2025 at 10:55 and was equipped with thematic visuals. Thematic images were also broadcast on LED screens owned by public institutions.
To raise awareness about FETÖ the organization various international promotion programs were implemented abroad. Panels and seminars were held in Vienna Sarajevo Warsaw Berlin and Tirana. The resistance was presented through screenings of the short film “15/07 Dawn” and photo exhibitions. In major cities such as London and New York mobile units equipped with LED screens displayed content related to the coup attempt to reach the public.
Under the 2025 commemoration activities more than 19000 projects were registered through the “July 15 Project Monitoring System” operated by the Presidency of Communications by public institutions and organizations. This figure surpasses previous years’ records of 8988 in 2022 9934 in 2023 and 11369 in 2024 marking the highest level of participation to date.
The 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Train themed “The Name of Victory Is Türkiye” was inaugurated on 14 July 2025 at Ankara Train Station in a ceremony attended by officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Presidency of Communications. The exterior of the train was adorned with visual elements aligned with the theme. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, General Manager of TCDD Transportation Ufuk Yalçın, and AK Party Deputy Chairman Ömer İleri.
“Zaferin Adı Türkiye” themed 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Train, 14 July 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
According to Minister Uraloğlu, the train will travel over 90,000 kilometers across the following routes during its 68-day journey: Ankara–Istanbul, Ankara–Konya, Ankara–Eskişehir, Konya–Istanbul, Eskişehir–Istanbul, Ankara–Karaman, and Ankara–Sivas. It is expected to carry more than 100,000 passengers. It has been stated that at every station, the train will serve to remind the public of the significance of 15 July in the collective memory. Government officials emphasized that the train is not merely a means of transportation but also a symbolic vehicle conveying a message of unity and solidarity.
Throughout the train journeys, posters on the theme of 15 July will be displayed, video presentations will be shown, and this content will be delivered to passengers. The project aims to connect millions of citizens with messages commemorating the resistance of 15 July.
As part of the 15 July 2025 commemoration program, memorial ceremonies for the martyrs were held in numerous provinces across Türkiye. These events took place in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Mersin, Osmaniye, Batman, Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Antalya, Çorum, Kars, Kütahya, Siirt, Iğdır, Erzurum, Şanlıurfa, Kırklareli, Gaziantep, Ardahan, Tokat, Adıyaman, Karabük, Şırnak, Ağrı, Yozgat, Kilis, Bolu, Van, Niğde, Aksaray, Nevşehir, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Afyonkarahisar, Trabzon, Amasya, Gümüşhane, Hakkâri, Tunceli, Bilecik, Zonguldak, Bartın, Artvin, Çankırı, Kırıkkale, Giresun, and Yalova. Activities included visits to martyr cemeteries, recitations of the Qur’an, prayer ceremonies, marches, youth gatherings, and open-air events.
In Istanbul, at the Edirnekapı 15 July Martyrs’ Cemetery, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat delivered a speech. Bolat noted that the people had stood firm against tanks, aircraft, and helicopters in 2016, and that this resistance had become an epic written into world history.
At the Hava Martyrs’ Cemetery in the Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır, the National Anthem and the Qur’an were recited, and prayers were offered for the martyrs. Governor Murat Zorluoğlu and other members of the protocol placed carnations on the martyrs’ graves.
The program was attended by families of the martyrs, Commander of the 7th Corps and Garrison Commander Lieutenant General Gültekin Yaralı, Commander of the 8th Main Jet Base Brigadier General Gürtaç Kayapınar, Chief Public Prosecutor Mustafa Çelenk, Provincial Police Chief Fatih Kaya, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Major General Selçuk Yıldırım, Rector of Dicle University Professor Dr. Kamuran Eronat, AK Party Provincial Chairman Ömer İleri, MHP Diyarbakır Provincial Chairman Miktat Arslan, district governors, and representatives of public institutions.
Martyrs’ commemoration ceremony in Elazığ, 15 July 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
In Elazığ, at İzzetpaşa Mosque, the Qur’an and mevlit were recited in honor of the martyrs. Governor Numan Hatipoğlu and members of the protocol visited the martyrs’ graves, placed carnations on them, and Provincial Mufti İrfan Üstündağ recited from the Qur’an and offered prayers for the martyrs.
The program was attended by families of the martyrs, Commander of the 8th Corps Major General Tamer Atay, Mayor Şahin Şerifoğulları, Chief Public Prosecutor Aşkın Yeğin, Provincial Police Chief Adnan Karayel, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Senior Colonel Alpaslan Doğan, Rector of Fırat University Professor Dr. Fahrettin Göktaş, and representatives of public institutions and political parties.
In Batman, a ceremony was held at the Karşıyaka Cemetery, where visits were made to the graves of the martyrs and prayers were offered. Governor Ekrem Canalp and public officials participated in the program.
In Mersin, visits to the martyrs’ cemetery were conducted at the Asri Cemetery in the Toroslar district, prayers were recited, and meetings were held with the families of the martyrs.
At the Garrison Martyrs’ Cemetery in Osmaniye, a ceremony included a moment of silence followed by the reading of the National Anthem and prayers. Governor Erdinç Yılmaz and members of the protocol attended the event.
Martyrs’ commemoration ceremony in İzmir, 15 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
In İzmir, at the Kadifekale Air Martyrs’ Cemetery, readings from the Qur’an were performed and the Air Martyrs’ Cemetery Visitor Book was signed by Governor Süleyman Elban. The ceremony was attended by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, Commander of the Aegean Army General İrfan Özsert, and other senior public officials.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemorations, a photography exhibition titled “July 15: The Name of Victory is Türkiye” has been opened at the Yaşar Kemal Culture Center in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. The exhibition was organized through the collaboration of the Istanbul Governorship, Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), and the Sarıyer District Governorship, under the coordination of the July 15 Association. At the opening ceremony, Ismail Hakkı Turunç, President of the July 15 Association, and Ömer Kalaylı, District Governor of Sarıyer, delivered speeches. In their remarks, emphasis was placed on July 15 being one of the pivotal turning points in Türkiye’s struggle for democracy.
“July 15: The Name of Victory is Türkiye” photography exhibition, July 15 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
The exhibition featured photographs from the night of the coup attempt and the following days, thematic panels, and visual memory materials. Alongside the exhibition, a panel titled “The Meaning of July 15 in the Vision of Türkiye’s Century” was also held in the same venue. Academics, civil society representatives, and students participated in the panel sessions. It was stated that the event aimed to preserve the visual memory of the coup attempt and to convey the historical context of July 15 to younger generations. It was announced that both the exhibition and the panel program would be open to the public for a specified period.
As part of the 2025 July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemorative activities, the Ministry of National Education published a thematic magazine titled “The Name of Victory is Türkiye.” The magazine comprehensively documents activities, reflections, and initiatives carried out throughout the year by students, teachers, and parents in schools across Türkiye.
Among the sections featured in the magazine are a historical chronology of the night of July 15 2016, original poems, compositions, and artwork created by students, as well as drama, oratory, and theater performances. Additionally, research files guided by teachers, documentary studies, interview projects, and initiatives centered on “civic consciousness” are included. An approach that encourages memory-building within the education community and promotes active student participation has been observed.
Beginning with a foreword by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, the magazine includes contributions from institutions under the ministry’s umbrella: Basic Education, Secondary Education, Religious Education, Lifelong Learning, and Special Education. The magazine is structured around content that emphasizes that July 15 is not merely a date but also a pedagogical foundation for transmitting the values of democracy and national will within educational environments.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemoration program, a visual event was held in the Pamukkale district of Denizli, featuring hot air balloons adorned with the Turkish flag. The balloons floated over Pamukkale, decorated in red and white colors and bearing banners aligned with the theme.
Pamukkalehot air balloons taking off with Turkish flags on the occasion of July 15, 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
The event was coordinated by the Denizli Governorship, the Pamukkale District Governorship, and the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Local and international tourists also showed interest in the program. Following the launch of the hot air balloons, a parachute demonstration was held in which banners reading “July 15” and “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” were displayed in the sky.
After the program, Turhan Veli Akyol, Director of the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, stated that the event aimed to visually rekindle the feelings of national unity and solidarity.
On July 15 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) Ceremony Hall during the commemorative event themed “The Name of Victory is Türkiye.” In his address, he described the night of July 15 2016 as a “glorious epic” written by the Turkish nation after Çanakkale and the National Struggle. He emphasized that on that night, the nation demonstrated a resistance that would be etched into history with its blood and lives.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” themed July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Ceremony in the TBMM Ceremony Hall, July 15 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
President Erdoğan noted that attending the Gazi Assembly on the anniversary of July 15 held special meaning for him, and he recalled the events of that night, stating that those moments had left indelible marks on the collective memory of the nation. He referred to the martyrs and veterans who stood their ground as the nation’s true children and extended gratitude to all segments, both within Türkiye and abroad, who offered support.
Erdoğan highlighted that prayers for Türkiye rose across a vast geography from Istanbul to Bursa, from Skopje to Baku, and from Pakistan to Indonesia, and that this solidarity reaffirmed the true meaning of “ummah.” He stated that Türkiye had become a symbolic center of resistance not only within its own borders but also within the international community.
In his speech, Erdoğan described July 15 as a night when bare hands defeated tanks, aircraft, and bombs, and called it a “litmus paper” that clearly revealed who stood up for the homeland and who remained silent. He characterized the resistance as a popular movement that shattered the dirty trap set by FETÖ.
Erdoğan noted that on the night of July 15, members of parliament from various political parties risked their lives to defend democracy, and he emphasized that the Gazi Assembly fulfilled its historic responsibility on that night. He affirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs and veterans had not been in vain, and that the reforms undertaken in line with the goal of a “Türkiye without Terrorism” would crown this struggle.
At the conclusion of his speech, President Erdoğan stressed that July 15 was not merely a night of betrayal but also a historic moment of powerful rebirth. He expressed gratitude to the Turkish nation and to the martyrs and veterans, and affirmed his belief that Türkiye would emerge in the new era as a leading pole in a multipolar world.
On July 15 2025, the commemoration ceremony themed “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” held at the TBMM Ceremony Hall was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Ministers of National Defense and Interior, members of parliament, high judiciary representatives, MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, BBP General Chairman Mustafa Destici, former Speakers of Parliament, Presidency of Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and relatives of the July 15 martyrs and veterans. The ceremony began with the National Anthem and recitation of the Qur’an, followed by a prayer delivered by Diyanet President Ali Erbaş.
TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş at the “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” themed July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Ceremony in the TBMM Ceremony Hall, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, July 15 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
Speaking at the event, TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş described the night of July 15 as “a night of heroism on one side and betrayal on the other,” emphasizing that the Assembly, across all political parties, stood up for democracy that night. Kurtulmuş noted that the people’s resistance, responding to President Erdoğan’s call to take to the streets, manifested as simultaneous acts of heroism across the country.
Kurtulmuş stated that after July 15, the state entered a process of restructuring based on competence, merit, and loyalty. He asserted that loyalty must now be sought not in dark corners or among false mentors, but in service rendered to the nation. He also noted that July 15 reminded Türkiye of the importance of democratic values such as transparency and accountability.
In the continuation of his speech, Kurtulmuş emphasized the need to draft a new, inclusive, and liberal constitution to strengthen the democratic system, and declared that claiming the legacy of the July 15 martyrs is a social and political duty. Throughout his address, frequent calls were made for an ideal Türkiye where peace and brotherhood prevail.
On July 15 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Vienna organized an international commemoration event themed “The Name of Victory is Türkiye.” The event was hosted by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Vienna, Gürsel Dönmez. Participants included Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ambassador Levent Eler; Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Ambassador Zeynep Kızıltan; Advisor Azad Aslanov from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Vienna; and numerous representatives of civil society organizations.
Commemoration event held in Vienna on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, July 15 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
The program began with the screening of video footage from the night of July 15 2016. In his address, Ambassador Gürsel Dönmez stated that he had been present in Ankara during the coup attempt and witnessed the events firsthand. He drew attention to the composure and dignity displayed by individuals across diverse political views on that night, and affirmed that July 15 holds historical significance as a resistance reflecting the common will of the society.
Dönmez reminded the audience that the struggle against FETÖ is not merely a reflex triggered by the events of July 15, but a multidimensional process that began earlier and continues to this day. Following the speech, a moment of silence was observed in honor of the July 15 martyrs, and the National Anthem was performed. The program concluded with a prayer for the martyrs and a visit to the photographic exhibition on the coup attempt.
As part of the 15 July 2025 commemoration program, symbolic events were held in Antalya involving students, both in the sky and underwater. The events were coordinated by the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports and the Antalya Provincial Directorate of National Education.
Under the sky event, fifteen kites carrying the flags of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were simultaneously released into the sky along the coastline by high school students. Banners bearing the inscription “We Honor the Martyrs of 15 July” were attached to the kites. Students also attached personal messages written by hand to the kites, addressed to the martyrs.
The underwater event was carried out by student divers at Konyaaltı Beach in the Muratpaşa district. The divers unfurled Turkish flags and banners reading “We Have Not Forgotten 15 July” beneath the sea. Underwater footage was recorded and shared with the public by the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports.
Underwater commemoration event in Antalya, 14 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
A commemoration program was held on 15 July 2025 at the NATO headquarters by Türkiye’s Permanent Representation to NATO in Brussels. The ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, and staff of the Permanent Representation.
During the event, a moment of silence was observed in honor of the martyrs of 15 July, followed by a recitation of the Qur’an. Prayers were then offered for the martyrs. The ceremony emphasized that the 2016 coup attempt by FETÖ constituted a direct threat to Türkiye’s democratic order and constitutional legitimacy. It was stated that Türkiye’s resistance on the night of 15 July contributed not only to its internal security but also to the international understanding of democracy.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a short video and photo presentation honoring the memory of the martyrs was displayed, and various visual materials illustrating Türkiye’s struggle for democracy were shared with attendees.
Commemoration ceremony held at Türkiye’s Permanent Representation to NATO in honor of the martyrs of 15 July, 15 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
On 15 July 2025, a panel program titled “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” was held at the Gazi Hüsrev Bey Library in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The panel was organized under the auspices of Türkiye’s Embassy in Sarajevo and attended by Denis Becirovic, Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Zeljko Komsic, Croat member of the Presidency; Denis Zvizdic, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo Emin Akseki; as well as academics, bureaucrats, and civil society representatives.
During the panel sessions, the significance of 15 July within Türkiye’s political history, the organizational structure and international networks of FETÖ, and Türkiye-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations were discussed. Former Ambassador to Ankara Adis Alagic, Professor Dr. Enis Omerovic from Zenica University, and Emre Baştuğ, Director of TRT Balkan, were among the speakers. The panel emphasized that FETÖ is a multi-layered and international structure posing a threat not only to Türkiye but also to other countries in the region.
Panel titled “The Name of Victory is Türkiye” held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 15 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
Following the panel, an exhibition featuring photographs by Anadolu Agency photojournalists was opened, and a short film titled “15/07 at Dawn” was screened. A commemoration ceremony was held at Türkiye’s Embassy in Sarajevo in the early morning hours, followed by prayers offered at the Kovaçi Martyrs Cemetery. A collective prayer ceremony was also held the same day at the Gazi Hüsrev Bey Mosque.
During his visit to Ambassador Emin Akseki, Bosniak leader Denis Becirovic expressed his appreciation for Türkiye’s democratic resistance in 2016 and emphasized that FETÖ must be condemned as strongly as possible.
As part of the 15 July 2025 commemoration program, cultural and sports events were held in various cities across Türkiye.
Under the leadership of the Sinop Governorship, an exhibition featuring archival photographs from the night of 15 July was opened at Republic Square. In Istanbul and Sarıyer, open-air exhibitions aligned with the theme were organized through collaboration between the 15 July Association and local institutions.
Bicycle races organized by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports were held under the theme “In Memory of the Martyrs of 15 July” with a stage in Marmaris. A large number of licensed athletes participated, and thematic banners were displayed along the route.
A football tournament organized by the Türkiye Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) in İzmir aimed to bring together young people through a sense of national unity and collective memory. At the conclusion of the tournament, teams that placed were awarded the “15 July Martyrs Cup.”
Balloons carrying Turkish flags and banners flying over Cappadocia on the morning of 15 July, 15 July 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)
In the Cappadocia region of Nevşehir, Turkish flags and banners themed around 15 July were attached to hot air balloons. Flights, which began before sunrise, served as a visually powerful form of commemoration.
The swimming event organized by the Rize Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports concluded with a symbolic swim along the coastline. Participants entered the water wearing Turkish flag-themed caps and uniforms.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day in 2025, numerous commemorative events were organized both within Türkiye and abroad under the theme "The Name of Victory is Türkiye." Coordinated by the Presidency of Communications, the programs included panels exhibitions media activities and international promotion initiatives. Through these events the societal resistance demonstrated against the 2016 coup attempt was reaffirmed and Türkiye’s democratic resolve was emphasized. The programs took place between July 14 and 18 2025.
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