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Mail & Guardian
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Türkiye marks 9 years since the failed 15 July coup
Ambassador Nilvana Turkiye witnessed the bloodiest coup attempt in its modern history on July 15, 2016, when Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) headed by Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric and businessman who lived in self-imposed exile in the state of Pennsylvania in the US from 1999 until his passing in 2024, launched a coordinated attempt to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. The terrorist group had been infiltrating the state for decades, using state resources, tools, equipment and weapons to stage a coup against the legitimate, elected government. In both scale and nature, it was unlike any other coup in the republic's history. Turkiye has experienced eight coups and coup attempts over the past 60 years. This attempted coup in 2016 saw 252 people being killed and 2,734 being wounded. In Pretoria, South Africa on 15 July 2025 The Maarif Foundation South Africa and Yunus Emre Institute, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, hosted a timely panel discussion exploring how democracies resist unconstitutional changes of government. Drawing on the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, the event offered reflections and insights relevant to democratic resilience across the continent. In her address Turkish Ambassador Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç said that Türkiye's experience holds important lessons that go beyond its borders and speak to the value of protecting democracy everywhere. Important lessons worth noting from this heinous attempt include : Democracy must be protected not just by governments, but by citizens themselves. Unity is the greatest strength The coup demonstrated how dangerous it is when illegal groups secretly infiltrate state institutions. Strong leadership and a free media played a vital role. Democracy is never guaranteed, it should be constantly defended by all generations. This is not only a message for Türkiye, but for the world. ' Never take democracy for granted.' Ambassador Yıldırımgeç went on to say that in an interconnected world, threats to democracy often cross borders. There are still individuals who participated in the 2016 coup who continue their activities abroad. Most commonly under the guise of education, media or civil society, their aim is to mislead public opinion against Turkiye. 'Remember – Democracy is not something we inherit — it is something we must build, protect, nurture, and defend every day. '
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Turkey embassy marks Democracy and National Unity Day in Cairo - City Lights - Life & Style
The Turkish embassy in Egypt marked the ninth anniversary of the 15 July coup attempt with a solemn commemoration aimed at reaffirming Turkey's unwavering commitment to democratic governance, national unity, and regional cooperation. The Embassy of Turkey in Cairo commemorated the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day with a solemn ceremony that paid tribute to the resilience of the Turkish nation in the face of the failed 2016 coup attempt. The event underscored Turkey's democratic journey and national solidarity under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. # Held at the official headquarters of the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, the ceremony was attended by approximately 250 guests, including ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from countries such as Azerbaijan, Albania, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq, Qatar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Slovenia, Chile, Singapore, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Also in attendance were the Head of the Iranian Interests Section, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Cairo, prominent Egyptian public figures, members of the Egyptian Senate, academics, journalists, Turkish business leaders, and members of the Turkish community in Egypt. The commemoration began with a visit by embassy staff to the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery in Cairo, where they observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 4,500 Turkish soldiers who fell on the Palestine front during World War I, as well as those who were martyred during the events of 15 July 2016. A recitation from the Qur'an was followed by prayers for the martyrs. Turkish ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen signed the cemetery's memorial book in honour of the fallen. Turkish embassy marks Democracy and National Unity Day in Cairo (photo credit of the Turkish embassy in Cairo) At the Embassy's formal gathering, attendees observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of 15 July, followed by the national anthems of Turkey and Egypt. The ceremony also featured a documentary presentation and a photographic exhibition curated by the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications. In his keynote address, Ambassador Şen noted that, despite the passage of nine years, the events of 15 July 2016 remain deeply etched in the collective memory of the Turkish nation. He described the date as a turning point in Turkey's modern history, when the will of the people decisively thwarted a treacherous coup attempt orchestrated by the FETO terrorist organisation. 'On that night, the Turkish people stood firmly in defence of their democracy and their legitimately elected leadership,' ambassador Şen stated. 'Citizens confronted tanks and weapons, and many made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation's democratic institutions. In doing so, the Republic of Turkey crowned its century-old statehood with an enduring commitment to democracy.' Turkish embassy staff observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 4,500 Turkish soldiers He emphasised that Turkey, having emerged from the brink of chaos on that day, has since demonstrated a steadfast resolve to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more unified future. Ambassador Şen also highlighted Türkiye's historical experience with coups, referencing the military takeovers of 1960, 1971, 1980, 1997, and the early 2000s. He recalled the execution of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes in the wake of the 1960 coup as a national tragedy that continues to resonate with the Turkish people. 'The nation has not forgotten,' he said. 'From those painful lessons, our people defended democracy and President Erdoğan with unwavering resolve.' He described democracy as a hard-won achievement, forged through immense sacrifice and struggle. 'Today, the will of the Turkish people is in safe hands. No force can again contemplate the usurpation of that will.' Ambassador Şen also emphasised Turkey's emergence as a regional and international actor in the political, economic, cultural, and military spheres. He highlighted the country's commitment to peace, security, and development, not only in its immediate region but globally. In this context, Ambassador Şen noted the convergence of vision between Turkey and Egypt under the leadership of Presidents Erdoğan and El-Sisi. He described both nations as committed to fostering peace, economic cooperation, and regional stability. 'Turkey and Egypt share a common understanding regarding the importance of dialogue, consultation, and coordination in addressing regional challenges, particularly those facing the Middle East and the broader Islamic world,' he added. Turning to bilateral economic relations, Ambassador Şen noted that trade between Turkey and Egypt has reached record levels in recent years, citing investments totalling $ 700 million by Turkish companies, with Turkish investors actively expanding their presence in the Egyptian market. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
15 July Democracy and National Unity Day: Türkiye, the Name of Victory
By H.E. Dr. Ayşe Hilal Sayan Koytak Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Nine years ago today, the Republic of Türkiye experienced one of the darkest nights in its history; yet the same night also became etched in history as one of the Turkish nation's most heroic struggles. Today, in order to be more effective in the global fight against terrorism, it is essential to understand the nature of this treacherous coup attempt and the nationwide mobilization the Turkish people mounted to thwart it. The Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), which had infiltrated the vital organs of the state for years in pursuit of its sinister agenda, launched a bloody coup attempt through its members embedded in the Turkish Armed Forces on the night of July 15, 2016, directly targeting the survival of our Republic, our constitutional order, and our democracy. It has been revealed by confessions and revelations from within the organization that the July 15 coup attempt was organized by FETO. These individuals, having infiltrated the Turkish Armed Forces over many years, targeted key state institutions in an unprecedented display of violence. Blinded by fanaticism, members of this terrorist organization went as far as bombing the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Presidential Complex, the National Intelligence Organization headquarters, and the Police Special Operations Center in Ankara. As a result, 251 of our citizens were martyred, and more than two thousand were wounded and became veterans. This heinous coup attempt has gone down in history as not only Türkiye's but also one of the vilest attacks faced by modern democracies. Thanks to the resolute leadership of our President, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the courage of Turkish people, and the sacrifices of loyal officers of Turkish Armed Forces and Security Forces, this attack was repelled. The Turkish nation demonstrated an unyielding will to uphold democracy even at the cost of their lives. The coup attempt revealed the extent of FETO's deep infiltration into the state apparatus. The crimes committed on the night of July 15th can be considered as the tip of the iceberg. The organization's strategy began decades earlier, through the establishment of schools and preparatory academies designed to indoctrinate students under the guise of education. Young people were trained to become loyal operatives, disregarding ethics, law, and democratic principles in favor of allegiance to the organization's leadership. Many gained entries into government institutions through illicit means, including the theft of exam questions. They were ordered to stay hidden and to infiltrate state institutions. Individuals who stood in the organization's way were removed through schemes and false allegations. As the organization gained influence and wealth, it began interfering in commercial dealings, engaging in large-scale money laundering, and routinely committing various financial crimes. Once the Turkish government grasped the true nature of these activities, FETO resorted to increasingly radical and aggressive tactics. The first major incident occurred in December 2013, when the group released a series of alleged recordings and falsified documents. Although this initial attack failed to achieve its goals, it served as a turning point for both the government and the public. With the uncovering of their covert communication tools (such as bylock, eagle, and tango etc) and the interception of their internal messages, efforts were launched to counter the group's operations and expose the depth of its infiltration and the damage it had inflicted. In short, FETO leveraged state resources to build an extensive economic and political network, creating a covert structure even within the Turkish Armed Forces. The events of July 15 starkly illustrated how dangerous this organization had become. July 15, Democracy and National Unity Day, marks not only the thwarting of a coup attempt but also the sacred victory of public will and democracy. It stands as an unwavering response to the enemies of democracy. That night, the Turkish people resisted tanks, jets, and guns with nothing but their bare hands and hearts, defending their free will, future, flag, and Republic. Over the past nine years since this treacherous coup attempt, Türkiye has waged a determined struggle against FETO without compromising the rule of law, in line with its Constitution and international obligations. The Turkish government has taken comprehensive legal, administrative, and economic measures to remove the group's presence from public institutions and civil society. Domestically, these efforts have focused on three key areas: holding coup perpetrators accountable in the courts, purging FETO's organizational structure from government institutions, and disrupting the group's activities in fields like education, media, and finance. Every element of FETO that had infiltrated public institutions has been carefully identified, brought to justice, and the organization's societal, economic, and international networks have been dismantled. During this process, the solidarity shown by friendly and brotherly countries has left a deep and lasting mark on the hearts of the Turkish people. In particular, the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who became the first leader from the Gulf region and the Arab world to visit Türkiye following the July 15 events, remains for us an unforgettable example of solidarity and brotherhood. That meaningful visit is etched in our memories as one of the strongest symbols of the close friendship and shared values between our two countries. With this rare gesture of solidarity, His Majesty King Hamad won the hearts of the entire Turkish nation. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the people of Bahrain for their unwavering solidarity in all circumstances. The fight against FETO remains one of the most critical pillars of our national security. Thanks to effective efforts, FETO's operational capacity has been largely neutralized not only within Türkiye but also abroad. However, the organization continues its efforts to survive through its networks overseas and operates under the guise of legitimate institutions in various countries. These structures exploit fields such as education, culture, civil society, and humanitarian aid and in fact serve as strategic tools to maintain FETO's global influence. Combating such organizations, which pose a threat to the future of democratic societies, is not only Türkiye's responsibility but a shared duty of the entire international community. After all, terrorism knows no language, religion, race, or geography. This dark network, which exploits all the universal values respected by humanity for its own agenda, constitutes a security threat to every country and society where it operates. In this regard, cooperation with friendly and allied nations is of vital importance. As Türkiye, we engage in close dialogue with our counterparts in countries where FETO is active and strive to build a shared awareness of the threat posed by this terrorist organization. Important steps have already been taken in this struggle, including the closure and transfer of FETO-linked schools to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the extradition of FETO members, and the initiation of judicial processes. Various countries and international organizations have declared FETO as a terrorist organization. In this context, FETO was declared as a terrorist organization in the 43rd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC held on 19 October 2016; a similar resolution was written at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly on 1 December 2016 and ratified at the 12th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC on 27 January 2017. In addition to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared FETO a terrorist organization with the verdict rendered on 28 December 2018. The death of FETO ringleader Fethullah Gülen on October 20, 2024, in the United States, without standing trial, has not led us to complacency. Our determination to fight FETO will continue unwaveringly until this treacherous organization is completely eradicated. One of our key responsibilities in this fight is undoubtedly to explain to the world the legitimacy of our struggle. FETO still manages to infiltrate societies abroad and poison especially young minds with distorted narratives based on manufactured victimhood. On the ninth anniversary of July 15, Democracy and National Unity Day, we remember with mercy, gratitude, and respect all our martyrs and heroes who fought for this cause, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our veterans. We once again reaffirm our unwavering stance against any structure or mentality that seeks to undermine our democracy, our Republic, and the unity of our nation.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Turkiye and Qatar enjoy robust ties: Turkish envoy
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye HE Dr Mustafa Goksu has said Turkiye and Qatar enjoy robust ties grounded in mutual trust and solidarity. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Turkish ambassador underscored Turkiye's gratitude for Qatar's unwavering support and reaffirmed both nations' shared commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation. The Turkish Embassy in Qatar is commemorating the ninth anniversary of Türkiye's resolute defense of its democracy on Tuesday. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Turkish people for their unwavering commitment to upholding the country's democratic institutions in the face of the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. He said that night Turkiye faced an unprecedented threat when the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) sought to topple its democratically elected government through violence, attacking critical institutions and targeting civilians. The coup was defeated through the resolute stand of unarmed citizens, leaving 251 dead and over 2000 injured, and demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to constitutional order. Ambassador Goksu expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Qatar on its principled and timely support exemplified by His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who was the first leader to call President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. page 2
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Turkish embassy to marks 9 yrs of democratic resilience against coup bid
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha The Turkish Embassy in Qatar is set to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Turkiye's resolute defence of its democracy on July 15, 2025. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar HE Dr Mustafa Goksu expressed his deep gratitude to the Turkish people for their unwavering commitment to upholding the country's democratic institutions in the face of the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. He said that on July 15, 2016 night, Türkiye faced an unprecedented threat when the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) sought to topple its democratically elected government through violence, attacking critical institutions and targeting coup was defeated through the resolute stand of unarmed citizens, leaving 251 dead and over 2,000 injured, and demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to constitutional order. Ambassador Goksu emphasised Turkiye's continued fight against FETO, whose global network and clandestine methods threaten democratic governance worldwide. Expressing his gratitude to the leadership of Qatar for its principled and timely support, exemplified by the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being the first leader to call President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he saidthat it remains deeply valued. He added that today, Turkiye and Qatar enjoy robust ties grounded in mutual trust and solidarity. Despite facing the challenges of attempted coups, natural disasters, and global crises, Türkiye has strengthened its democracy, economy, and international standing, the Ambassador said, underscoring Türkiye's gratitude for Qatar's unwavering support and reaffirming both nations' shared commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation. Dr Goksu highlighted the country's progress and noted that Türkiye remains a leading global tourist destination with nearly 62 million visitors in 2024. Emphasising security, he recalled decisive action against terrorism through operations in Syria, contributing to regional stability. He outlined major infrastructure achievements, including the Eurasia Tunnel, 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, and investments in renewable energy. He also detailed the rise of Türkiye's defence industry, now over 80 percent domestically produced, with advanced projects such as Bayraktar UAVs, the TCG Anadolu assault ship, and the KAAN fighter jet. The envoy pointed to a transformative foreign policy focused on sovereignty, security, and strategic autonomy, balancing ties with NATO and the EU while expanding partnerships in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Türkiye's humanitarian leadership was underscored by its status as the world's largest per capita donor and its value-based foreign policy that prioritises human dignity, he stressed. Goksu also emphasised Turkiye's active diplomacy and mediation efforts—from facilitating peace talks between Somalia and Ethiopia to brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He reaffirmed that Turkiye will continue to support stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Gaza through humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement. He noted Turkiye's role as an energy hub, its vast diplomatic network, and its commitment to multilateralism, innovation, and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing its position as a responsible and influential global actor.
