A series of events was held in different countries around the world to mark the 10th anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
United States
A commemorative programme was held in Washington, D.C., to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The ceremony, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Washington, was attended by Ambassador Sedat Önal, Chair of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye’s National Defence Committee Hulusi Akar, President of the Global Policy Institute (GPI) Paolo Von Schirach, Secretary General of the US Council of Muslim Organisations (USCMO) Oussama Jammal, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations in the United States, Turkish and American citizens, and invited guests.
During the programme, a special video message from the Head of Communications of the Presidency, Prof Burhanettin Duran, prepared for 15 July, was screened.
Emphasising that FETO continues to be harboured and supported in various countries, Head of Communications Duran stated: "Here is our call to all countries that are friends of Türkiye and wish to grow and nurture this friendship together: We expect our friends to stand by our side and act with loyalty in the face of structures that target our nation's sovereignty and democracy."
He went on to say, "Because FETO is not merely a national security problem concerning Türkiye alone. FETO poses a direct threat to all countries in which it operates."
At the conclusion of the programme, participants toured a photo exhibition depicting the attempted coup of 15 July 2016 and the Turkish people's resistance and determination in standing alongside their state in its aftermath.
Albania
A commemoration ceremony and panel were held in Tirana, the capital of Albania, to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The event, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye at the 15 July Martyrs Monument in the Grand Lake Park of Tirana, was attended by Ambassador Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, representatives of Turkish and local institutions and organisations, Turkish and Albanian citizens, and invited guests.
During the event, prayers were offered for the July 15 martyrs, and photographs taken during and after the coup attempt were also displayed.
"National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" Panel
Separately, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications organised a panel titled "National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" at a hotel in Tirana.
Moderated by Meryem İlayda Atlas, the panel featured the screening of a video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Prof. Burhanettin Duran.
Australia
Commemorative programmes were held in Melbourne, Australia, in honour of the martyrs of 15 July, Democracy and National Unity Day.
The events, organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Melbourne, the Broadmeadows Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre, and the Melbourne Branch of the Union of International Democrats (UID), commemorated the martyrs of 15 July.
The ceremony at the Consulate General in Melbourne began with a minute of silence, followed by the Turkish National Anthem. During the ceremony, verses from the Holy Qur'an were recited, and prayers were offered for those martyred and for the veterans who lost their lives during FETO's attempted coup on 15 July.
Ahead of the noon prayer, another programme was held at the Broadmeadows Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre Mosque, where the Holy Qur'an was recited and a mawlid was performed.
The programme organised by the Melbourne Branch of the Union of International Democrats (UID) featured a video presentation highlighting the Turkish nation's resolute stance, both at home and abroad, against the attempted coup on the night of 15 July.
The programme concluded with prayers offered for all martyrs and veterans, especially the martyrs of 15 July and the veterans who have passed away.
Austria
A commemoration programme was held in Vienna, the capital of Austria, to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by Ambassador Gürsel Dönmez at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, the programme was attended by Ambassador Zeynep Kızıltan, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Ümit Vural, President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), as well as representatives of Turkish institutions and local and international organisations.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by remarks from Ambassador Dönmez.
Prayers were offered during the ceremony for the souls of the martyrs of 15 July.
Azerbaijan
A commemoration programme was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Held at the Independence Museum, the event was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Baku Birol Akgün, embassy officials, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations in Baku, Azerbaijani members of parliament, and invited guests.
Speaking after the Turkish and Azerbaijani national anthems were performed, Ambassador Akgün paid tribute to the martyrs of 15 July with mercy and gratitude.
Ambassador Akgün stated that the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) had infiltrated the most sensitive institutions of the state and targeted Türkiye's constitutional order on the night of 15 July 2016. He stressed that the organisation poses a serious national security threat not only to Türkiye but also to every country in which it operates.
The programme also featured speeches by Chair of the Azerbaijan–Türkiye Interparliamentary Friendship Group Ehliman Emiraslanov, Prof Zakir Avşar, a faculty member at the Faculty of Communication of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, and Associate Prof Nazım Cafersoy, a faculty member at Azerbaijan State University of Economics.
The programme featured the screening of a video prepared by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications as part of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day commemorations, opening with an introduction and remarks by Head of Communications Prof. Burhanettin Duran. Photographs of the 15 July coup attempt taken by Anadolu Agency photojournalists were also displayed.
Organised with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Baku, the Yunus Emre Institute, and the TİKA Baku Programme Coordination Office, the programme concluded with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an and prayers.
Belgium
As part of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day commemorations, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications organised a panel titled "National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" in Brussels, Belgium.
The event, which drew strong interest from academics, journalists, politicians, and diplomats, opened with a video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Prof. Burhanettin Duran.
The panel focused on the attempted coup carried out by the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) on the night of July 15, 2016, which targeted the constitutional order and the resistance of the Turkish people.
Following the opening remarks by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Brussels Görkem Barış Tantekin, the panel was moderated by Brussels Communications Counsellor Şeyda Bilen.
The programme also featured a video screening on 15 July. Speakers included Professor Murat Yeşiltaş, faculty member in the Department of International Relations at Ankara Social Sciences University; Dr Ravza Kavakcı Kan, former Member of Parliament for İstanbul; and Associate Professor Murat Aslan, faculty member in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Hasan Kalyoncu University.
The panel explored the many dimensions of the 15 July coup attempt.
As part of the programme, a photo exhibition themed around 15 July was also opened to participants, while the film “15/07 Dawn” was screened at the conclusion of the event.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Sarajevo organised a commemorative programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The programme, held at the Turkish Embassy in Sarajevo, began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki; family members of the 15 July martyrs and veterans visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina under arrangements made by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA); and representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations.
After the commemoration ceremony at the embassy, Akseki and the accompanying delegation proceeded to the Kovači Martyrs' Cemetery, where they prayed for the martyrs. Husein Kavazović, Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also attended the programme.
A prayer programme was organised at the historic Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque in Sarajevo. AK Party Deputy Chair and Head of Cultural and Arts Policies, Hüseyin Yayman, attended both the cemetery and mosque programmes.
As part of the commemoration events, an exhibition consisting of photographs by Anadolu Agency (AA) photojournalists depicting the events of July 15 was also held by the Sarajevo Yunus Emre Institute in Baščaršija.
"National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" Panel
On the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, the panel "National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" was organised by the Directorate of Communications in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The panel held at the Vijećnica Library in Sarajevo was attended by the Croatian member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić; First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdić; Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples, Kemal Ademović; Minister of Defence, Zukan Helez; the Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki; Bosnian officials; representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations; and numerous guests.
A video message by the Head of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Prof. Burhanettin Duran, marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, was screened during the programme.
Following the panellists' remarks, the documentary "Break of Dawn", which depicts the coup attempt, was screened.
Bulgaria
A commemorative programme was held in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, to mark the 10th anniversary of 15 July, Democracy and National Unity Day.
A large number of guests attended the programme, which was organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications in cooperation with Türkiye's Embassy in Sofia at the Ambassador's Residence.
After a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, attendees watched a video from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications titled "Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy".
During the panel, which featured a video message by Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, Türkiye's Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık said, “15 July is a historic day on which our state and nation united against the bloodthirsty terrorist organisation FETO, and societal solidarity was transformed into an act of heroism.”
The panel was followed by a visit to an exhibition of photographs captured during the 15 July coup attempt.
Chad
A commemorative event marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day was held at the Türkiye Maarif Foundation schools in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad.
The event, held at the Maarif Schools, was attended by Türkiye's Ambassador to N'Djamena, Cem Utkan, along with representatives from Turkish institutions and organisations based in Chad, as well as school administrators, teachers, students, and guests.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Utkan underlined that the 15 July 2016 coup attempt targeted Türkiye's democratic order, while the Turkish people demonstrated unwavering resolve that night in defence of the national will and state institutions.
At the programme, following the recitation of the Holy Quran, verses were recited by teacher Muhammed Ömer, after which prayers were offered for the martyrs of 15 July.
China
A commemorative event was held in Beijing, the capital of China, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
According to a statement issued by Türkiye's Embassy in Beijing, a large number of guests attended the programme hosted by Ambassador Selçuk Ünal at the Embassy building.
After a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, attendees watched a video from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications titled "Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy".
In his remarks, Ambassador Ünal recalled that ten years ago, the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) launched a coup attempt with the aim of seizing control of Türkiye, targeting democracy and endangering the lives of Turkish citizens.
The panel was followed by a visit to an exhibition of photographs captured during the 15 July coup attempt.
Indonesia
The Presidency's Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye held a panel titled "National Will and Democratic Resistance: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July" in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
The programme, attended by academics, diplomats, representatives of think tanks, members of the media, and invited guests, began with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an and the screening of a video titled "Victory of Democracy."
A video message by the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, was screened for the attendees.
The panel, moderated by Assoc Prof Oğuz Güner, featured Ambassador Prof Talip Küçükcan, Prof Erman Akıllı, Dr Muhammad Syaroni Rofii and Dr Deden Mauli Darajat as speakers.
The event concluded with the screening of the film "15/07 Break of Dawn," followed by the opening of a photo exhibition themed around 15 July for participants.
Palestine
A commemorative event marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day was held in East Al-Quds, the Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation.
At the commemorative event organised by Türkiye's Consulate General in Al-Quds, held at the Yunus Emre Cultural Centre in East Al-Quds, prayers were offered for the martyrs, followed by a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem.
Addressing the commemoration ceremony, Vice Consul Berk Cem Tatar highlighted that Palestinians supported the Turkish people during the coup attempt ten years ago.
Embassy personnel, representatives of Turkish institutions in East Al-Quds and various guests attended the event.
As part of the commemorative event, participants visited an exhibition featuring photographs documenting resistance to the coup attempt on the night of 15 July.
Georgia
A commemorative event was held at the Embassy of Türkiye in Tbilisi to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The event, hosted by Türkiye's Ambassador to Tbilisi, Mustafa Türker Arı, at the embassy, began with a moment of silence followed by the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by embassy staff, representatives of Turkish institutions in Georgia, Turkish businesspeople, Turkish citizens in Tbilisi and other guests, Arı thanked those who attended the programme.
Noting that they commemorated all martyrs with respect today, Arı said:
"The commemorative ceremony kicked off this morning with a recitation from the Holy Quran at a mosque in Tbilisi, as prayers were offered for the souls of our citizens who stood against the members of FETO behind the treacherous coup attempt of 15 July 2016, took to the streets following the call of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and were martyred as a result of the traitors’ gunfire."
Pointing out that terrorism is one of the greatest threats to international peace and security, Arı said: "Today, we are witnessing the destruction caused by various terrorist organisations in different countries and regions around the world."
South Africa
A commemorative event marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day was organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications in Pretoria, the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa.
The opening remarks at the event, held at the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP), were delivered by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pretoria, Kezban Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç.
As part of the event, a video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, was also screened, while 20 historic photographs were exhibited under the title "15 July Visual Memory Exhibition".
A video entitled "Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy" was also screened as part of the event.
Moderated by TRT World Programmes Manager Mark Klusener, the panel brought together AK Party Konya Deputy Ziya Altunyaldız; Prof Muharrem Kılıç; Chief Executive Officer of the Leading Like Mandela Institute Liaqat Alli Azam; and University of Pretoria Lecturer Sandile Moloi.
The programme concluded with the screening of the film ''15/07 Break of Dawn.''
Croatia
A commemorative event was held in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The event, held by the Embassy of Türkiye in Zagreb, highlighted the Turkish nation’s resolute stance to safeguard democratic legitimacy and the constitutional order against the attempted coup by FETO.
Addressing the event, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Zagreb, Nurdan Erpolat Altuntaş, recounted that she was in Ankara on the night of 15 July.
Altuntaş said that the coup attempt was thwarted by the resistance demonstrated by the Turkish nation under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, adding, "We must always remember 15 July. It is important to commemorate this historic moment. We also remember with respect our martyrs who lost their lives on 15 July."
As part of the event, during which University of Zagreb faculty member Prof Ahmet Cüneyt Issı shared insights into 15 July, a video entitled "15 July: Victory of Democracy" was also screened.
Iraq
A commemoration programme was held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Held at the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery in Baghdad and organised by the Embassy of Türkiye in Baghdad, the programme was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan, the Governor of Kirkuk and Head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF), Mohammed Seman Agha, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations based in Baghdad, ITF MPs, and various officials.
"The night of 15 July is one of the greatest works in the history of the noble Turkish nation, which said, 'will of the nation, victory of democracy'," Ambassador İnan remarked during the programme, which started with a recitation of the Holy Quran for the martyrs.
The programme concluded with Ambassador İnan laying a wreath at the Turkish Martyrs' Monument, then touring the 15 July photo exhibition with the participants.
Iran
A commemorative programme was held in Tehran, the capital of Iran, to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
At the ceremony held at the residence of the Embassy of Türkiye in Tehran, prayers were offered for the martyrs, followed by a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.
In his remarks, Türkiye's Ambassador to Tehran Prof. Hicabi Kırlangıç said, referring to the treacherous coup attempt of 15 July, "Ten years have passed, yet the memories of our nation’s resistance are still fresh. With the awareness of our people and the unwavering resolve of our President, our nation overcame a significant ordeal. This was a turning point."
The programme was attended by invitees, Turkish institution representatives in Tehran, and the embassy staff.
Kazakhstan
The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, hosted a commemoration ceremony in honour of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
At a ceremony held at the Embassy of Türkiye in Astana, prayers were offered in memory of the 253 people martyred during the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation's (FETO) coup attempt on 15 July 2016, marking the tenth anniversary.
Hosted by the Ambassador of Türkiye to Astana, Mustafa Kapucu, the ceremony brought together Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek; officials from the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence; World Turkic Business Council (DTIK) Kazakhstan Representative Ahmet Budan; representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations operating in Astana; businesspeople; and members of the press.
The ceremony opened with a minute of silence, after which the national anthems of the two countries were recited. During the programme, participants watched a video message prepared by the Presidency’s Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, to mark the tenth anniversary of 15 July.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kapucu stated that Türkiye had passed one of the most critical tests in democratic history on the night of 15 July 2016, saying, "During FETO's coup attempt on 15 July 2016, 253 of our citizens lost their lives and thousands were injured. Responding to the call of our President, hundreds of thousands of our citizens poured into the streets, thwarted this treacherous coup attempt, and eliminated the threat."
During the ceremony, the Holy Quran was recited in memory of the martyrs, and the programme concluded with a tour of the exhibition displaying photographs from the night of the 15 July coup attempt.
Kyrgyzstan
A commemoration programme titled "15 July Democracy and National Unity Day" was held at Kyrgyzstan-Türkiye Manas University (KTMÜ) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
A minute of silence was observed, followed by the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, at the programme held at the KTMÜ Rectorate Conference Hall under the theme "Victory of Democracy" to mark the tenth anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, organised under the coordination of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications.
At the well-attended event, Dr Sabır Murataliyev, a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology recited the Holy Quran, after which prayers were offered for the martyrs of 15 July.
In the programme, where a film consisting of brief segments explaining the treacherous coup attempt of 15 July 2016, prepared by the Directorate of Communications, was displayed, the message of the Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran was shared with the participants.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bishkek, Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem; . the Rector of KTMU, Prof. Alpaslan Ceylan; . and the Acting Rector of KTMU, Prof. Almazbek Ibrayev, delivered speeches on the significance of the day.
Prof. Dr Yücel Öksüz, Head of the KTMU Centre for Continuous Education, . delivered a lecture entitled "Silent Persuasion, Invisible Manipulation: The Psychological and Educational Anatomy of 15 July".
Throughout the day, "Manas TV" broadcast special programming to mark "15 July Democracy and National Unity Day".
A photo exhibition titled “15 July: Memory, Resistance and Democracy” was also inaugurated at the KTMU rector's building.
"15 July Democracy and National Unity Day" Panel
A "July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day" programme was held at the Turkish Embassy in Bishkek.
The event was attended by Latif Gandilov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Bishkek; Tahir Osman Tahir, Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Bishkek; Prof. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of the Kyrgyzstan-Türkiye Manas University, . and Prof. Almazbek Ibrayev, . Acting Rector; staff from the Turkish Embassy in Bishkek; the Bishkek Programme Coordination Office of TIKA; the Turkish Red Crescent; officials from the Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital; representatives of the Association of Meskhetian Turks, Kyrgyzstan; and members of the public.
Speaking after a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem, Ökem said, "We have come together on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day to commemorate our august martyrs and remember our heroic nation's struggle for democracy."
At the event, a message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, was also shared with the participants.
Kosovo
A commemoration programme was held in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by Türkiye's Ambassador to Pristina, Sabri Tunç Angılı, at the Embassy Residence, the programme was attended by Albulena Haxhiu, Speaker of the Assembly serving as Acting President of Kosovo; Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Minority Affairs and Cooperation and Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party (KDTP) Chairman Fikrim Damka; ministers; members of parliament; mayors; representatives of Turkish institutions; and officials from local and international institutions and organisations.
The programme began with a minute of silence and the singing of the national anthems of Türkiye and Kosovo.
Cologne
At the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day programme held at the Consulate General of Türkiye in Cologne, crescent-and-star balloons bearing the names of the martyrs were released into the sky in tribute to their memory.
Held at the Consulate General complex on the anniversary of the 15 July 2016 coup attempt, the programme was attended by representatives of Turkish civil society organisations and members of the public.
The programme began with a minute of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the recitation of the sela in memory of those who lost their lives on 15 July.
In the programme, the Holy Quran was recited, and prayers were offered for the martyrs.
During the programme, the participants also viewed videos and photographs detailing FETO's coup attempt and the events on the night of 15 July.
The participants released crescent-and-star balloons into the sky at the conclusion of the event, each bearing the names of the martyrs who died on 15 July.
TRNC
In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a commemoration ceremony was held for the martyrs as part of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day events.
The commemoration ceremony at the Boğaz Martyrdom in the city of Girne brought together TRNC President Tufan Erhürman; Speaker of the Republican Assembly Ziya Öztürkler; Prime Minister Ünal Üstel; Türkiye's Ambassador to Lefkosa Ali Murat Başçeri; Commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç; Security Forces Commander Major General İlker Görgülü; and Chairperson of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and main opposition figure Sıla Usar İncirli, along with ministers, military officials, and citizens.
The ceremony began with the laying of a wreath at the memorial in the martyrs' cemetery, followed by a minute of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.
In his speech at the ceremony, Türkiye's Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Başçeri, stated that the coup planned against the republic on 15 July 2016 was thwarted by the heroic struggle of the martyrs and veterans and emphasised the importance of knowing the nation's struggle waged in the spirit of national unity and solidarity, as well as keeping social memory alive.
The ceremony concluded with prayers, the placement of carnations on the martyrs’ graves, and a visit to the sapling garden established in remembrance of the 15 July Martyrs.
North Macedonia
A commemoration ceremony themed "The Name of Victory: Türkiye" was held in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by Türkiye's Ambassador to Skopje, Fatih Ulusoy, at the embassy residence, the ceremony brought together the President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, the President of the Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia, Shaqir Fetahu, North Macedonian ministers, mayors, members of parliament, representatives of political parties from the country's different ethnic communities, officials from Turkish and local institutions and organisations, as well as many invited guests.
The programme began with a minute of silence, followed by the Turkish National Anthem. A video featuring footage from the night of 15 July was then presented.
As part of the commemoration ceremony, photographs by AA that depicted what happened on 15 July were displayed.
Meanwhile, following the evening prayer, a mawlid was recited at the Murat Pasha Mosque in the Old Skopje Bazaar in memory of the martyrs of 15 July.
Lebanon
A commemorative programme was held in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, to mark the 10th anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The programme, held at the Yunus Emre Institute in Beirut, was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Beirut Murat Lütem, embassy staff, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations, as well as Turkish citizens and kin communities living in Lebanon.
The programme began with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the treacherous coup attempt, followed by the Turkish and Lebanese national anthems. A recitation from the Holy Qur'an was then delivered, and prayers were offered for the martyrs of 15 July.
Ambassador Lütem delivered the opening remarks.
The commemorative programme also featured a documentary on 15 July prepared by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications.
Participants were also informed about the repercussions of FETO's attempted coup in Lebanon and the solidarity shown by the Lebanese people with the Turkish people during that period.
As part of the programme, a photo exhibition featuring images taken by Anadolu Agency photojournalists during the attempted coup of 15 July was also inaugurated.
Nigeria
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Abuja organised a commemorative programme in Nigeria to mark the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Abuja, the programme began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Abuja Mehmet Poroy, representatives of Turkish institutions in Nigeria, Turkish businesspeople, members of the Turkish community, and Nigerian citizens.
Uzbekistan
A commemoration programme was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
The ceremony, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tashkent, was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tashkent Ufuk Ulutaş, embassy staff, Turkish businesspeople in Uzbekistan, and Uzbek journalists.
The programme started with a moment of silence for the July 15 martyrs and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran and prayers.
The event concluded with the screening of the documentary "The Rise of a State Breaking Free from Its Shackles."
Pakistan
A commemorative programme was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Islamabad to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The programme was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Islamabad İrfan Neziroğlu, Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Islamabad Buket Kop, as well as numerous representatives of foreign missions, ambassadors, and invited guests.
The programme started with a minute of silence in memory of the July 15 martyrs. The programme began with a one-minute moment of silence in memory of the martyrs of 15 July, followed by the Turkish and Pakistani national anthems.
Romania
The capital of Romania, Bucharest, hosted a commemoration event to mark July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bucharest Özgür Kıvanç Altan, the programme at the Embassy began with a moment of silence in memory of those martyred during FETO's treacherous attempted coup of 15 July, followed by the singing of the Turkish National Anthem and a recitation from the Holy Qur'an.
The programme, supported by the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE), the Maarif Foundation, and the Union of International Democrats (UID), also featured a photo exhibition showcasing photographs taken by Anadolu Agency photojournalists on the night of the attempted coup, symbolising the resistance.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) also organised a documentary screening programme in Bucharest to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The documentary "15 July Through the Eyes of Foreigners," prepared by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications and focusing on the attempted coup of 15 July 2016 and the Turkish nation's struggle to defend democracy, was screened before an audience that included Turkish citizens and kin communities living in Romania, along with many other attendees.
Russia
A commemoration programme was held in Moscow, the capital of Russia, on July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
The programme, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Moscow, was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Moscow Tanju Bilgiç, embassy counsellors, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations, Turkish businesspeople, and invited guests.
The programme began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a short video on the events of 15 July. Following remarks on the significance of the day by Erkan Çapar, Interior Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Moscow, Counsellor for Religious Services Emin Patan offered prayers for the martyrs of 15 July.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç authored an article for Kommersant, one of Russia's leading newspapers, on the occasion of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Somalia
A commemorative programme was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Mogadishu to mark 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Mogadishu Alper Aktaş, the programme was attended by Somalia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations in Somalia, members of the Somalia Türkiye Alumni Association, and other invited guests.
The programme began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur'an. Citizens who were martyred during the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation's (FETO) attempted coup on 15 July 2016 were commemorated with mercy.
Ambassador Aktaş and Somalia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Bashir Mohamed Jama delivered remarks during the programme.
Somali graduates who had completed their education in Türkiye also attended the event and expressed messages of solidarity with the Turkish people.
The programme concluded with a group photograph.
Tunisia
A commemorative programme was held in Tunisia to mark the 10th anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
The programme, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Tunis, was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia Ahmet Misbah Demircan, embassy staff, representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations, and Turkish citizens living in the country.
Following the opening remarks by Third Secretary Güneş Alas, the programme began with a moment of silence in memory of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, the martyrs of 15 July, and veterans who have passed away, followed by the singing of the Turkish National Anthem.
During the event, participants watched a short documentary depicting the Turkish nation’s resistance and struggle for democracy during the attempted coup on the night of 15 July 2016, as well as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic address delivered by telephone during a live broadcast on CNN Türk while the coup attempt was underway.
The programme concluded after participants toured an exhibition prepared with the support of the Tunis Programme Coordination Office of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), featuring photographs taken by Anadolu Agency on the night of 15 July.
Jordan
In Amman, the capital of Jordan, 10 complete recitations of the Holy Qur’an were dedicated to the souls of the 253 people martyred during the 15 July 2016 coup attempt carried out by the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), marking the 10th anniversary of 15 July.
During the commemoration ceremony held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Amman, prayers were offered upon the completion of the 10 full recitations of the Holy Qur’an. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Turkish institutions in Jordan, including the Yunus Emre Institute and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), as well as students residing at the Türkiye Maarif Foundation's dormitory in Amman, Turkish citizens living in Jordan, and university students.
The programme began with a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs, the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, and a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a poetry recital.
During the programme, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Amman Yakup Caymazoğlu delivered a speech.
Greece
A commemoration ceremony was held in Athens, the capital of Greece, to mark July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
Hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Athens, Çağatay Erciyes, the commemoration ceremony was held on the embassy premises and attended by Türkiye's Consul General in Athens-Piraeus, Işıl Işık Civelik, embassy staff, and representatives of Turkish institutions in Athens.
The ceremony began with a one-minute moment of silence in honour of the martyrs, followed by the Turkish National Anthem. Ambassador Erciyes emphasised that the coup attempt carried out by members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) ten years ago was not only a bloody terrorist attack against the Turkish state but also an assault on the will of the Turkish nation, democracy, and independence.
The ceremony ended with a prayer for the martyrs.
As part of the commemoration programme, participants visited a photo exhibition depicting the resistance against the coup attempt on the night of 15 July.