President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan penned an article titled “15 July: The Declaration of Independence of the Century of Türkiye”, marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
President Erdoğan began his article, published in newspapers, with the statement, “A full decade has passed since that fateful night when the people of a great nation, fighting at the cost of their lives for their independence and future, changed the course of history,” before noting:
"15 July was not only the night when a treacherous coup attempt was thwarted but also a great victory for democracy, written in golden letters in history, as our nation defended its will, democracy and independence at the cost of their lives. That night, our noble nation, just as it did during the War of Independence, taught one of the greatest lessons in history to the imperialist forces that sought to occupy our homeland and their collaborators.
15 July stands as a great epic etched in history in golden letters by our august nation, which rushed to the streets and squares with the faith and determination of those who fought heroically at Malazgirt (Manzikert) a thousand years ago, those who laid down their lives five centuries ago at the walls of İstanbul to realise Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror’s dream and fulfil the prophecy foretold by the Prophet Muhammad, and those who sacrificed themselves for the defence of the homeland a century ago, echoing the poet’s words: 'The grandeur of our ancestors is known throughout the world; Think not that our nature has changed, for this blood is still that same blood'."
"Our nation took once again its independence and future into its own hands"
In his article, President Erdoğan emphasised that, when calling on the nation to take to the squares and airports in defence of the national will against the deranged terrorist organisation’s unprecedented act of betrayal, he was not making a simple call, adding:
"The call we made to our nation was a reflection of the confidence we had in the democratic wisdom, discernment, and courage of our august nation. Our aim was to once again uphold the principle of 'Independence or Death!', one of the most sacred legacies entrusted to us by our ancestors. Our nation, as if emerging from the depths of history itself, responded to this call without hesitation, putting its life and very being on the line. Thankfully, our nation did not let this trust be misplaced and once again took its independence and future into its own hands. That night, our nation broke apart the chains that sought to bind its will, cast away the shackles of tutelage and betrayal, and dismantled, one by one, the obstacles before Türkiye’s future. That night, 253 children of this homeland attained martyrdom, and more than 2,000 of our brothers and sisters were injured. Each of these figures represents a unique symbol of sacrifice, courage, and heroism displayed in defence of the homeland, the flag, and the national will."
"We eradicated FETO in every field"
President Erdoğan stated, "Over the past ten years, we have pursued our uncompromising struggle against the bloodstained terrorist organisation FETO both domestically and internationally with unwavering determination," and noted the following:
"Because cleansing this cancer cell that had infiltrated our state and ensuring that the perpetrators faced justice was our greatest debt to our martyrs who willingly gave their lives. We eradicated FETO in every field, from bureaucracy to the military, from the judiciary to the business world. However, it is important to reiterate this basic fact that we should never lose sight of: what has transpired is not a struggle that started and finished ten years ago. The only way to prevent FETO and similar insidious structures from influencing our state and nation again is to keep the spirit of 15 July alive at all times and pass it on to future generations."
"The greatest strength of this nation is its unity and solidarity"
Noting that, in the decade since the treacherous coup attempt, the pain has remained as vivid as its first day, President Erdoğan continued his article:
"Even so, we remain steadfast in our fight against FETO and every other terrorist group with the same determination and resolve. As the 10th anniversary of 15 July is commemorated, Türkiye stands stronger, more resolute, and more united than ever. As long as the spirit of 15 July endures in these lands, there should be no doubt that the treacherous schemes of the traitors and the dirty games orchestrated by the global scriptwriters behind them will never gain support.
On this occasion, I pray for Allah’s mercy upon all our martyrs who turned that dark night into light by shielding it with their own bodies and who ensured that these lands—the legacy of our ancestors, our homeland, and the place where we have ruled for centuries—remained ours once again. I pray for long, prosperous, and blessed lives for our veterans.
May Allah protect our noble nation, whose glorious history has been woven stitch by stitch with victories, from ever experiencing a betrayal like that of 15 July again. This nation draws its greatest strength from its unity, solidarity, and ancient brotherhood, forged over a thousand years through both joy and sorrow. May Allah preserve our unity, solidarity and brotherhood."