The exhibition "The Name of Victory: Türkiye, July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day" has been unveiled at the International Departures Terminal of İstanbul Airport.
The exhibition, organised by the Directorate of Communications in collaboration with IGA, the operator of İstanbul Airport, and the July 15 Association, features photographs from the night of July 15, 2016, that capture the will of the Turkish people in response to the treacherous coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO).
Speaking at the opening, İstanbul Airport Civil Administration Governor İIker Haktankaçmaz said that holding the event at the airport is crucial to communicating the significance of this day to the global community.
"Our airport serves a total of 250,000 passengers daily, with over half being international passengers. This venue is essential for recounting the heroism of this nation, demonstrating its power of solidarity, and explaining the treacherous network's capacity for heinous acts," said Haktankaçmaz.
"You will behold the silent yet powerful cries of those who uphold democracy"
CEO of IGA İstanbul Airport, Selahattin Bilgen, emphasised that July 15 represents a glorious epic of resistance demonstrated by the nation. Bilgen described the arrangements made at the airport as part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, saying, "In this exhibition, which is set up before the İstanbul typographic installation at our airport, you will behold the silent yet powerful cries of those who uphold democracy. The digital content that the Presidency's Directorate of Communications has created and is being displayed on our screens will also contribute to the effectiveness of this year's event." Both domestic and international visitors will bear witness to Türkiye's democratic trajectory, Bilgen affirmed, noting:
"At this airport, we take part in the tradition of decorating Türkiye's iconic buildings with the colours of our national flag on July 15. This year, we will once again illuminate our air traffic control tower with the red and white colours of our glorious Turkish flag. Moreover, you will see our Turkish flag displayed at our entrance gates, passport checkpoints, and counters; the portraits of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and our President at our VIP entrance; and a large 30-metre flag on our exterior façade, placed over the İstanbul typography installation, which has become the symbol of our airport. These visual narratives are not solely for display purposes. They also serve as indicators of awareness and gratitude. Every passenger at our airport will feel the unity, strength, and conviction of our nation through these symbols."
"Our association is organising nearly 40 events both in Türkiye and abroad"
İsmail Hakkı Turunç, President of the July 15 Association, stated that the national unity and solidarity of the state and democracy were targeted on July 15, and that the nation thwarted FETO's coup attempt by standing united. Stating that, as an association, they will explain the treacherous coup attempt during the events they organise abroad, Turunç said, "This year, our association is organising nearly 40 events, both at home and abroad. Last year, we visited 11 countries and, along with the relatives of martyrs, veterans, and association members, shared our experiences of July 15, the traitors we confronted, and our nation's heroic stance. In the hopes of assisting other countries in avoiding similar issues and challenges, we will once again share our experiences by visiting 18 countries this year."
The exhibition featuring photographs taken by Anadolu Agency (AA) photojournalists and reporters will be open for visitors until July 18.
