As part of the international commemoration programmes organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications to mark the 10th anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, a panel titled “National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July” was held in Berlin, the capital of Germany.
The programme, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Berlin, began with a tour of the photo exhibition on 15 July. Participants had the opportunity to view the photographs portraying the events of the treacherous coup attempt and the Turkish nation's will to protect its democracy at the exhibition. Gökhan Turan, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Berlin, delivered the opening remarks of the programme. In his speech, Ambassador Gökhan Turan said that the Turkish nation, with great determination and resilience, prevented FETO from achieving its treacherous ambitions, recognising no tutelage over its will and was willing to sacrifice its life for its state and democracy.
Subsequently, the thematic video "15 July: Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy" and the video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications Prof Burhanettin Duran, were presented. In his video message, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran emphasised that Türkiye possesses the strength and determination to counter all threats targeting its sovereignty and independence. Noting that FETO poses a security threat not only to Türkiye but also to all countries in which it operates, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran underscored the importance of friendly and allied countries acting in solidarity with Türkiye in countering the terrorist organisation.
Head of Communications Duran noted that 15 July offers valuable lessons for the international community in countering hybrid threats, disinformation and crises of truth and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in addressing global challenges while fostering a fairer international order.
The panel was moderated by Prof. Mehmet Akif Kireçci, the Faculty Member at the Faculty of Political Science of the Social Sciences University of Ankara, and featured speakers Radiye Sezer Katırcıoğlu, the AK Party's Kocaeli MP; Prof. Nebi Miş, the General Coordinator of SETA; and Mehmet Alagöz, Lawyer and the Chair of the Coup Trials Platform.
The panel discussed the significance of the treacherous coup attempt on 15 July 2016 in Türkiye’s democratic history, the importance of national will, and its international implications. Speakers stressed that 15 July was more than the thwarting of a coup attempt; it was also a historic turning point where a nation defended its democracy and its will. Panellists also evaluated the coup attempt in terms of its judicial processes, legal consequences, and implications for the Turkish legal system. They also underscored that the fight against FETO is not only a security struggle but also a moral and intellectual struggle against the exploitation of religion.
The programme proceeded with the recitation from the Holy Qur'an and concluded with the screening of the film "15/07 Break of Dawn" documenting the events of the night of 15 July. The programme garnered great interest from academics, media professionals, representatives of non-governmental organisations, members of diplomatic missions, and the Turkish community.
