Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun participated in TRT News' "July 15 Special Interview" programme on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
Director of Communications Altun answered questions during a programme held at the July 15 Democracy Museum, wishing Allah's mercy on those who lost their lives during the July 15 resistance and adding, "Indeed, the memory of our beloved martyrs is extremely precious and sacred, and for this reason, we must exert a great deal of effort to ensure that this memory is remembered accurately and engraved in the collective memory correctly. This museum, which we are currently in, is one of the manifestations of this effort. We have 253 martyrs, meaning 253 heroes."
Director of Communications Altun emphasised that during this year's July 15 commemoration events, while remembering July 15, the expression "Heroes of the Century of Türkiye" was used to refer to the martyrs, veterans, and all the citizens who endangered their lives by gathering in the squares on that day, noting:
"July 15 was a treacherous coup attempt. However, this was also an invasion disguised as a coup. The events of July 15 were an attack on the sovereignty, stability, and future of this nation, this country, and this state. Praise be to Allah, it was a treacherous attempt that was once again thwarted by the resilience of our nation, the tenacity of our president, and his determination. July 15 was truly a project that aimed to take Türkiye back into captivity and, tragically, to condemn it to itself and to its own internal relations, but, thanks be to Allah, it was not successful."
Director of Communications Altun stated that the nation exhibited great resolve on July 15, saying, "In an unprecedented act in the history of democracy in the world, the nation and civilians everywhere came forward and said to those terrorists dressed in military uniforms, 'We will not let you pass. We will not give you the chance to execute this vile ploy.' They stood in front of the tanks and sacrificed their lives, but not their homeland, their nation, or this country's independence."
Director of Communications Altun said, "Like our heroes of the War of Independence, like all of our martyrs who made this country a homeland for us, these heroes truly hold a special place in our history," adding:
"This nation has a real past, and the founding elements of that real past are the real heroes. In this regard, July 15 holds a unique and significant place in the history of this nation and its homeland. Some individuals made extensive preparations to carry out the July 15 coup attempt and the invasion attempt. With strong foreign backing, the treacherous terrorist group FETO worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for the coup. They engaged in extensive efforts to spread disinformation via international media. Through their own adherents and members of their organisation, they attempted to conduct a series of intelligence operations in the hopes of creating an atmosphere of vulnerability in the country. They sought to shape politics in the run-up to July 15 with the MIT (Turkish National Intelligence Organisation) Crisis on February 7 and the interventions in law enforcement and jurisdiction between December 17 and 25. These were all eradicated through the efforts of our President."
“They acted as part of a failed plot to invade Türkiye"
Director of Communications Altun stated that the FETO structure entered the political arena for the first time after the December 17–25 period and added, "It engaged in the March 30, 2014 municipal elections against our President. However, they also failed in that endeavour. Prior to that, during the Gezi Park events, there was a very serious presence of this structure in the background, and there were serious attempts to destabilise Türkiye's political sphere and bring about a change in government through this destabilisation. However, none of their attempts were successful. As a last resort, they tried to stage a coup on July 15. Those who attempted this coup were part of a plot to occupy Türkiye, but they failed."
Director of Communications Altun pointed out that FETO and the failed coup on July 15 harmed Türkiye and Turkish institutions and stated, "Over the past seven years, we have also seen that when this treacherous organisation is eradicated from our state and our institutions, our state and our institutions become much stronger."
Director of Communications Altun emphasised that Türkiye's fight against terrorism continued in the seven years that followed the July 15 coup attempt in a way that was much stronger, more effective, and allowed for greater results, and continued:
"The Republic of Türkiye conducted highly qualified and effective military operations outside its borders with the strategy of eradicating terrorism at its source. On the other hand, we kept establishing military bases abroad, and they became increasingly operational. As the state's institutions were cleansed from this treacherous organisation, they were able to continue serving the country and its citizens more successfully and effectively."
"Destabilisation of the political sphere was avoided thanks to the Presidential System of Government"
Director of Communications Altun said that the Presidential System of Government has created a structural arrangement that renders any attempt to destabilise the political sphere in Türkiye over the governmental system impossible to succeed.
Director of Communications Altun stated that the Presidential System of Government resolved a long-standing issue in Turkish politics and added:
"With the introduction of the Presidential System of Government, a new form of government has emerged with quicker decision-making and improved checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In this system of government, our President has continued to take highly significant steps over the past five years, achieving significant gains for his country. During this time, Türkiye has made a lot of progress towards becoming a regional power and a global player. There is no doubt that the elimination of this treacherous terrorist organisation from public institutions plays a significant role in all of these processes. The results of the most recent election showed unmistakably that our nation is cognizant of this as well, that they approve of this transformation, and that they have once again acknowledged how vital it is.
"The Century of Türkiye is the official title of a breakthrough"
Director of Communications Altun said, "When we say Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation, we are referring to an international organisation whose foundations were established in the 1970s. We also observe the steadfast continuation of the fight against it. When asked, "Could you elaborate on the theme of the Heroes of the Century of Türkiye that you have highlighted as the Directorate of Communications?" Director of Communications Altun replied:
'''The Century of Türkiye is the name of the new period,' our President stated emphatically during the election process. The new era is the 'Century of Türkiye.' This is the term used to describe a time period in which Türkiye is no longer a nation that withdraws inward and becomes worn out by its own internal conflicts, but rather a nation that is and will continue to be a regional power that is highly respected and influential while also being a player on the world stage. This is primarily a chance for the Republic of Türkiye and its citizens."
Director of Communications Altun highlighted that the Century of Türkiye is the official title of a breakthrough in this sense and continued: "It refers to a period in which Türkiye can act on its own behalf and for its own account based on its own interests, and is present in numerous fields, ranging from the economy to foreign policy, culture to trade. In this sense, the Century of Türkiye refers to a stronger and more prosperous, free, and fully independent Türkiye."
Director of Communications Altun stated that the Century of Türkiye is a vision project and added:
"When our President declared that the Century of Türkiye vision project would begin in 2023, the centennial of our Republic, he actually outlined a programme. Obviously, over the past five years, the Presidential System of Government has made significant advances in this programme. There have been substantial gains and capital accumulations. From investments in infrastructure to the fight against terrorism, this was for the flourishing of a great and powerful Türkiye, one that is an effective regional and global power. Türkiye has reached this point thanks to these investments. Our President calls this the Century of Türkiye. There are genuine heroes in the emergence of this Century of Türkiye. When we consider who the genuine heroes behind them are, we see those who resisted the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, an invasion disguised as a coup."
Director of Communications Altun said, "In particular, our 253 martyrs, as well as the veterans and citizens who flocked to the squares and streets that day. These individuals are truly the heroes of the Century of Türkiye." He further added, "If it weren't for their display of resistance on that day, and if our President hadn't fearlessly and confidently delivered a clear message, stating '‘I have not recognised a power greater than the power of the nation,' and if he hadn't said, 'I invite my nation to gather in the public squares," we wouldn't have the privilege of being honoured with the Century of Türkiye today." I speak with great clarity and precision. The Century of Türkiye is a vision project for the upcoming period. The Republic of Türkiye, together with its nation, will strive together in unity and solidarity to bring the vision project into reality with each passing day.
"This is extremely significant for the commemoration of July 15"
Director of Communications Altun emphasised that in order to achieve Türkiye's vision for the Century of Türkiye, the upcoming period will demand significant efforts and investments in various areas. He emphasised that Türkiye now has the capacity to assert itself effectively in global politics, regional matters, and numerous crises.
“We are witnessing a country which is not only capable of foiling games but also is a playmaker," said Director of Communications Altun and continued,
"The process we are experiencing today is a result of the remarkable efforts made by heroes of the Century of Türkiye. So, we used this phrase as a means to commemorate and pay tribute to the coup attempt that occurred on July 15. We engage in various projects annually to ensure that the true significance of July 15 remains vivid in our collective memory. Our government has made significant efforts since the first anniversary of July 15. Civil society organisations, the media, and universities also make significant contributions. During the week of July 15, we have the privilege of coordinating a range of activities as part of the responsibilities entrusted to us by our President through a circular. We oversee the coordination of all activities conducted by public institutions and organisations. Currently, our project tracking system has documented a significant number of projects, exceeding 10,000, encompassing both domestic and international initiatives. This holds great importance in terms of commemorating July 15."
“We have several projects related to the activities on July 15"
Director of Communications Altun also mentioned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will attend the event held at Istanbul Beylerbeyi Stadium as a part of the activities commemorating July 15. He went on to say,
“We have several projects related to the activities on July 15. We host a wide range of symposiums and panels on an international scale. In various regions of Türkiye, we have embraced the use of digital technology and digital towers to pay tribute to our martyrs. This serves as a meaningful way to express our profound respect and gratitude for their honourable legacies. We also host outdoor exhibitions. In addition to these efforts, we aim to ensure the enduring transmission of this heroic epic from one generation to another while effectively conveying a clear message to the international community through the conferences, seminars, and similar activities that we organise across Türkiye. Türkiye is no longer a country that can be shaped remotely by simply pressing a button and initiating illicit structures. Türkiye is a democratic country where the people and the state are united. The national will has the power to modify itself exclusively. Only the national will can change the decision made by the national will, and it is never acceptable to interfere with the national will. Our goal is to effectively communicate this message to a global audience and remain steadfast in our efforts with resolute determination.”
When asked about the present and potential implications of the July 15 resistance for the Turkish nation in light of the elapsed seven-year period, Director of Communications Altun replied as follows:
“July 15 truly represented a grassroots resistance movement that originated from the people themselves, was witnessed by all of us, and was clearly evident in that very moment. On that day, international powers used a deceitful and treacherous terrorist organisation to orchestrate a governmental transition in Türkiye. The country, along with its leader, successfully dealt a strong blow to those who attempted a coup and pushed them back. By doing so, the nation showcased its power. July 15 is the proof of the nation's self-reliance It is clear that the people vividly remember the significance of national will in our own history of modernisation. On July 15, it became evident that attempting to undermine and interfere with the will of the nation through the use of firearms is not achievable, similar to what occurred on May 27 and September 12. It reflects the growing confidence of our nation in this sense. Therefore, it holds significant value."