Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran delivered a speech at the "July 15: Memory, Justice, and Future Panel" organised by the Directorate of Communications.
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran stated that July 15 was a blessed victory of democracy and independence that had been etched into the history of Türkiye in golden letters; that night, the people declared to the entire world that their will could not be shackled; and that in the days that followed, the nation held vigils for democracy for nights, reflecting a profound political awareness.
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran said that this mass mobilisation stands as a resolve rarely matched in the history of global democracy.
"We witnessed an unparalleled spirit of civil resistance"
Underlining that the July 15 resistance also marked a turning point, ushering in a profound transformation at the societal level, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran continued as follows:
"That night, an entirely new political culture and mentality grounded in the will of the people emerged. The 'Century of Türkiye' vision is built upon this collective societal consciousness. Although nine years have passed, every moment of that night remains vivid in our memory. As you are aware, memory is the assurance of the future. In response to the call of our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, millions of citizens across the country took to the squares, the streets, and the airports. They tore down the heinous coup attempt of the treacherous FETO network with their bare hands. We, too, were among those who took to the streets. Together with my wife, we began walking from Kızıltoprak in İstanbul towards the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. There were those who stood in our way. They said, 'Do not go there. People are being killed.' Despite these warnings, we pressed forward, without the least hesitation, toward the bridge. An unparalleled spirit of civil resistance was what we witnessed. The love for Türkiye and the passion for independence were worth seeing. I am grateful to Allah for allowing me to be a humble participant in this sacred struggle and a witness to the victory that followed at dawn."
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran wished for Allah’s mercy upon the 253 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and future of the country, and long lives, filled with health and blessings, upon the veterans.
The goal of a terror-free Türkiye
Stating that, "As we take pride in the glory of the epic of July 15, the FETO network—those who betrayed their own country—is reduced to misery, befitting their treacherous fate," Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, said that the determined struggle will continue until every last element of FETO, both at home and abroad, is neutralised.
Explaining that by standing up for its democracy, Türkiye has undergone a profound transformation and has made significant strides in nearly every area, including national security and foreign policy, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran stated the following:
"Türkiye has now attained a much stronger and more active position. The vision of a 'Terror-Free Türkiye' is part of this transformation. The vision of a 'Terror-Free Türkiye' is the foundation of both our security policies and societal peace. It took root in the democratic resistance that unfolded on the streets on July 15. A 'Terror-Free Türkiye' means resolving the gravest issue that has drained our nation's energy for nearly half a century. It means reinforcing the spirit of unity and solidarity, making our country much more resilient against all threats. As our President stated in his historic speech in Kızılcahamam over the weekend, 'The doors to a Great Türkiye, a Strong Türkiye, a New Century of Türkiye, have now been opened wide.”
"Türkiye stands as the voice of the global conscience"
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran said that July 15 also stands as an act of defiance against those who are perturbed by Türkiye’s status as an independent nation that makes its own decisions.
Indicating that the foiling of the coup attempt paved the way for Türkiye to elevate to a more effective, resolute, and influential position within the international system, Head of Communications Duran stated:
"Türkiye, as we have all witnessed, has now emerged as an actor, contributing to the resolution of global crises and guiding the security of neighbouring countries and the wider region. Türkiye has become a pioneering country striving to establish a fair and human-centred international order. Under the leadership of our President, Türkiye is calling the reform of the United Nations into question. It is taking a firm stand against Israel’s atrocities. It is leading mediation efforts in international crises. In brief, Türkiye stands as the voice of the global conscience. As the Directorate of Communications, we continue the July 15 commemorations with this awareness, conveying the spirit of July 15 to our people, our nation, and the world. On the one hand, we are highlighting our country’s vision of a “fairer world” and its legitimate arguments on the international stage. On the other hand, we are carrying out initiatives that keep our collective memory, values, and victories alive.
21,000 projects as part of the July 15 commemorations
Head of Communications Duran stated that all public institutions, municipalities, non-governmental organisations, and universities have carried out activities this year in unity of discourse that honour the spirit of July 15 under the theme "The name of Victory: Türkiye" and added that they will continue to do so.
Head of Communications Duran explained that according to the Project Tracking System, through which they track the events, in 2020, 2,961 projects; in 2021, 3,876 projects; in 2022, 8,988 projects; in 2023, 9,934 projects; and in 2024, 11,369 projects were submitted. He also shared the following information:
"The July 15 commemorative events this year marked a record number of events and activities, with over 21,000 projects. This is a very clear indication of the growing and strengthening public awareness of July 15. It is surely gratifying to observe a steady annual increase in the number of projects. Large stages were set up in city squares, and our citizens once again spent the night of July 15 in the squares, conducting various activities and keeping vigil for democracy. The sacred memory of our martyrs was honoured through recitations of Hatm-i Sherif and the Holy Qur’an, as well as the Sala recited in 90,000 mosques. Our primary school students wrote poems inspired by the spirit of July 15, and painting competitions were organised at our schools. When I went home last night, I told my 8-year-old daughter what I had done. I think it is valuable to tell such valuable anecdotes to our friends and our children to keep our memories alive."
"The consciousness of democracy is the most precious legacy we can leave to our children"
Head of Communications, Duran, noted that they continue to explain the significance of July 15 on the international stage and organise commemoration events in various cities across Europe.
Indicating that through the overseas offices, photo exhibitions depicting FETO and its heinous coup attempt have been organised, accompanied by the screening of films, videos, and documentaries highlighting the resistance and democratic victory of the nation, Head of Communications Duran concluded his remarks:
"Members of the press from over 40 countries attended our events. Our media—led by TRT and Anadolu Agency—have brought our heroic resistance to the attention of the international public through high-quality news coverage, broadcasts, and productions. The July 15 resistance and the consciousness of democracy are among the most precious legacies we can leave to our children. We certainly know that no force will be able to derail Türkiye, where 86 million citizens act in unity, solidarity, and fraternity under the spirit of July 15. As we stand on the threshold of numerous future successes in the Century of Türkiye, may Allah always keep our nation's path open."
