On the occasion of the seventh commemoration of the coup attempt orchestrated by FETO on July 15, 2016, the Turkish flag was hoisted on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge through collaborative efforts involving the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, the Istanbul Governor's Office, and the July 15 Association.
The Deputy Governor of Istanbul, Özlem Bozkurt Gevrek, the Head of the July 15 Association, İsmail Hakkı Turunç, and the families of martyrs and veterans came together in front of the July 15 Memory Museum located at the entrance of the Anatolian side of the bridge.
Turunç, while addressing the press during the event, mentioned that the Turkish flag was raised on the bridge on July 15, 2016. He also stated that the flag would be raised once again in remembrance of the martyrs who bravely gave their lives during the seventh anniversary of the coup attempt.
Turunç stressed the importance of not forgetting the veterans, stating, "The flag we will hoist here will soar in the sky, just as it has for thousands of years in this territory. That flag represents our freedom and independence. Our martyrs did willingly surrender their lives, for they grasped the profound essence and spirit enshrined within that flag. We assure our martyrs and their families that the flag shall forever soar aloft, the homeland shall remain indivisible, and this noble nation shall never be subjected to slavery. It will continue its path as an exemplary nation to the world, preserving its freedom and independence for thousands of years."
Following Turunç's statement, the group members headed to the centre of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge and hoisted the Turkish flag, which measured 10 metres in length and 15 metres in width.
Two banners were placed on both sides of the Turkish flag. One of them said, "For the love of our cherished homeland and our nation," while the other one read, "Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day when 34 brave individuals sacrificed their lives for our homeland. May they find eternal peace, and may we always remember them with deep gratitude."
