A meaningful commemoration program is being organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Nuremberg on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the prevention of the coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016, and the victory of democracy. During the program, martyrs who lost their lives for democracy will be remembered with mercy, and feelings of gratitude and appreciation will be expressed to the veterans.

The commemoration event will be held on July 15 at 3:00 PM in the Paul-Metz-Halle (90513 Zirndorf) hall. Within the scope of the program, the documentary "Korkma Oğlum" (Don't Be Afraid, My Son), which focuses on the life of Serhat Önder, a Nuremberg native who was martyred in Ankara on the night of July 15, will also be shown to the audience.

The life of Nuremberg martyr Serhat Önder brought to the big screen

Serhat Önder, who was martyred by the fire opened by putschists in front of the General Staff Headquarters while participating in the democracy watch against the coup attempt in Ankara on the night of July 15, 2016, is remembered as one of the well-known figures in the Turkish community in Germany.

Önder, one of the founding members of the International Democrats Union (UID) Nuremberg, wanted to protect democracy by going to the front of the General Staff Headquarters with his wife and children that night. Serhat Önder, who expressed his determination with the words "We will strive to prevent the coup, we will make ourselves known." to those around him, and his words "Don't be afraid, my son" to his son, who was scared during the low-flying passage of fighter jets, were etched in memory. He was martyred shortly after by gunfire.

An exemplary life extending from Germany to Turkey

Serhat Önder, who was born and raised in Germany, was involved in various civil society activities in Nuremberg for many years. Önder later settled in Turkey and lost his life on the night of July 15 while defending democracy. Martyr Serhat Önder was laid to rest in the village of Bakırlı in the Şabanözü district of his hometown, Çankırı.

It was stated that the commemoration program organized by the Nuremberg Consulate General aims to bring the Turkish community in Germany together to commemorate the July 15 martyrs and to pass on the awareness of democracy to future generations.

Taner TÜZÜN / NUREMBERG