In the message he penned on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the national resistance displayed on the night of July 15, 2016, was an unprecedented example in terms of world democracy history. Erdoğan emphasized that FETÖ's coup attempt was not only aimed at the government but was also an invasion attempt targeting Turkey's independence and national will.

Ten years have passed since the coup attempt carried out by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) on July 15, 2016. In his comprehensive message published on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the resistance shown by the Turkish nation that night set an example not only for Turkey but also for world democracy history.

"Our Nation Protected the National Will"

President Erdoğan stated that the coup attempt aimed to drag Turkey into a long-lasting period of chaos, and said that this plan was thwarted thanks to the nation's determined stance.

Erdoğan said, "On the night of July 15, our people took to the streets with great courage, sagacity, and determination, protecting the national will. This epic resistance showed the entire world that Turkey would not compromise on its independence and democracy."

"FETÖ's Target Was Turkey's Independence"

President Erdoğan pointed out that FETÖ's coup attempt carried a meaning far beyond a classic military coup attempt, emphasizing that it was an all-out invasion attempt targeting Turkey's independence.

Erdoğan reminded that the first institutions targeted on the night of the coup were the Presidential Complex and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and stated that the putschists were repelled thanks to the nation's resistance, which came at the cost of lives.

Comprehensive Reforms in State Structure

President Erdoğan stated that comprehensive structural reforms were implemented in state institutions after the coup attempt, and noted that significant steps were taken to eliminate structures that could threaten democratic functioning.

Erdoğan stated that critical successes were achieved through operations carried out against terrorist organizations both domestically and across borders during this process, and emphasized that the "Turkey Free of Terror" process is also one of the most important stages of the "Century of Turkey" vision.

Defense Industry and National Technology Initiative Stood Out

President Erdoğan stated that significant investments have been made in the defense industry, aviation, space technologies, health, transportation, and agriculture sectors within the scope of the National Technology Initiative over the last 10 years.

Among the domestic and national projects developed by Turkey, the electric car TOGG, the national combat aircraft KAAN, national corvettes, and unmanned aerial vehicles have become internationally noteworthy projects.

"Turkey Has Become a Global Actor"

President Erdoğan stated that thanks to the entrepreneurial foreign policy Turkey has pursued in recent years, it has risen to the position of an effective actor in resolving regional and global crises.

Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey stands by the oppressed and the rightful on international platforms, and stated that the will demonstrated by the nation on the night of July 15 played a decisive role in Turkey becoming a country whose views are sought and whose word is respected today.

International Call on FETÖ

President Erdoğan, also addressing FETÖ's structure abroad in his message, called on the international community, stating that some countries continue to support members of the organization.

Erdoğan emphasized that FETÖ is a terrorist organization that exploits the concepts of democracy, human rights, and freedom, and stated, "Turkey, which martyred 253 of its citizens on the night of July 15, expects sincere cooperation and strong support from the international community in its fight against terrorism."

President Erdoğan concluded his message by stating that global peace, security, and stability can only be achieved through a determined international struggle against terrorist organizations, without discrimination.