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

Ten years have passed since the coup attempt carried out by the Fetullah 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 serves as an example not only for Turkey but also for the history of world democracy.

"Our Nation Stood by the National Will"

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

Erdoğan stated, "On the night of July 15, our people took to the streets with great courage, insight, and determination, standing by the national will. This epic resistance showed the whole world that Turkey will not compromise on its independence and democracy."

"FETÖ's Target Was Turkey's Independence"

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

Reminding that the first institutions targeted on the night of the coup were the Presidential Complex and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Erdoğan stated that the coup plotters were repelled thanks to the resistance shown by the nation at the cost of their lives.

Comprehensive Reforms in State Structure

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

Erdoğan emphasized that critical successes were achieved in operations carried out against terrorist organizations both domestically and across borders during this period, and that the process of a "Turkey free from terrorism" is one of the most important stages of the "Turkey Century" vision.

Defense Industry and National Technology Move Came to the Fore

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

He stated that domestic and national projects developed by Turkey, including the electric car TOGG, the national combat aircraft KAAN, national corvettes, and unmanned aerial vehicles, have become projects that attract international attention.

"Turkey Has Become a Global Actor"

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

Emphasizing that Turkey stands with the oppressed and the just on international platforms, Erdoğan stated that the will displayed by the nation on the night of July 15 played a decisive role in Turkey becoming a country whose opinions are sought and whose word is heeded today.

Call to the International Community Regarding FETÖ

In his message, President Erdoğan also touched upon FETÖ's structure abroad, calling on the international community by stating that some countries continue to support members of the organization.

Emphasizing that FETÖ is a terrorist organization that exploits the concepts of democracy, human rights, and freedoms, Erdoğan stated, "Turkey, which lost 253 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 all terrorist organizations without discrimination.