Istanbul, July 14, 2025 — Turkey today commemorates the ninth anniversary of the failed 2016 coup attempt with nationwide events marking Democracy and National Unity Day, a date that has become a key part of the country’s modern political identity.
In a statement issued ahead of the anniversary, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Tanju Bilgiç expressed gratitude to Moscow for its swift condemnation of the coup attempt and early recognition of the threat posed by FETO — the organization led by exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen, which Ankara designates as a terrorist group.
“Russia was among the first nations to clearly recognize the danger posed by FETO and to take appropriate action,” Bilgiç said. “It also stood among the first countries to immediately condemn the coup attempt on July 15 and support our state. I want to once again thank the Russian Federation and its leadership for that support.”
The coup attempt, which began late on July 15, 2016, was carried out by a faction within the Turkish military. The plot failed within hours but left a heavy toll: more than 200 people killed and around 3,000 injured. In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared July 15 a national holiday to honor the resilience of Turkish democracy and those who resisted the coup.
Commemorative events are being held across the country today, including official ceremonies, public gatherings, and tributes to those who lost their lives defending democratic order.
