Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the July 15 Martyrs’ Monument in Ankara, commemorating the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.

He highlighted the significance of the day, likening it to the epic victories of Çanakkale and the War of Independence.

"Just like in Çanakkale, just like in our War of Independence, it was their determination that saved our nation’s future on the night of July 15 as well. July 15 is the second epic victory our nation has won in the past century after our War of Independence, which we won despite all difficulties. Besides being a resistance that will be told with pride for decades to come, July 15 is also the story of the rise of our nation from its ashes," Erdoğan stated.

Speaking to a crowd gathered in front of the monument, Erdoğan expressed his gratitude for their unity and solidarity, saying: "I thank each and every one of you for this tremendous unity and solidarity and for your firm stance that gives confidence to friends and fear to foes."

Erdoğan underscored that the roots of the July 15 uprising could be traced back to his strong stance at the Davos Annual Meeting in 2009. "The strong support provided by myself and our government to the Palestinian cause had annoyed the global Zionist lobby and their agents of influence within ourselves. As Türkiye started to act independently in foreign politics, the unease of these circles was come to light, so to speak," he noted.

He detailed the various attempts to destabilize the government, including the February 7 MIT crisis, the Gezi incidents, and the December 17-25 coup attempt within law enforcement and the judiciary. "When they could not succeed in any of this, they staged their final game. We, shoulder to shoulder with our nation, tore apart these insidious plans," Erdoğan asserted.

Addressing the youth, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of determination in securing the nation’s future. He concluded by reiterating the significance of July 15 as a symbol of national resilience and revival, drawing parallels to the historic struggles of the Turkish people.

The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the July 15 coup attempt and reinforced the enduring spirit of the Turkish nation. (ILKHA)