“Our nation wrote a glorious epic on the night of July 15,” says Turkish President in address to Parliament.
On the ninth anniversary of the failed July 15 coup attempt, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a commemorative speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, honoring the resilience of the Turkish people and the legacy of those who resisted the putsch.
Describing the night as “one of the most critical turning points in our history,” Erdoğan said, “That night, both as a state and as a nation, we passed a difficult test with our heads held high.”
Erdoğan praised the citizens who poured into streets and squares, describing them as having chosen martyrdom over submission. “The Turkish nation stood tall, offering their bodies against tanks and bullets to stop a treacherous assault. They not only foiled a coup attempt but also repelled an occupation plan,” he said.
“Hands were raised across the world for Turkey’s salvation”
The President emphasized the global outpouring of support for Turkey during the coup attempt, noting how prayers and solidarity were expressed from across the Muslim world.
“The ezans in Istanbul and salawats in Bursa echoed in Skopje, Baku, and Cairo. From Pakistan to Indonesia, from Bosnia to Somalia, hands were raised to the sky for Turkey’s safety,” he noted, adding that this night had revealed the spiritual and global depth of Turkey’s identity.
“FETÖ’s trap was utterly dismantled”
Erdoğan directly blamed the coup on the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), stating: “The trap set by the FETÖ ringleader was dismantled by our nation’s courageous stand.”
“A terrorist masquerading in a religious robe, who ultimately died in exile and disgrace, had plotted to drag Turkey into a dark abyss. But with the nation’s resistance, that swamp was dried out forever,” he asserted.
“July 15 was a litmus test for the nation”
Calling the coup attempt a “turning point,” Erdoğan described July 15 as a moment that exposed the true character of individuals and institutions.
“As our people resisted with bare hands, some shamelessly called it ‘a theater,’ others preferred to sip their coffee while waiting to see who would win. But the people have not forgotten any of this,” he said.
He also thanked all political parties and parliamentarians who stood firm that night, saying, “The names of those who defended national will under this sacred roof have been inscribed in our people’s hearts with golden letters.”
“Terror-free Turkey will be the legacy of our martyrs”
The President concluded his remarks with a call for national unity and confidence in Turkey’s future:
“The sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans will never be in vain. As Turkey liberates itself from decades of terrorism, it will rise stronger in every field – economy, defense, foreign policy, and more.”
Erdoğan reaffirmed his belief in Turkey’s democratic strength, stating, “We trust in our people, in our eternal brotherhood, and in the capacity of our democracy to solve all challenges.”
