By Tuba Nur Sönmez, Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait

It has been eight years since Turkish people have bravely stood against the bloody coup attempt launched by the “Fethullahist Terrorist Organization” (FETO) targeting the foundation of Turkish democracy and its elected government. On the night of July 15, 2016, Türkiye witnessed an unprecedented danger that threatened the very fabric of its democracy.

FETO affiliated army units or Putschists left their barracks to occupy key locations, such as the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul and fighter jets and attack helicopters bombed strategic targets including the Parliament, Presidential compound, army and police headquarters in the capital city of Ankara. They even tried to assassinate H E President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The state broadcaster, TRT, was forced to read a statement proclaiming the so-called military takeover.

However, H E President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the nation via a FaceTime call broadcasted on television, called on our citizens to defend their democracy. His appeal resonated deeply, galvanizing millions to resist the coup. Mosques broadcasted calls for unity and resistance, echoing the sentiment that democracy was worth defending at any cost.

Then, Turkish public rose with remarkable unity and courage and defended democracy with their lives, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their democracy. Citizens from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, took to the streets in defiance of the coup. Men, women, and even children confronted armed soldiers and tanks, driven by a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of their democratic institutions thereby marking a “Victory of Democracy.”

Nevertheless, the heinous plotters did not even hesitate using deadly military force against innocent civilians, martyring 251 people and leaving thousands injured. Police officer Ms Zeynep Sagır, who has served in our embassy for three years, was also martyred in the attack of the traitors.

The crimes committed on the night of July 15th were just the tip of the iceberg. If the coup had succeeded, there would be no democracy, and fundamental rights and freedoms of Turkish nation would be frozen indefinitely. The nation would have fallen in the hands of an extremist government as the traitors attempted to usurp country’s rule and law.

However, putschists could not estimate people’s strong perseverance and heroism. FETO’s long standing will to dominate whole country was defeated by people’s will to protect democracy. On the other side, we have to understand the true nature of FETO. This terrorist organization was established in the late 1960s as a so-called “religious movement”. In the guise of promoting education and inter-religious dialogue, it managed to cover its malign intentions.

The well-planned and wide-spread infiltration by FETO members and converts into the army, law enforcement, judiciary and numerous government institutions, was carried out for decades clandestinely for an overarching plan, of which the final phase was unleashed on July 15, 2016 with a coup attempt. Due to complexity and gravity of this betrayal, the fight against FETO in and outside Türkiye has constituted one of the main priorities of our state. The perpetrators of the coup attempt have been brought to justice on the basis of the rule of law. FETO’s organizational structure within governmental institutions has been revealed; administrative and judicial procedures have been started against its members. We have a resolute determination to fight against FETO and eliminate any upcoming threat that may come from this heinous terrorist organization in the future.

The events of the 15th of July will be forever etched in our collective memory as a testament to the power of brave citizens in defending their democratic way of life. The courage and resilience of the Turkish public in the face of a grave threat to their democracy is an inspiring story of national unity and determination. It is a powerful reminder that the true strength of a nation lies in the hands of its people, and their unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy. For this reason, July 15 is commemorated as the “Day of Democracy and National Unity”, a day to keep collective memory alive. With these feelings, we remember with gratitude our martyrs and veterans, who defended democracy with their lives. They are the heroes of the “Century of Türkiye”. May Allah Almighty (swt) grant those who sacrificed their lives heroically Jannah.