Sunmez: July 15 embodies our people's commitment to democracy
Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Topuz Nurgul Sonmez, affirmed that July 15, Democracy and National Unity Day, represents a firmly entrenched occasion in the Turkish national memory, due to its significance reflecting the Turkish people’s commitment to their free will and their defense of the democratic system and state sovereignty.
The ambassador’s remarks came during an event organized by the Turkish Embassy at the embassy’s diwaniya to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the failed coup attempt that Turkey witnessed on July 15, 2016.
Attendees included the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, and the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Affairs, Ambassador Sadiq Ma’arifi, along with a number of ambassadors of countries and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Turkish community, and media representatives.
She clarified that the Gülen Terror Organization (FETÖ) had spent years building a clandestine network under the guise of educational and social activities, before attempting to seize state institutions through elements infiltrated within the armed forces.
She added that the coup plot included an attempt to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, bombing the parliament building, targeting state institutions, and attacking civilians, in an effort to impose the will of a clandestine organization on the state and the people.
She noted that the courage and determination displayed by the Turkish people during that night solidified July 15 as a turning point in modern Turkish history, proving citizens’ commitment to democracy, independence, and national will.
She pointed out that although the coup attempt ended with the dawn of July 16, it resulted in significant losses, including the martyrdom of 253 people and injuries to more than 2,200, as well as damage to public institutions and national property.
She explained that the death of the organization’s leader, Fethullah Gülen, in October 2024 does not mean the threat has disappeared, as historical experiences confirm that clandestine organizations built over many years persist through their networks, structures, and intellectual and financial resources, necessitating continued vigilance and zero tolerance.
The event concluded with the screening of a documentary that detailed the events of the night of July 15, 2016, highlighting the sacrifices of the Turkish people and their role in thwarting the coup attempt and defending the democratic system.
