Turkish Ambassador: July 15 a pivotal historical milestone for the people's victory
The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Topa Nur Sonmez, affirmed that the anniversary of July 15, Democracy and National Unity Day, holds a special and profound place in the Turkish national consciousness, as it marks a pivotal milestone in the history of the modern Turkish Republic and embodies the Turkish people’s commitment to their democracy, sovereignty, and national will.
This statement was made during an event commemorating the tenth anniversary of the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016, organized by the Turkish Embassy in Kuwait at the Embassy’s Diwaniya. The event was attended by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Affairs, Sheikh Jawahir Al-Sabah, and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, Ambassador Sadiq Maaref, along with several heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country, representatives of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Turkish community.
The event began with a minute of silence, followed by the playing of the Turkish national anthem, in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the treacherous coup attempt carried out by the "Fethullah Terrorist Organization" (FETÖ) on July 15, 2016, as well as all of Turkey’s martyrs. This was followed by recitations from the Holy Quran for the souls of the martyrs.
In a speech delivered at the event, the Ambassador stated that that night represented one of the most serious challenges faced by the country, as the coup attempt targeted the constitutionally elected government, the constitutional system, national sovereignty, and the democratic values upon which the Turkish Republic is founded.
She explained that the "Fethullah Terrorist Organization" (FETÖ), which stood behind the coup attempt, spent years building a secret network under the guise of educational and community work before attempting to seize control of the state on the night of July 15 through elements infiltrated within the armed forces.
She added that the courage, determination, and sacrifices of the Turkish people in confronting the coup served as firm proof of the Turkish Republic’s commitment to democratic values, emphasizing that July 15 became a historical turning point that demonstrated the people’s steadfastness in defending democracy, national will, and independence.
During the event, a documentary film was screened, covering the events of the night of July 15, 2016, and highlighting the Turkish people’s resistance and heroism in defending democracy.
At the conclusion of the program, traditional Turkish "Ashura" sweets were served to the attendees. In Turkish culture, these sweets symbolize unity, solidarity, cooperation, and sharing, serving as a symbolic representation of the national unity and solidarity demonstrated by the Turkish people on that night.
In closing her speech, Ambassador Sonmez affirmed that the spirit of July 15 remains alive ten years later, underscoring that the will of peoples is stronger than any conspiracy targeting them, and that protecting democracy is a shared responsibility and a national duty.
