Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler said, “Our duty is not only to commemorate July 15 today. Our main duty is to keep alive the spirit entrusted to us that night and to pass it on to future generations.” he said.

According to the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, Güler spoke at the ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.

Commemorating with mercy, gratitude and gratitude the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of their homeland, the independence of the nation and the survival of the state, and wishing health and long life to the heroic veterans, Güler said, “There are some dates that do not represent just one day in the calendar, those dates are engraved in the memory of a nation, leave deep traces in its common conscience and turn into a historical trust that must be passed on to future generations. Here is such a historical turning point on July 15, 2016.” “On the night of July 15, our noble nation went through a difficult test and wrote one of the most meaningful epics of our history by defending its state, democracy and independence.” made his assessment.

Güler stated that what was targeted that night was not only the constitutional order of the state, “It was our national will. It was our democracy. It was our independence. It was our thousand-year-old state tradition. Most importantly, it was the common future of our nation.” he said.

Emphasizing that the night of July 15 showed that no state that has the support of its nation will be destroyed, and no nation that has confidence in its state can be taken into captivity, Güler continued as follows:

“Because on that day, under the leadership of our President, our nation, which put its faith in the face of weapons, courage in the face of threats, and love of the country in the face of betrayal, stood shoulder to shoulder with our security forces and stood up for the national will, turning a dark night into a bright morning. It should be known that July 15 is not only the date of a failed betrayal. At the same time, July 15 is the day when the unshakable bond of trust between the state and the nation sealed history. July 15 is a day that never gives up its freedom.” “As a result, July 15 is an epic of resurrection written with the sacrifice of our martyrs, the courage of our veterans and the common conscience of our noble nation.”

Minister Güler pointed out that what makes nations strong is not only the opportunities they have, and said, “The real power is to unite in common goals, to be united in difficult times and to walk together towards the same future. This is the biggest lesson that July 15 left us. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk drew attention to the importance of the home front in the most difficult days of the War of Independence. Despite a century that has passed, this determination remains valid in all its aspects today. Because the home front is the commonality of our nation.” It is conscience, it is the consciousness of common history, it is the trust we have in each other, it is the will to believe in the same future under the shadow of the same flag. he said.

“THE GOAL OF A TERRORISM-FREE Türkiye SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED ONLY AS A SECURITY POLICY”

Underlining that as long as the internal front is solid, no threat, no focus of betrayal and no dark structure can turn the Republic of Turkey from its path, Güler said:

“The developments in our nearby geography clearly show that security is no longer just a struggle within our borders. Today, states are faced with conventional threats as well as terrorism, cyber attacks, disinformation, economic pressures and initiatives targeting social disintegration. In such a sensitive period, protecting our national unity and solidarity is the greatest guarantee of our security, democracy, development and future. The goal of a Terror-Free Turkey, put forward with this understanding, should not be considered only as a security policy. This goal is the future of our children.” “It is a strong Türkiye ideal that one looks at with hope, where the tears of mothers cease, where brotherhood grows stronger, where peace takes root and where trust in a bright future is further strengthened.”

Güler pointed out that there is trust where there is no terrorism, and emphasized that where there is trust, there is production, investment, science, technology and development, and most importantly, peace.

Stating that a Türkiye completely free from the shadow of terrorism would be the strongest expression of loyalty to the martyrs and the most meaningful response to the sacrifices of the veterans, Güler said, “Today, Turkey is a country that gives confidence and creates stability in its region, with its strong state tradition, heroic army, self-sacrificing security forces, the dazzling level it has reached in the domestic and national defense industry, and its noble nation that stands by its state under all circumstances.” he said.

Minister Güler stated that the NATO Summit, which was successfully hosted by Türkiye last week, demonstrated Türkiye’s effectiveness in the international arena under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and that many allied country leaders drew attention to the power of the Turkish army and the distinguished level of the defense industry.

“OUR HEROIC ARMY IS PERFORMING THE DUTIES WITH A SUPERIOR SUCCESS”

Underlining that the main source of the power they have as Turkey is the spirit of unity of our beloved nation, determination of solidarity, common goals and unshakable belief in the future, Güler said, “Our Turkish Armed Forces have always considered it the greatest honor to be worthy of the trust of this noble nation from which they emerged, and have served selflessly for the survival of the homeland in every period of our glorious history. From Malazgirt to Çanakkale, from Sakarya to Cyprus, from the fight against terrorism to cross-border “Our heroic army, which fights with the same spirit at every stage, from operations to operations, continues to fulfill its missions on land, at sea, in the air, in space and in cyberspace with outstanding success.” made the statement.

Güler stated that their fight against all structures that threaten the existence of the state, especially the terrorist organization FETO, continues with the same determination within the framework of the principles of the rule of law, and added:

“After being cleared of traitors, our Turkish Armed Forces have reached a much stronger and higher operational capability, and have become a highly deterrent force. In this period in which we are taking firm steps forward in the second century of our Republic, our goal is a Turkey where peace is permanent, terrorism is completely off the agenda, science and technology direct production, a pioneer in the defense industry, a strong economy, democracy rooted, and brotherhood reinforced. I believe that the Turkish Century is a Turkey of solidarity, not division, not fear.” “It will be the century of trust, of hope not of despair, of peace not of terror. Our duty today is not only to commemorate July 15, our main duty is to keep alive the spirit entrusted to us that night and to pass it on to future generations.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely following the fate of Taner Balat, whose family reported him missing in Greece.

Diplomatic sources stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken the necessary steps regarding the situation of Taner Balat, who has not been heard from since he went to Greece approximately 9 months ago, and said:

“Our Embassy in Athens requested information about the fate of our missing citizen named Taner Balat from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in two separate notes in 2025 and 2026. In the response note, the Greek side stated that they did not have any information about Taner Balat; the family of our missing citizen was also informed about the issue.”

Sources stated that Türkiye’s Consulate General in Komotini also made attempts with the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region Police Department regarding the situation of the missing citizen, but as a result of these, no information could be obtained.

Sources stated that Türkiye’s Consulate General in Komotini ensured that the missing announcement published about Balat in the Kumçiftliği (Orestiada) region appeared in the local press and that news about the issue was also published in the local press, adding, “The missing announcement was also conveyed to the institutions and organizations of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority (Rodop, Xanthi and Meriç provinces) and the Elected Muftis of Komotini and Xanthi, and was shared in the villages and neighborhoods.” He stated that “no result could be reached.”

Sources stated that although the Consulate General of Komotini contacted the prisons and immigration centers in its area of ​​duty at regular intervals and requested information, concrete information could not be obtained, and that the family was regularly informed during this process.

Diplomatic sources said, “As a result of the missing persons declarations brought to attention by our Consulate General in Komotini before all minority institutions and organizations, no clue could be found about the fate of the person in question.” he stated.

AK Party General Secretary Eyyüp Kadir İnan shared a post on his NSosyal account on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the coup attempt carried out by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) on July 15, 2016.

AK Party Secretary General İnan said, “On the night of July 15, 2016, there were those who waited for the result to choose their side, those who could not stand openly on the side of democracy, those who preferred silence in the face of guns pointed at the will of the nation, those who made calculations by saying ‘Something is happening in Türkiye, let’s wait.’ While they were watching the advance of tanks, the fire opened by planes in our skies, the bombing of our Gazi Parliament, our dear nation had already made its decision. Our nation did not wait that night. It did not hesitate. “He did not calculate the consequences. He took to the streets upon the call of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and risked his life to protect his homeland, flag, independence and future.” made his assessment.

Reminding that 10 years have passed since the coup attempt, İnan said:

“Those who made calculations about Türkiye’s future that night are waiting for what Türkiye will say on global issues today. Those who watched the developments in Ankara from afar that night are waiting for Ankara’s will today. We showed those who tried to include Türkiye in their own calculations on July 15 that this nation will not be an extra in any scenario. We declared to the whole world that calculations cannot be made through this nation, this nation’s will cannot be directed, and no games can be played with Turkey. Those who are waiting for the outcome while the uprising continues 10 years ago, today “He is waiting for Türkiye’s decisions.”

On the night of July 15, 2016, there were those who were waiting for the result to choose their side, those who could not openly stand on the side of democracy, those who preferred silence in the face of guns pointed at the will of the nation, and those who made calculations by saying “Something is happening in Türkiye, let’s wait.”

They are tanks…

— Eyyüp Kadir İnan (@eyupkadirinan) July 14, 2026

SELA WILL BE READ IN ALL MOSQUES

Within the scope of the programs to be carried out under the coordination of the General Directorate of Religious Services, Hatm-i Sharif for the martyrs of July 15 will be recited in all mosques and sela will be recited simultaneously in all mosques at 00.13 on the night connecting July 15 to July 16.

“OUR WILL IS OURS VICTORY” PROGRAM FROM THE DIRECTORATE OF COMMUNICATIONS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

According to the statement made by the Presidency, in addition to the main events in Ankara and Istanbul, the nation’s struggle for democracy will be brought together with citizens in different venues with photo exhibitions, digital experience areas, commemorative marches, visual shows and memory projects. The center of the commemoration programs will be the Capital National Garden on July 15. In the program, which will be organized under the auspices of the Presidency and expected to be attended by approximately 20 thousand people, the determination of the nation against the treacherous coup attempt and the will to defend the national will will be strongly emphasized once again. During the events, the beloved martyrs will be remembered with mercy, the gratitude towards the veterans will be expressed, and the common memory will be kept alive with the events prepared to commemorate the tenth anniversary. Within the scope of the train wrapping work with the theme of “Our Will, Our Victory”, which is one of the projects to be implemented in this context, 10 trains prepared in cooperation with the Directorate of Communications and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure will travel on different routes of Türkiye throughout the week. Thus, millions of passengers will encounter visuals telling the epic of democracy and the message of national unity throughout their journey. Prepared within the scope of the commemoration programs, “Memory and Remembrance: July 15 Photography Exhibition” will host its visitors today at Esenboğa, Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen, İzmir Adnan Menderes, Antalya and Gaziantep airports. The exhibition, prepared in cooperation with the Presidential Directorate of Communications and the 15 July Association, will include photographs reflecting the nation’s resistance against the coup attempt and its struggle for democracy. Memory projects to be carried out in Istanbul will also offer different experiences to visitors. The Silent Witness Installation opened in Üsküdar Square will keep the memory of 253 martyrs alive. In the area where a Turkish flag will be placed on behalf of each martyr, their name, date of birth and hometown information will be included. The installation aims to convey the sacrifice made by the nation to future generations.

“OUR WILL, VICTORY IS OURS” DIGITAL TIME TUNNEL WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN KIZILAY SQUARE

The Memory Tree Experience Area, which will be established in Üsküdar and Taksim squares on July 15, will offer visitors an interactive memory experience. Citizens will be able to share their feelings, thoughts and messages about the martyrs through touch screens, and all transmitted messages will be brought together in a common digital memory. Thus, visitors will become active participants who not only watch the commemoration programs but also contribute to the formation of social memory. The “The Will is Ours, the Victory is Ours” digital timeline, which will be established in the capital, can be visited in Kızılay Square on 15-16 July. The experience area, prepared with sound, light and digital technologies, will convey to visitors the process from the first moments of the coup attempt to the victory of the national will, while also revealing the developments Türkiye has made in the field of defense industry and technology in the last 10 years. July 15 Martyrs Bridge, one of the symbolic places of the struggle for democracy, will be one of the important stops of the commemoration programs this year. The Democracy and Martyrs’ Commemoration March, which will be held on July 15 at 10:00, will start from Zincirlikuyu with the participation of approximately 5 thousand people and end at the July 15 Martyrs Bridge Martyrdom.

“THE MOST CRITICAL THRESHOLD OF OUR HISTORY”

Sabah Newspaper Ankara Representative Okan Müderrisoğlu also emphasized that some nights are engraved in the memory of nations, and July 15 is one of these nights.

Emphasizing the importance of July 15, Müderrisoğlu said, “Members of different ages and generations of this nation, who prepared for coups in one way or another, remained silent, stood aside, and then did serious soul-searching, on the night of July 15, the leadership of the President and the trust in him, resisted with their lives those who aimed at the country, an invasion attempt, and national unity and integrity, and helped to cross the most critical threshold in our history of democracy, in my opinion, irreversibly.” he said.

Müderrisoğlu drew attention to the importance of the democracy watches held after July 15 in order to protect democracy.

Müderrisoğlu said that FETO and similar structures are “living organisms”.

Noting that FETO is trying to keep itself alive and re-exist, Müderrisoğlu stated that the terrorist organization is trying to find financial resources through companies established by those who escaped abroad or through different solidarity mechanisms and transfer them to its organizers.

“THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED ON JULY 15 SHOW THAT IT WAS AN ATTACK ON Türkiye”

AÜ Faculty of Political Sciences Lecturer Assoc. Dr. Ozan Zengin also stated that “July 15” was a day of victory that was eliminated by the state administrators and the nation under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Zengin stated that the coups were an attempt to overthrow those in power, and underlined that in a sense, they were the suspension of the nation’s right to sovereignty by force of arms.

Zengin pointed out that what happened on the night of July 15, 2016 differed from the military interventions that Türkiye had encountered before in some aspects, and stated that this coup attempt was not a classic coup attempt that arose only within the military.

Zengin concluded his words as follows:

“It is an attempt by a parallel structure organized outside the constitutional hierarchy, which has penetrated the state institutions through different methods for many years, to take over the state administration by using armed force. In this respect, July 15 is not only a serious attack on the constitutional order, but also a historical point that reminds us of the importance of merit, transparency, accountability, democratic and legal control in state institutions. What happened on the night of July 15, the bombing of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the targeting of security institutions and the armed attacks on citizens, indicate that the incident was only a change of government.” It shows that there is no attempt and that it is an attack against the state and the Republic of Türkiye itself.

However, the call made by Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the public on the same night, the fact that the Turkish Grand National Assembly continued its work, the political parties took a common stance against the coup attempt, the security forces defended the constitutional order, and many citizens took to the streets to defend democracy, showed that democratic legitimacy is embraced by large segments of society, as well as state institutions.”

A simultaneous operation was organized in 81 provinces to capture 968 suspects for whom action was taken in order to expose the secret structure of FETO/PDY and to destroy the connections of the organization. In this context; 5 separate operations were organized by the Ankara Provincial Police Department Anti-Terrorism Branch Directorate under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

A BLOW TO THE CURRENT STRUCTURE

In the first of the operations, 47 of the 57 suspects for whom a detention order was issued were taken into custody, considering that they were operating within the current structure of the FETO/PDY armed terrorist organization and continuing their organizational activities.

In the second operation targeting FETO’s public and private marriage structure; Within the scope of the investigation, 33 of the 45 people who were considered to continue their activities within the organization were detained in simultaneous operations.

In the efforts carried out to capture the fugitive suspects for whom an arrest warrant was issued for FETO membership, 9 out of 11 suspects were caught.

In the investigation into the Security Secret Structure of FETO, carried out by the Ankara Provincial Police Department’s Organized Crime Branch Directorate under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office; 70 of the 80 personnel who were found to be actively working at different ranks in the General Directorate of Security, who organized the organization meetings and acted together with the organization manager, gave conversations to groups in the absence of the private imam, and were reported to be “Deputy Police Private”, were detained.

7 of the 12 suspects, 4 of whom were active public officials, who were determined to have used FETO’s organizational communication program ByLock, carried out under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, were detained. Thus, 166 of the 205 suspects for whom detention orders were issued in 5 operations in Ankara were detained. It was reported that investigations to capture the other suspects are being carried out in a multifaceted and meticulous manner.

DESCRIBED

78 suspects were detained in the operation carried out simultaneously in 13 provinces centered in Istanbul.

It was determined that the organization, which was determined to be trying to recruit new employees by dividing Istanbul into so-called regions and assigning so-called responsible people, held organizational meetings via internet-based applications for the purpose of organizational secrecy, and directed university students to training camps in countries that do not require visas in order to keep them within the organization and recruit new employees.

During the searches carried out at the suspects’ addresses, 1 million 69 thousand 310 TL, 78 thousand 800 American dollars, 6 thousand 330 euros, 130 pounds sterling, 765 grams of gold and many digital materials were seized.

SUPPORT TO THE ORGANIZATION UNDER THE NAME OF Qurban Donation
In addition, secret witness statements about the suspects, who were determined to have collected money under the name of charity and donations, made money transfers and maintained organizational communication in Istanbul, Yalova, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ, digital data, evidence regarding contact with the secret structure of the organization, sending money under the name of sacrifice, scholarship and donation, and consecutive call records from pay phones were also included in the file.

“THE WILL OF OUR NATION…”
In the joint statement shared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice regarding the operation; “While the provinces with the highest number of suspects within the scope of the operation are Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul, studies on the current structures, secret structures and related elements of the organization are carried out meticulously in our other provinces. As the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, under the leadership of our President, we will continue our fight with determination in strong coordination with our Police and Gendarmerie Agencies, Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices and all relevant institutions. No terrorist organization and no focus of tutelage is against the will of our beloved nation and the survival of our state.” “And we will not allow him to attack our legal system.”