A night where the will of the people was tested: 9 years since the attempted coup in Turkey

On July 15, 2016, one of the most difficult tests in Turkish history - a coup attempt against the will of the people - took place. But this attempt was not just a clash between the military and the state, but a night of great courage when the nation itself defended democracy with its hands, body, and soul.

On this day, millions of people took to the streets with the national flag in their hands, showed their readiness to lie under tanks and sacrifice their lives for the elected government, the state constitution, and the will of the people. That night, they relied on truth, justice, and national values.

The President stood shoulder to shoulder with the people

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the nation in the early hours of the night, urging everyone to take to the streets to defend democracy. This was not a typical political call, but a call to action for the independent future of an entire nation. Prayers of thanks began to ring out from the minarets of mosques across the country. It was a kind of declaration of a state of emergency.

This incident proved that the era of forcible overthrow of the will of the people in Turkey is over. The nation now expresses its choice only through elections, based on the law, and will not deviate from this path.

Cleansing and reforms began within the state

The coup attempt exposed not only external threats but also hidden threats within the state. It was revealed that the organization behind this attempt, called "FETO", which had been presenting itself as a religious movement, had deep roots in state institutions, educational institutions, justice and security systems.

After that, Turkey overhauled the entire state system. Large-scale reforms were carried out in the security, justice and education sectors. All institutions associated with FETO were closed, and schools and universities affiliated with them were transferred to the Ministry of National Education.

The new face of Turkey in foreign policy

After the events of July 15, Turkey has also taken a new path in international relations. It now pursues a principled foreign policy that prioritizes its security and national interests, but is open to cooperation with the world.

Turkey maintains its firm position on the Palestinian issue, opposing Western hypocrisy, while at the same time keeping the doors of dialogue open with Russia, the United States, and Europe.

During the Ukrainian war, Turkey brokered a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. An agreement to export Ukrainian grain in 2022 was also brokered by Turkey.

Economic achievements: steady growth continues

Turkey's GDP grew by 5.1% in 2023. This growth was 3.2% in 2024. Exports increased from $255.8 billion in 2023 to $262 billion in 2024.

Exports in the defense industry reached $7.1 billion. In the renewable energy sector, 42% of electricity was generated from these sources in 2023. Turkey aims to reach its carbon neutrality goal by 2053.

Conclusion: July 15 - the day of the awakening of the nation

July 15 is not just a historical date for Turkey, but a day of national remembrance, a lesson, and a step into the future. This date inspires the people every year to protect their future and to cherish democratic values.

Turkey was reborn after this event: a country that realized itself, achieved internal purity, and had its own voice in the outside world. Now there is no turning back.