Anadolu Agency complies photos from 2016 defeated coup

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) - As part of Turkey's June 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, Anadolu Agency has compiled rare photos of people shielding themselves from tanks and armored vehicles during the defeated coup of July 15, 2016.

The photographs include moments when people flocked to the streets of Ankara and Istanbul on the night of July 15, blocked and seized the vehicles used by the pro-coup soldiers.

The photos were taken from Presidential Complex, Turkish Grand National Assembly, Kizilay square and Maltepe street in Ankara, while the rest were taken from Taksim square, Ataturk Airport, Vatan street and the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge in Istanbul.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Fighter jets under the control of coup plotters bombed the parliament on July 16, 2016.

Turkey marks June 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

A number of structures and public spaces were renamed in the immediate aftermath of the coup bid. Most notably, Istanbul’s Bogazici (Bosphorus) Bridge was retitled as the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge.