UPDATE WITH REMARKS FROM TURKISH PARLAMENT SPEAKER
By Muhammed Enes Calli
ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye on Saturday marked the seventh anniversary of the defeated 2016 coup bid by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
"On the occasion of our July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, I pray for the mercy of Allah upon our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives while standing up for their state, nation, independence, and will," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter.
"I extend my gratitude to all my brothers and sisters who were honored with the title of veteran and did not allow the coup plotters to prevail."
"May our July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day be blessed," he added.
Since its official designation in October 2016, every year the nation marks July 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day, with events held nationwide to commemorate those who lost their lives defeating the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.
FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 253 people dead and 2,734 injured.
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said it has been seven years since the 2016 coup attempt.
"We have not forgotten the traitors who targeted our homeland, nor have we forgotten our heroes who defended our country at the cost of their lives," he said on Twitter.
"We remember our esteemed martyrs with mercy and gratitude, and we wish our heroic veterans good health and well-being."
The Turkish Foreign Ministry remembered the victims who were killed during the 2016 coup bid.
"We commemorate with respect and mercy our martyrs who gave their lives to defend our land and democracy, united against the terrorist organization's coup attempt, and extend our deep gratitude to our wounded citizens," it said on Twitter.
"Happy Democracy and National Unity Day."
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus also said “This was not only a coup attempt, but also an attempt to prepare the ground for the invasion of our country by some international imperialist powers,” at the ceremony at the Parliament.
"That evening, bombs were dropped not only to destroy the Turkish Grand National Assembly, but also to destroy Türkiye's independence, democracy and future," he added.
Kurtulmus also spoke to families of the victims after the ceremony.
Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also commemorated the July 15 coup attempt in a post he shared on Twitter.
"July 15 is the glorious victory of our noble nation, which draws its strength from history," said Altun, adding as in Canakkale the Turkish nation "destroyed the betrayal and invasion attempt in its faithful heart, and made this beloved homeland a homeland again."