Türkiye Marks Decade Since Defeated 2016 Coup Attempt
Türkiye observes the 10th anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt orchestrated by FETO. The nation remembers the 253 people who were martyred defending the country.
Türkiye is observing a solemn national milestone as the country marks the tenth anniversary of the historic coup attempt that took place on July 15, 2016. The violent attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government was orchestrated by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organisation, commonly known as FETO. Over the past decade, this pivotal date has remained etched in the collective memory of the Turkish nation as a defining moment in modern political history.
On that fateful night in July 2016, rogue elements within the military structure attempted to seize control of vital state institutions, including the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the Presidential Complex. The putschists deployed heavy weaponry, military aircraft, and tanks onto the streets of major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul in a direct assault on the constitutional order and democratic governance of the country.
The gravest toll of the failed insurrection was the immense loss of human life. A total of 253 people were martyred on the night of 15 July, as ordinary citizens and loyal security forces bravely flooded the streets and public squares to confront the armed perpetrators. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy, and their enduring legacy continues to be honored across the nation every year.
In the wake of the defeated coup, Turkish state authorities launched extensive operations to dismantle the network belonging to the Fetullahist Terrorist Organisation. The government identified the secretive group as the mastermind behind the infiltration of state bureaucracy and the military apparatus. Ten years later, the systematic dismantling of FETO's influence remains a central focus of national security and judicial efforts in Türkiye.
Commemorative events and official ceremonies are scheduled to take place across Türkiye to honor the 253 individuals who were martyred during the July 15 coup attempt. Citizens, government officials, and families of the victims will gather at memorials and public spaces to reflect on the resilience of the nation. These solemn observances serve to reiterate the country's commitment to democratic principles and remembrance of the historic night a decade ago.
