Doha, 29 July 2026

The Turkish Embassy in Qatar hosted a reception on Wednesday at the Ambassador's Residence to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day. The event was attended by HE Dr Mustafa Göksu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Qatar, dignitaries, diplomats, Turkish Armed Forces officials stationed in Qatar, members of the Turkish community, and invited guests.

In his address, Ambassador Dr Göksu said the reception had originally been scheduled for 15 July but was postponed following the passing of the late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He extended his heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, the Royal Family, the Government, and the people of Qatar, describing the late Father Emir's passing as a loss not only for Qatar but for the wider Muslim Ummah and humanity.

Reflecting on the events of 15 July 2016, Ambassador Göksu described the failed coup attempt by the FETÖ terrorist organization as one of the most defining moments in Türkiye's modern history. He said the plotters targeted the nation's democratic institutions, including Parliament, but were defeated through the courage of the Turkish people, the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the unwavering commitment of the country's security forces and state institutions.

He stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces should not be associated with the coup attempt, noting that the organization responsible had infiltrated the military and other state institutions. Following the failed coup, he said, the Armed Forces emerged stronger and more united.

Ambassador Göksu noted that more than 250 citizens were martyred and over 2,500 injured while defending democracy. He described FETÖ as a transnational terrorist organization that exploited religion and education to pursue a hidden agenda and warned that it continues to pose a threat wherever it operates. He urged countries to remain vigilant and emphasized that Türkiye would continue raising international awareness about the organization's activities.

The Ambassador also expressed Türkiye's appreciation for Qatar's steadfast support during the failed coup attempt, noting that the State of Qatar was among the first countries to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people. He said the close partnership between Türkiye and Qatar, built on shared values and mutual trust, continues to contribute to regional peace, stability, and the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, Colonel Özgür Özkan, Türkiye's Armed Forces and Naval Attaché to Qatar, welcomed the guests and paid tribute to those who lost their lives defending democracy. He said the defeat of the coup attempt demonstrated the unity and resilience of the Turkish nation and reaffirmed the Turkish Armed Forces' commitment to democracy, constitutional order, the rule of law, and the elected government. Colonel Özkan also honored the martyrs, veterans, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and all those who sacrificed for Türkiye's independence and security, while calling on future generations to preserve the lessons of 15 July.