Doha, 14 July 2026 (Anadolu News)

Türkiye is set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, with a series of events honoring those who lost their lives and recognizing the public resistance that helped defeat the military uprising. The main ceremony will take place at Başkent Millet Garden in Ankara under the theme "Our Will, Our Victory", with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expected to attend.

According to the Communications Directorate, the anniversary program will pay tribute to the victims of the coup attempt, express gratitude to veterans, and reaffirm the country's commitment to democracy, national unity, and the principle of national sovereignty.

Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the event aims to preserve the memory of what Turkish officials describe as a defining moment in the nation's modern history and to reinforce the importance of protecting democratic institutions.

The failed coup attempt unfolded on the evening of July 15, 2016, when elements within the Turkish military launched coordinated operations to seize control of key government institutions. Fighter jets flew over Ankara, tanks were deployed on major roads and bridges, and strategic locations, including parliament, police headquarters, and state broadcaster TRT, came under attack.

President Erdoğan addressed the nation through a live television broadcast, urging citizens to take to the streets in support of the elected government. Thousands responded, confronting coup participants alongside police and security forces. By the following day, the attempted takeover had been brought under control after nearly 21 hours of clashes.

According to official figures, 253 people were killed, and more than 2,700 others were injured during the events. Turkish authorities attribute the coup attempt to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who died in Pennsylvania in October 2024. The Turkish government maintains that the group had spent years infiltrating state institutions before attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. FETO has consistently denied involvement in the coup.

Officials say intelligence received hours before the planned operation prompted security measures that forced the coup plotters to move their timetable forward. Despite the surprise attack, resistance from government institutions, loyal military personnel, police forces, and civilians ultimately led to the collapse of the attempted takeover.

In the years following the coup attempt, Türkiye launched extensive investigations and legal proceedings targeting individuals accused of links to FETO. Thousands of military personnel, judges, civil servants, police officers, and other public officials were dismissed, arrested, or prosecuted as part of the government's nationwide response.

The July 15 anniversary has since become an annual day of remembrance in Türkiye, marked by ceremonies, memorials, and public events across the country. Officials say this year's 10th anniversary carries particular significance as it reflects on a decade since the attempted coup while emphasizing national unity and the continued protection of Türkiye's democratic institutions.

The commemorative events are expected to bring together government leaders, veterans, families of those who lost their lives, and citizens to honor the victims and remember one of the most significant events in the country's recent history.