Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Tuba Nur Sonmez said the memory of July 15, observed as the Day of Democracy and National Unity, holds a special and deeply significant place in Turkey’s national consciousness, describing it as a defining moment in the history of the modern Turkish Republic.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, hosted by the Turkish Embassy at its Diwaniya, Sonmez said the occasion reflects the Turkish people’s unwavering commitment to democracy, national sovereignty and the will of the people.
The event was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, along with several ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.
Sonmez said the attempted coup represented one of the most serious challenges Turkey had faced, targeting the democratically elected government, constitutional order, state institutions and the democratic values upon which the republic was founded.
She noted that the plot included an attempted assassination of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the bombing of the Turkish Parliament, attacks on government facilities and violence against civilians, as part of an effort by a clandestine organization to seize control of the state.
The ambassador stressed that the coup plotters underestimated the determination of the Turkish people, who took to the streets in large numbers to defend democracy and the constitutional order, putting aside political and social differences in the face of the threat.
She said the courage and sacrifices made by Turkish citizens during that night demonstrated the country’s strong attachment to democratic principles, adding that July 15 became a historic milestone symbolizing national unity and the defense of independence.
Sonmez said the coup attempt was brought to an end by the morning of July 16, but resulted in significant losses, including the deaths of 253 citizens and injuries to more than 2,200 others, in addition to damage to public institutions and national property.
She reaffirmed that the anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democracy, preserving national sovereignty and strengthening unity against any threats to constitutional governance.
