Martyrs of July 15 were commemorated at Ege University

Ege University commemorated the honorable stance against the treacherous coup attempt of the national will on the eighth anniversary, remembering the heroes who defended the homeland at the risk of their lives.
At Ege University, Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak led the academic and administrative staff as well as students in celebrating the ‘July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day’ with unity. The program organized under the coordination of Ege University Rectorate started with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the July 15 Monument located on the Ege University Campus. Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, a recitation of the Quran by Birgivi Faculty of Theology Instructor Osman Bostancı was performed in memory of the martyrs. In his opening speech about the significance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak began by commemorating those who were martyred in the challenging struggle against the treacherous terrorist organization on the night of July 15.
Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak stated, ‘Democracy is a form of governance that places respect for human beings and human dignity at its core, is based on the supremacy of law, protects the state-individual relationship, and acknowledges that sovereignty belongs to the people. Unfortunately, democratic regimes have been targeted by various coups and coup attempts throughout history. In our country, since the establishment of our republic, many coups and coup attempts have been made; our democracy has been interrupted by such interventions. These interventions cause irreparable damage in political life, as well as in economic, social, and societal dimensions, pushing societies back for decades. Today, on the anniversary of the treacherous coup attempt against our democracy, we are gathered here to commemorate the ‘July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day’ and to once again reflect upon it.’
‘That night, our nation wrote another tale of heroism’
Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak expressed, ‘On July 15, 2016, the coup attempt carried out by a group of treacherous FETO members embedded in military structures and within the state apparatus was thwarted by the glorious resistance and common will of our people, unlike other coups and coup attempts in our democratic history. On this night, described as the most ruthless night in our recent history, the will of our nation was targeted; our esteemed Parliament, which has served its people under all circumstances since its establishment, became one of the targets of the coup plotters. Fortunately, on that historic night, our people set aside all their differences to protect our esteemed Parliament, the manifestation of the national will. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our nation, united for the independence, homeland, and democracy, thwarted the treacherous coup attempt by filling the squares with its will. On that day, our heroic nation, once again proudly proclaimed to the world that it will never compromise on its independence and future, as well as the gains of its republic.’
‘We must not forget this despicable coup attempt’
Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak emphasized that they still feel the pain of the 251 martyrs and 2,196 wounded patriots who were martyred on the night of July 15, stating, ‘Each of us has a responsibility towards the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and the veterans who fought heroically against any threat to our country. We owe our independence, future, republic, and achievements to the glorious spirit that lies behind the national struggle, which we still uphold today. As descendants of the ancestors who displayed an unparalleled struggle against any threat to their freedom, we must also protect our homeland and values with the same determination. Therefore, we must not forget this despicable coup attempt that sought to subjugate the Turkish State and people by brute force. We must understand the structure behind this treacherous attempt that targeted the will of our nation and its effects, so that we can stand against any attack on our independence, unity, and solidarity, just like in Manzikert, Çanakkale, the National Struggle, and most recently on July 15. As Ege University, we will always stand by our state in ensuring the perpetuity of our country’s unity and solidarity, and in preserving our democratic values, with the 15 July Democracy Monument and the 15 July Martyrs Memorial Grove, where we honor our martyrs and veterans on our campus. In conclusion, I extend my thanks to everyone who is present here today, showing loyalty to democracy, flag, country, and values. Once again, I remember our dear martyrs with mercy, and express my gratitude to our veterans.’
‘National Unity and Solidarity Walk’
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the participants walked to the 15 Martyrs Memorial Grove within the scope of the ‘National Unity and Solidarity Walk.’ The Ege University community collectively placed carnations in memory of the martyrs at the grove.
Democracy and National Consciousness Panel
The program continued with the ‘Democracy and National Consciousness Panel’ held at the Ege University Faculty of Science Conference Hall. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Ramazan Haykıran from Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of History, presented on ‘The Historical Roots of the July 15 Coup Attempt,’ while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Bilgenoğlu from Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of International Relations, gave a presentation titled ‘The July 15 Coup Attempt within the Framework of Turkey’s Foreign Policy and International Relations.’
Photo Exhibition of Gratitude and Respect for the July 15 Martyrs
Throughout the day, a photo exhibition titled ‘In Gratitude and Respect for the July 15 Martyrs’ was open for visitation in the foyer area of the conference hall. Additionally, a charity event was held in front of the hall in memory of the martyrs.