Commemoration program for July 15th took place in Izmir

During the event held on July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, Konak Square was filled with citizens, and Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, who spoke at the event, stated, ‘This nation has written a new epic, a tale of heroism in history.’

On the 8th anniversary of the thwarting of the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, 2016, where 252 soldiers and civilians were martyred by FETÖ terrorist members, a commemoration event was held in Izmir. Citizens filling Konak Square commemorated July 15 with Turkish flags in their hands. Among the attendees of the event were Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, Ege Army Commander General Kemal Yeni, Deputy Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Cemil Tugay, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Izmir Deputy Hamza Dağ, AK Party Izmir Provincial Chairman Bilal Saygılı, MHP Izmir Provincial Chairman Veysel Şahin, as well as AK Party and MHP deputies. The event, starting with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, continued with the recitation of the Quran, religious hymns, and a concert of religious songs. The program proceeded with the broadcast of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s address to the public from Beştepe.

Governor Elban: ‘This nation has written a new epic, a tale of heroism in history’
In his speech at the event, Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban expressed, ‘An organization that originated abroad but appeared as if it was from the right, exploiting the religious feelings of this nation for years and infiltrating all institutions of the growing state, especially the military, organizing and settling there, would betray this nation’s existence, unity, and the integrity of the homeland. How could anyone predict that? Of course, no one could, but after facing the bombs and bullets that fell upon them that night, they clearly understood the true nature of the incident. July 15, 2016, left deep marks in our history in two aspects. When there was an attack on their faith, this nation was ready to sacrifice willingly. Thanks to the foresight, patriotism, and faith of our noble nation, with the strong will and leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this nation wrote a new epic, a tale of heroism in history. On the other hand, it also became a dark stain on our history. They tried to undermine this nation from within. They created an organization with the idea of ‘Let’s raise an organization that seems right, acts like them, believes like them, lives like them, but its spirit, mind, thoughts, everything will be controlled by us and it will be from us.’ They failed to succeed in the coup, but they managed to tarnish the brotherhood and history. Because as a nation, we have never experienced such a betrayal, such a coup in our history. However, the foresight of our nation has always been not only about repelling external attacks but also about knowing how to thwart internal betrayals and attacks.’

Hamza Dağ: ‘The people of Izmir did not lower the Turkish flag’
Following Governor Elban, AK Party Deputy Chairman Hamza Dağ stated, ‘On the night of July 15, the terrorist organization FETÖ, which has been serving imperialism and trying to take over the state for 40 years, was exhibited. Just like Captain İbrahim raised the Turkish flag here on September 9, 100 years ago, the people of Izmir did not lower the Turkish flag in this square for anyone. The 40-year plan of the treacherous gang was destroyed by our nation overnight. We experienced and saw together how our nation embraced our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, its own child born from its bosom, and how it provided leadership to this nation on the night of July 15. That day, our people showed that the chains cannot be imposed on the will of the nation by standing against tanks, helicopters, planes, declaring ‘If I die, I am a martyr, if I live, I am a veteran’ in the streets, bridges, airports, and squares, demonstrating democratic maturity, and leaving a monument of pride to future generations. We carry this trust on our heads with respect and responsibility, and we will continue to carry it.’

Saygılı: ‘They could not calculate the sons of the homeland’
AK Party Izmir Provincial Chairman Bilal Saygılı stated, ‘When the calendars showed July 15, 2016, FETÖ terrorists, who had infiltrated all the veins of the state up to our army, wanted to target our independence, future, and will. They had thought of everything, calculated everything to take over Turkey. They could not calculate the sons of the homeland who, with martyrdom and veteranity, would not let down the legacy of their ancestors on the Anatolian lands they entered. The value of these blessed lands and the sacred homeland, for which we sacrificed thousands of martyrs, cannot be measured by any worldly benefit.’ MHP Izmir Provincial Chairman Veysel Şahin said, ‘A week ago, a football player made a wolf sign at a match. The world stood up. Apparently, the Crusader attacks continue. The world cannot tolerate even a tiny sign of a Muslim. They cannot tolerate just a wolf sign.’