July 15 Event in Van On the anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt, an event was held in Van to commemorate the martyrs and veterans. Various activities were organized to remember the heroic resistance of the Turkish people against the coup attempt. The event was attended by local authorities, rep

July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day was celebrated in Van with various activities. Van residents gathered in squares on the 8th anniversary of the coup attempt by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization to seize national will. Hundreds of citizens who came together on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day walked from New Police Intersection to Beşyol Square. The program, which started with a minute of silence and the National Anthem, continued with the recitation of the Quran and prayers. Speaking at the program, Van Governor Ozan Balcı condemned the coup attempt carried out by the treacherous FETÖ terrorist organization on July 15, 2016, stating, ‘First of all, I commemorate our 15 July martyrs and our heroic veterans who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of our state and the indivisibility of our homeland with mercy and gratitude. I wish a healthy life to our living veterans and their families. I also express my gratitude to our nation, which protects the future, independence, and prospects of our country. Our nation, on July 15, asserted its will and once again showed to the whole world that no one can touch its sovereignty by sacrificing their lives in front of tanks and rifles against traitors, just like in history. In this sense, July 15 has been celebrated for years as Democracy and National Unity Day, and our martyrs are respectfully remembered.’ Balcı emphasized that on the night of July 15, just like all over the country, the people of Van heeded President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call and stood up for democracy, stating, ‘At this moment, they are also demonstrating the same spirit of unity and solidarity. On the anniversary of July 15, once again, with faith in our hearts, our flags in our hands, and love of country, we shout at full strength that we stand by our democracy and national will against traitors. Just as our noble nation did on that dark night, from now on, it will never give a chance to the evil centers and traitors who want to suspend our constitution and democracy, and will confront all hostile attacks with the same faith power and love of country. It is all of our duty to uphold and pass on July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day to future generations. With these sentiments and thoughts, I would like to express the happiness of celebrating July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day with you, and once again, I commemorate all our martyrs, especially our July 15 martyrs, and all our martyrs and veterans who have passed away with mercy and gratitude.’ After the recitation of poems, the event continued with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressing the public in the 15 July commemoration program via video conference. The night, where music and religious music were presented, ended with the awards given to the winners of the previous competitions, the recitation of the call to prayer in all mosques.