A commemoration program was organized at Marmara University to mark the 10th anniversary of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. The opening speech of the ceremony, held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Mehmet Genç Campus Conference Hall, was delivered by the Rector of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur. As part of the program, Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu, Rector of the National Defence University, delivered a lecture entitled "A Turning Point in Turkish History: July 15." The program, which featured a documentary screening on the events of July 15 and the "Epic of July 15" photography exhibition, brought together academic and administrative staff, students, and guests.
Rector Prof. Dr. Okur: "July 15 is a Historic Turning Point Where the Nation Defended Democracy"
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur emphasized that July 15 represents one of the most significant turning points in Türkiye's democratic history.
Okur stated that July 15 was not only an attempted coup but also a historic moment in which the nation defended its democratic will, independence, and constitutional order. Referring to previous military coups and coup attempts in Türkiye, including those of May 27, March 12, September 12, February 28, April 27, and July 15, Rector Okur noted that such interventions had harmed the country's democratic development and stressed the importance of maintaining a common stance against all forms of anti-democratic intervention.
Prof. Dr. Okur also underlined that the determination and courage demonstrated by the nation on the night of July 15 should be remembered and accurately conveyed to future generations. He emphasized the importance of honoring those who lost their lives and those who were injured during the events, adding that national unity and solidarity remain among Türkiye's greatest strengths.
Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu: "The True Scale of July 15 Will Be Better Understood Years Later"
Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu, Rector of the National Defence University, described the July 15 coup attempt as one of the most critical turning points in Türkiye's history, stating that historians would be able to assess its full significance more comprehensively in the years ahead.
In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Afyoncu discussed the historical background of military interventions from the Ottoman period to the Republic, noting that their common characteristic had been the use of force against the will of the people. He stated that the organization known as FETÖ (Fetullah Terrorist Organization) had infiltrated state institutions over many years through a systematic structure, particularly by expanding its influence within the education system, and that its presence extended beyond the Turkish Armed Forces to law enforcement, the judiciary, and other public institutions.
Stating that the night of July 15 saved Turkey from the brink of a massive catastrophe, Rector Afyoncu expressed that the early awareness of the coup plot and the resolute stance of both state institutions and the public played a decisive role in its failure. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening oversight mechanisms within public institutions, building a robust education system, and drawing lessons from historical experience to help prevent similar threats to democracy in the future.
The commemoration program concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift to Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu by Marmara University and a group photograph with the participants.
