Citizens showed great interest in the commemoration program held in Çaycuma district of Zonguldak on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. Hundreds of people who filled the Republic Square commemorated the martyrs of democracy with prayers with Turkish flags in their hands, and messages of unity and solidarity were given.
Çaycuma District Governor Adem Kaya, AK Party Zonguldak Deputy Ahmet Çolakoğlu, district protocol, political party representatives, managers of public institutions and organizations, veterans, relatives of martyrs and many citizens attended the program held in Çaycuma Cumhuriyet Square. The program started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then, prayers were said for the martyrs of July 15 and speeches were made about the meaning and importance of the day. Speaking in the program, Çaycuma District Governor Adem Kaya stated that the night of July 15, 2016 was a historical turning point in which the Turkish nation defended democracy, independence and national will.
District Governor Kaya stated that millions of citizens came to the squares with the call of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the night of July 15 and stood together against the coup attempt, adding, "July 15 is not only the day when a coup attempt was thwarted; it is a historical turning point where our nation showed its commitment to its independence, its loyalty to its state and its determination to protect its common future to the whole world." he said.
Emphasizing that the sacrifices of the martyrs and the heroism of the veterans will never be forgotten, Kaya stated that it is everyone's common responsibility to protect democracy, national unity and solidarity. Addressing the youth, District Governor Kaya said that Türkiye's future will rise on the shoulders of educated and productive young people who are committed to national and spiritual values.
Speaking at the program, AK Party Zonguldak Deputy Ahmet Çolakoğlu stated that July 15 is an unforgettable night in the memory of the Turkish nation. Stating that the coup attempt was not only against the government, but directly against the Republic of Turkey and the will of the nation, Çolakoğlu said that that night, millions of citizens met in the squares without any discrimination and defended democracy.
Çolakoğlu stated that the spirit of July 15 has been kept alive with the determination of the first day, despite the 10 years that have passed, and that it is everyone's duty to protect the legacy of martyrs and veterans. Emphasizing that July 15 should be explained correctly to future generations, Çolakoğlu said that Türkiye will continue to walk towards a stronger future in unity and solidarity. In the program, hymns were sung from the Holy Quran and poems were read by students addressing the importance of the day. While the program ended with the prayer of District Mufti Adem Bebek, greetings were recited from mosques throughout the district. - ZONGULDAK