'15 July Commemoration Ceremony and Photography Exhibition' was organized by Kayseri University (KAYÜ) within the scope of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day events.
Kayseri Deputy Governor Mehmet Türköz, Kayseri University Rector Prof. attended the program held at KAYÜ 15 July Campus Ceremony Area. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Şahmetlioğlu and Prof. Dr. Zeki Tekin, Yahya Yiğit, father of July 15 martyr Cennet Yiğit, and many academic and administrative staff attended. Speaking at the opening of the program, KAYÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa said, "On the night of July 15, under the leadership of our president, the foresight of our beloved nation and the power of the ancient Turkish state tradition were once again manifested. Those who surrendered their will and mind to the evil forces understood that they could not stand against this beloved nation that night. On July 15, our nation made history with the spirit of unity and solidarity and turned that dark night into a victory of democracy. In this respect, July 15 is the symbol of national unity and solidarity, "It has become a symbol of protecting democracy," he said. Rector Prof. emphasized that Kayseri University has undertaken an important responsibility in the construction of a strong Türkiye. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa said, "Universities are institutions that produce and develop knowledge, science, knowledge and wisdom and bring them together with the society. At the same time, they are the most important centers that shape the future of a country and train qualified human resources." Referring to the opened exhibition, Rector Prof. Dr. Karamustafa said, "The July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day Photography Exhibition, which we will open today on our campus, is an important part of this understanding. It is of great importance to remember what happened on that treacherous night through photographs, to keep our memories alive and to pass them on to future generations." Yahya Yiğit, father of July 15 martyr Cennet Yiğit, stated that July 15 was a great victory that glorified the will of the nation and included the following statements in his speech:
"Although there were those who tried to discredit July 15 with various discourses, that day went down in history as the day when the Turkish nation broke the shackles that were intended to be placed on its will. Just as the Battle of Gallipoli is one of the symbols of our nation's will to independence, July 15 is one of the most important turning points in our recent history."
Deputy Governor of Kayseri, Mehmet Türköz, said, "On the night of July 15, our nation became one heart, just like in Çanakkale; it heroically turned that dark night into light with the spirit of unity and solidarity. Those who wanted to divide our country and take over the will of our nation found an unshakable nation in front of them and their treacherous plans were defeated that night." Emphasizing that the unity and solidarity of the Turkish nation was targeted with the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, Deputy Governor Mehmet Türköz said, "The most important duty for us today is not to forget July 15 and not to let it be forgotten. Meaningful events such as this photo exhibition keep the events of that night alive in our memories; strengthen our national consciousness and common memory."
Following the speeches, the exhibition consisting of photographs reflecting the treacherous coup attempt on the night of July 15 and the Turkish nation's struggle to protect democracy and national will was opened. After the opening ribbon was cut, the program ended with the participants visiting the 15 July Photography Exhibition. - KAYSERİ