A commemoration program was held in Mardin on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
The program, held at the 15 July Democracy and Martyrs Park, started with a tour of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Tent and the "15 July National Will and Democracy Photography Exhibition" consisting of photographs taken during and after FETO's 15 July coup attempt. The program continued with a moment of silence, the singing of the National Anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Mardin Governor Tuncay Akkoyun, in his speech at the program, said that July 15 is a historical turning point that will be passed on from generation to generation in the nation's memory. Stating that the nation acted in unity and solidarity and protected the national will during the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, Akkoyun said that the bullets coming out of the barrels of the scoundrels could not penetrate the unshakable armor of faith on the nation's chest.
Akkoyun, who also included the verses of Mehmet Akif Ersoy in his speech, said, "As our Independence Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy expressed in his verses, our Holy Nation, which has always gained strength from unity, solidarity and unshakable faith, defeated the treacherous coup attempt on the night of July 15 and wrote a great epic that will never be forgotten. With the adhans, salats and takbirs echoing in the universe that night, our Holy Nation said, July 15 is a historical day when he broke the shackles that wanted to put his future and independence at the cost of his life and taught a lesson to the treasonous networks that wanted to bring our country to its knees. July 15 is the name of the victory of democracy against traitors, where right won against falsehood, loyalty against betrayal, courage against cowardice, and national will against tutelage. He fought with the strength and inspiration he received from Manzikert, the Conquest of Istanbul, the Gallipoli Victory and the War of Independence, and said, "There is a destiny above destiny" and did not leave his honor and independence behind with the prayers of his prophets and saints who were buried in the land of his homeland.
Akkoyun stated that July 15 is the name of the victory of democracy won by right over falsehood, loyalty over betrayal, courage over cowardice, bravery over cowardice and national will over tutelage, and said:
"There were two important issues that were overlooked by the scoundrels who targeted our Country and Nation that night. The upright stance of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the unwavering courage of our Holy Nation. Our Holy Nation responded to our President's call to defend the national will and eliminated the treacherous plans and betrayal on our heavenly homeland. That night, in unity and solidarity, they said, 'Whatever they do is futile, there is a decision from the sky.' "We declared the victory of faith and belief to the whole world."
After the speeches, the banner and Turkish flags carried by the national athletes from Mardin were delivered to Governor Akkoyun.
Artuklu District Governor Muhammet Öztabak, 70th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ahmet Yaşar Dener, Provincial Police Chief Recep Tecimer, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Tahsin Saruhan, Mardin Artuklu University Rector Prof. attended the programme. Dr. İbrahim Özcoşar, Provincial Mufti Enver Türkmen, AK Party Provincial Chairman Mehmet Uncu, MHP Provincial Chairman Ferhan Bozkuş, July 15 veterans, representatives of institutions, non-governmental organizations and political parties and citizens attended. - MARDIN