Sanaa: The Turkish people marked the end of the country's long history of military coups through their resistance to the defeated July 15, 2016 coup attempt, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus stated on Wednesday. Speaking at a ceremony in parliament to commemorate Democracy and National Unity Day, Kurtulmus highlighted the day's significance as "the victory of democracy" and "the national will."

According to Anadolu Agency, Kurtulmus elaborated on the historical context, noting that Trkiye had endured a series of coups dating back to the late Ottoman period and continuing through the country's republican and multiparty political history. He emphasized that the events of July 15 were pivotal in consigning the tradition of coups to history, signaling a new era for the nation.

Kurtulmus underscored the role of political leadership, parliament, the public, mosques, and the media in thwarting the coup attempt. He recalled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's televised appeal, which urged citizens to take to the streets and encouraged millions to resist the coup plotters. This collective response, he said, was instrumental in the failure of the coup.

The parliament speaker also commended lawmakers from various political factions who convened in parliament while it was under attack, demonstrating the resilience of democracy and national unity. He emphasized that the events underscored the necessity for state institutions to remain free from the influence of any group and highlighted the importance of transparency, robust institutions, the rule of law, and national solidarity.

On July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces, linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), attempted to overthrow Trkiye's elected government. The coup plotters attacked the parliament and other state institutions and fired upon civilians, resulting in the deaths of 253 people and injuries to thousands.