The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye commemorated the 10th anniversary of the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, with a special lecture delivered by Ambassador Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut to students of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to democracy, national unity, and international engagement.
Addressing aspiring diplomats and foreign affairs professionals, Ambassador Turgut outlined the evolution of Türkiye’s foreign policy and reflected on the country’s democratic resilience in the face of one of the most significant challenges in its modern history.
During the programme, Third Secretary Rümeysa Akçin presented an overview of the attempted coup, explaining its background and the complex events that unfolded on the night of July 15, 2016.
Drawing from his own experiences, Ambassador Turgut spoke of the determination shown by the Turkish people, who took to the streets to defend the country’s democratically elected government. He said the unity displayed by citizens during the crisis remains a defining moment in Türkiye’s democratic history and continues to shape the nation’s outlook.
The lecture also featured an interactive discussion, with BIDTI students raising questions on Türkiye’s foreign policy priorities, regional geopolitical developments, bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, and the long-term consequences of the failed coup attempt. Ambassador Turgut reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka across diplomatic, economic, educational, and cultural spheres.
Photographs documenting the dramatic events of the attempted coup were exhibited at the venue, offering participants a visual account of the events that unfolded a decade ago.
On July 15, 2016, thousands of Turkish citizens confronted military elements attempting to overthrow the elected government. The attempted coup was defeated following widespread public resistance and the response of state institutions. Türkiye observes July 15 each year as Democracy and National Unity Day, honouring those who lost their lives and recognising the resilience of the Turkish people.
According to the Government of Türkiye, the coup attempt was orchestrated by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organisation (FETÖ), which it designates as a terrorist organisation. The anniversary continues to serve as a reminder of the importance Türkiye places on safeguarding democratic institutions, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
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