Turkish Consulate in Karachi has organized a ceremony to remember 15th July failed coup attempt in Turkiye in 2016. The Acting Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye Ali FuatErkurtpay homage to the Turkish people who laid down their lives to protect democracy in the country. Ali FuatErkurt said that we remember and reflect on a dark chapter in our nation’s history the coup attempt of July 15, 2016. On that fateful night, a faction within our military, led by the Fettulahist Terrorist Organization, in other word FETO, sought to overthrow our democratically elected government and undermine the very foundations of our republic. He was addressing a gathering held at Turkiye Consulate which was attended by large number of Turkish nationals living in Karachi, intellectuals, educationists and elite of city. The Turkiye envoy said the coup attempt was not just an attack on our government, it was an attack on our democracy, our freedoms and our way of life. FETO, led by FethullahGulen, infiltrated our institutions over decades, using deception and manipulation to advance their agenda.
He said that their betrayal on July 15th was the culmination of years of plotting against the Turkish state. FETO, which attempted the July 15 coup attempt, is not only a terrorist organization, but also an espionage organization with a “cult” character. It has once again been revealed through confessions and revelations from within the organization that the July 15 coup attempt was organized by FETO. Despite this, it is seen that many people who lost their will, mind and conscience to such a network still cannot accept this simple truth. He further said that on that night, tanks rolled into our streets, jets flew low over our cities, and soldiers attempted to seize control of key installations.
It was a scene of chaos and violence that left an indelible mark on our collective memory. Ali Fuat, said under the leadership of our President, RecepTayyipErdogan, innocent civilians, unarmed and defenseless, stood up against the coup plotters, showing immense bravery and resolve. Hundreds of our fellow citizens lost their lives, and thousands were injured in the struggle to protect our democracy. He said, out of this darkness emerged a shining beacon of hope and resilience. The people of Turkiye, regardless of political affiliation, came together to defend our democratic institutions, our unity and determination in the face of such adversity were nothing short of inspirational. It was a powerful reminder that the spirit of our republic is strong and unyielding.
The aftermath of the coup attempt saw swift and decisive action by our government to dismantle FETOs network. Thousands of arrests were made, and a thorough investigation was launched to bring those responsible to justice. It was imperative to restore confidence in our institutions and ensure that such a threat would never again endanger our nation. As we remember the victims and honor the heroes of July 15th, we must remain vigilant. This dark organizational structure and its self-interested, opportunistic and corrupt elements that use all universal values for their own purposes pose a danger to all societies abroad that have ties to Turkiye. We must continue to strengthen our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and protect the freedoms that define us as a nation. The envoy said let us take this moment to reflect on the importance of unity and solidarity.
The events of July 15th taught us that our greatest strength lies in our ability to come together in times of crisis. We must nurture this spirit of togetherness and work collectively to build a brighter, more secure future for all citizens of Turkiye. In conclusion, the July 15th coup attempt was a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the ever-present threats that seek to undermine it. But it also highlighted the resilience and courage of the Turkish people. Turkiye acting CG, said that once again commemorate the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who made our country an independent homeland for the great Turkish nation, all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the honorable future of the country and the defense of the homeland, and our martyrs of democracy on July 15, who we commemorate here today, with respect and mercy. On the occasion a documentary film was shown about history of coup attempt.