Türkiye marks the anniversary of the failed coup attempt now observed as Democracy and National Unity Day. Across the country, people gathered to honour those who gave their lives defending the nation on the 15 July 2016.
Martyrs Memorial Day, known in Türkiye as Democracy and National Unity Day — marked the ninth year since the 2016 failed coup attempt. Across the country, particularly in Istanbul and Ankara, thousands gathered to honour the martyrs and heroes who sacrificed their lives defending their country.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev sent a message to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressing solidarity and support.
What happened on 15 July 2016
A large faction within the Turkish Armed Forces, led by exiled Turkish citizen Fetullah Gülen, tried to seize control of the country and overthrow the democratically elected government.
As the night unfolded, tanks rolled into the streets of major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
Bridges were blocked, fighter jets flew low over urban centres, and key sites such as the Turkish Parliament, police headquarters, and presidential palace were attacked.
Media outlets were also targeted. At TRT, Türkiye's national broadcaster news channel, coup plotters forced a presenter to read a pre-written statement declaring martial law.
But then came a turning point.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, appeared live via FaceTime on CNN Türk and urged citizens to take to the streets and defend their country.
Millions of civilians responded, risking their lives, standing in front of and on top of tanks, disarming soldiers, and confronting the coup directly. Unarmed and determined, people mobilised to defend the nation.
By dawn, the coup attempt had failed. However, the cost was heavy. More than 250 people were killed, and more than 2,000 were wounded. They are remembered today as the martyrs of the 15th of July.
Since then, every 15 July is marked with ceremonies, prayers, and public gatherings across the country. Each year, civilians visit the 15 July Martyrs' Monument in Istanbul and other memorial sites to pay their respects.
Today, Türkiye stands united once more — honouring its martyrs, defending its democracy, and remembering the night when people rose to protect their nation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees progress between Israel and Lebanon after talks with Netanyahu, while Hezbollah has rejected a new ceasefire ...
Azerbaijan is once again at the centre of global climate diplomacy, hosting World Environment Day 2026 and bringing together international leaders, po...
Azerbaijan has strongly rejected allegations published by CNN claiming that its territory was used for Israeli military and intelligence operations ag...
The Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly has concluded in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from 186 countries to set environm...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani in Ankara on Thursday, underscoring Türkiye’s growing engag...
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela has secured a fourth successive election victory for his Labour Party, extending its hold on power, though with a reduced majority compared with previous polls.
Georgia’s relationship with Europe is facing one of its most serious tests in years, as two major international reports warn of democratic backsliding and growing human rights concerns.
An opposition politician in Georgia has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for defacing an election banner, prompting strong reactions at home and abroad.
Kazakhstan’s next presidential election will be held in 2029 in line with the Constitution, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said after voting in a referendum on a draft new Constitution amid debate over whether the reforms could signal a future transfer of power.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said in a statement that its Aerospace Force did not strike the Kuwait Airport passenger terminal on Wednesday, and that the destruction was instead caused by a failed U.S. Patriot missile.
Five Azerbaijani citizens have been killed and three others injured following drone attacks on two cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire after U.S.-backed talks in Washington. The deal requires Hezbollah to halt attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon, while both sides will resume direct talks later this month aimed at reaching a broader agreement.
As Armenia heads toward parliamentary elections on 7 June, the country's relationship with Azerbaijan is emerging as one of the defining issues of the campaign, with analysts and international observers highlighting the role of regional politics in shaping voters’ mindsets.
Armenia will hold parliamentary elections on 7 June 2026, a vote that will shape the country’s political direction for the next five years. Understanding how the electoral system converts votes into parliamentary power is key to following the outcome and its wider regional implications.
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with around 600 mothers dying for every 100,000 live births.
Azerbaijan is once again at the centre of global climate diplomacy, hosting World Environment Day 2026 and bringing together international leaders, policymakers and organisations to address urgent environmental challenges.
The Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly has concluded in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from 186 countries to set environmental priorities and approve new funding for climate, biodiversity and sustainable development initiatives.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned ahead of World Environment Day that Afghanistan's worsening water crisis is disproportionately affecting women and girls, who bear much of the responsibility for securing water for their families.
Azerbaijan is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic bridge between East and West, using a combination of diplomacy, energy cooperation and regional connectivity to expand its international influence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment