Ninth anniversary of coup attempt in Turkey marked in Sarajevo

(Patria) - As part of the commemoration of July 15 - Democracy and National Unity Day, a program titled "The Name of Victory is Turkey" was held in Sarajevo, organized by the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.

The program, held in the conference hall of the Gazi Husrev-beg Library, was attended by a large number of diplomats, professors, media representatives, non-governmental organizations, as well as students and citizens.



The event highlighted the importance of the resistance shown by the Turkish people on the night of July 15, 2016, against the treacherous coup attempt targeting Turkey's constitutional order and democratic institutions, while the goal was to raise international awareness about protecting values such as democracy, national will, and independence.

After the screening of a video titled "In the Name of Love for Turkey: July 15," which depicts the determination and spirit of unity of the Turkish people on the night of the coup, a message sent specifically for this event by the head of the Directorate of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, was read.

In his message, Duran emphasized the threat posed by organizations similar to FETO to democracy, security, and social peace on a global level, stressing Turkey's determination on this issue and the need for international cooperation.



The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki, stated in his opening speech that July 15 was a significant test not only for Turkey but for all countries that believe in democratic values.

According to him, the resistance shown by the Turkish people at the cost of their own lives is the clearest indicator of their commitment to democracy.

Ambassador Akseki emphasized that awareness of FETO's activities outside Turkey has increased, especially after July 15, and expressed confidence that cooperation in this fight will continue to grow.

Denis Zvizdić, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the development process Turkey has undergone thanks to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made that country prominent in many areas.



He noted that the coup attempt, which he described as treacherous and cowardly, was aimed at destroying Turkey's achievements in various fields, its economic development, and its democratic structures.

Relying on historical and emotional ties, Zvizdić said that Turkey is one of the most important and loyal friends of BiH, and wished Turkey and its people continued success in all areas.

Željko Komšić, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated that democratic stability in Turkey also means stability in the region and that the Turkish people are proud of their democracy, flag, institutions, and parliament.

Speaking of Turkey as a crossroads of the world, he stated that if those malicious ambitions had achieved their goals, the world would be a different place today and unpredictable events could occur in the region.

Emphasizing the importance of Turkey's regional and international role, especially in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Islamic countries, Komšić said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has established strong relations and cooperation with Turkey, based on deep-rooted friendship, and expressed wishes for peace, stability, and democracy for the Turkish people.



Following the speeches, a panel discussion began, moderated by Veysel Kurt, a professor at Istanbul Medeniyet University.

The panelists were former Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Ankara Adis Alagić, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Zenica Prof. Dr. Enis Omerović, Director of the Media Center of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Muamer Tinjak, and Director of TRT Balkan Emre Baştuğ.

The program continued with the screening of the film "Dawn 15/07," based on true events from the night of July 15. Those present followed the film with interest, which depicted in cinematic language the honorable struggle of the Turkish nation for democracy and independence.

The film portrayed in striking scenes the strength and will of the nation against the tanks. As part of the event, a photo exhibition on the theme "July 15" was also held. Photographs taken during and after the coup attempt, which have become symbols of resistance, were displayed.

The Directorate of Communications continues to hold similar events on the ninth anniversary of July 15 to encourage the international community to take a common stance against such threats, to effectively convey Turkey's commitment to democracy to the world, and to resolutely continue the fight against disinformation.