CONTRIBUTION The name of victory: Turkiye
Turkish Ambassador to Korea Murat Tamer / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
On the night of July 15, 2016, the Republic of Turkiye faced one of the gravest threats in its modern history. The Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), infiltrating the military and various state institutions over decades, attempted a bloody coup d’etat against the democratically elected government and the will of the Turkish people.
That night, FETO’s treacherous network unleashed terror, bombing the Turkish Grand National Assembly, targeting the Presidential Complex and police headquarters and opening fire on innocent civilians. In the face of this unprecedented betrayal, the Turkish nation stood firm. Millions of citizens poured into the streets and squares, defending democracy and the republic at the cost of their lives.
Under the determined leadership of our president, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this coup attempt was thwarted within hours. That night, Turkiye’s democracy prevailed. The people sent a historic message to the world: Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation. The courage shown by ordinary citizens — armed with nothing but their resolve — demonstrated that democracy in Turkiye is protected not only by institutions, but also by the people’s conscience and will.
This year, as we mark the ninth anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt, we remember with deep respect our 251 martyrs and honor our thousands of veterans who put their lives on the line for our nation. The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Turkiye: The Name of Victory,” symbolizes the resilience, unity and determination of our nation in the face of internal and external threats.
While Turkiye has successfully removed FETO elements from its institutions, the fight against this clandestine structure continues with the same resolve abroad. In this regard, we remain vigilant regarding FETO’s ongoing presence and activities in various countries, including the Republic of Korea, and we will continue to take all necessary legal and diplomatic steps to ensure that justice is served and that such threats are fully eliminated.
Turkiye and the Republic of Korea are two nations bonded by deep historical ties, mutual respect and shared values — including a profound commitment to democracy and freedom. Just as Turkiye stood beside the Korean people during the Korean War with over 21,000 troops — nearly 1,000 of whom made the ultimate sacrifice — we believe that the Korean people understand the value of defending one’s homeland and democracy at all costs.
As we commemorate this solemn day, we extend our gratitude to all our friends and partners who have shown solidarity with Turkiye in the face of terrorism and anti-democratic interventions. July 15 is not only a day of remembrance but also a reminder that the power of the people can overcome the most insidious plots. Indeed, the victory that night belonged to the people — and its name was Turkiye.
Murat Tamer is the Turkish ambassador to Korea