The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Qatar held a reception on Wednesday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, marking a decade since the failed coup attempt in 2016. The event took place at the Ambassador’s Residence and was attended by senior officials from both Türkiye and Qatar, members of the Turkish community, military personnel, diplomats, and other guests.
HE Dr. Mustafa Göksu, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Qatar, opened the reception with remarks highlighting the significance of the day. He explained that the event had been initially planned for July 15 but was postponed following the death of the late Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Ambassador Göksu extended condolences to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family, government, and the people of Qatar, describing the late Father Amir’s passing as a notable loss for both Qatar and the wider Muslim world.
Reflecting on the events of July 15, 2016, Ambassador Göksu described the attempted coup as one of the most pivotal moments in modern Turkish history. The plot, orchestrated by the FETÖ terrorist organization, sought to seize control of Türkiye’s democratic institutions, including the Turkish Parliament. However, it was thwarted through the resolve of the Turkish people, the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the coordinated efforts of state institutions and security forces.
The ambassador emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces as a whole should not be associated with the coup attempt, noting that FETÖ had infiltrated various branches of the military and government agencies. He stated that the armed forces had emerged from the crisis stronger and more unified. Ambassador Göksu noted that more than 250 citizens lost their lives and over 2,500 were injured while defending democracy during those events. He characterized FETÖ as a transnational terrorist group that exploited religious and educational structures to pursue a covert agenda, warning that the organization continues to pose threats in various countries. He urged the international community to maintain vigilance while affirming Türkiye’s commitment to raising awareness about the group’s activities.
The ambassador also underscored the strong bilateral ties between Türkiye and Qatar, expressing gratitude for Qatar’s early solidarity following the coup attempt. He highlighted that the partnership between the two nations, grounded in shared values and mutual trust, actively supports regional peace, stability, and joint efforts against terrorism.
Colonel Özgür Özkan, Türkiye’s Armed Forces and Naval Attaché to Qatar, also addressed attendees, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives defending democracy. He stated that the failure of the coup reflected the unity and resilience of the Turkish nation and reaffirmed the military’s dedication to upholding democracy, constitutional order, the rule of law, and the elected government. Colonel Özkan honored national martyrs, veterans, and the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, urging future generations to uphold the principles and lessons symbolized by July 15.