As part of July 15^th Democracy and National Union Day, a martyrs' memorial event was held at Yunus Emre Foundation Head Office, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü is affiliated to.

The event organized at the Central Office of Yunus Emre Foundation within the scope of July 15^th Democracy and National Union Day, took start with Turkish National Anthem.

Enstitü's Turkish Education Centre staff Özkan Çakmak recited the Holy Koran in the program, carried out with participation of all Yunus Emre Enstitüsü employees in Turkey.

The film produced by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü depicting the July 15^th events minute by minute, was screened, and some Enstitü employees read their poems about their memories from the night of July 15^th.

“God removed fear from the nation's heart”

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Şeref Ateş who spoke in the event marked that as people who have actively made efforts since the night of July 15^th to date, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü employees better understand what July 15^th means, and continued as follows: “It may be as significant as Çanakkale Victory. Maybe as important as October 29^th. Because we must remember that. It does not suffice to commemorate our martyrs and depict the heroism displayed that night. However we must once again underline:  that night, this nation was blessed with calm and God removed the fear from their minds and hearts, granting them the power and will to fight against enemies.”

“They continue conspiring”

Enstitü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş spoke as follows: “Another aspect of July 15^th is that everybody here went through July 15^th. This war will not be over. This is why these events must be continued. This is the modern world. Not the regression period where we were imprisoned within our borders. We are not trapped in Anatolia due to attacks from three continents as in Battle of Dardanelles or Balkan War. The wars will be new-generation wars from now on. And these new-generation wars will be waged at home, as we witnessed on July 15^th . We must be much more vigilante and prepared for these wars which will be waged at home. They have been preparing for these for a long time. We now think that we averted July 15^th with the help of God, but they continue conspiring.”

“An organization that has been active for 40 years...”

Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş continued as follows: “That night God helped us. Imagine an organization that has been active for 40 years; they attempted to invade the army, intelligence, police force, jurisdiction and all government institutions; and to control all fields, from trade to education, attacked with tanks, cannons and air planes. But the God did not allow them to follow through the plan. There is something deep-rooted in Turkish culture: there is something we stand for as a state and a nation. Turkish culture favours not bending in the face of oppressors and taking the oppressed under protection. This is why God allowed us to win such a victory on July 15^th. This attack will not come to end and will continue at home. Movements like FETO should act properly ninety percent of the time in order to gain legitimacy. This means they should disguise their true intentions by carrying out operations which are beneficial in the eyes of the public. They have done this so systematically and have disguised themselves so well that many people came in contact with them. We cannot betray our martyrs by piously commemorating them and moving on. Because this invasion will continue. We, as an organization, have made efforts for a year, since the night of July 15^th to date. Future is much more important now. This nation has a message to deliver to the world. We have distinct characteristics, not all have roots in the history.”

“We will not forget July 15^th and not let it be forgotten!”

Stressing that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü will not forget July 15^th and will not let it be forgotten, ended his speech as follows: “July 15^th is as important as other victories in our history. We must survive this victory. Because the world needs Turkish nation. Primarily Yunus Emre personnel and every single member of Turkish nation will cater to this need in the best way, in every country. I know there are veterans and martyrs in your families and circles. May our martyrs rest in peace, may God bless them. May the injured get well soon. God bless your victory.”

"30 Birds" Moved the Audience

Following the speech by Enstitü President Ateş, screening of Dursun Ali Erzincanlı's performance of the poem titled “30 Birds” he wrote for Martyr Ömer Halisdemir, moved the audience.

The event broadcast live on Sound of Turkish Radio (TSR) affiliated with Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, ended with the prayer by TSR Coordinator Alper Tuna.