The Embassy of Turkey in Cairo commemorated the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day with a solemn ceremony that paid tribute to the resilience of the Turkish nation in the face of the failed 2016 coup attempt. The event underscored Turkey’s democratic journey and national solidarity under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
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Held at the official headquarters of the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, the ceremony was attended by approximately 250 guests, including ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from countries such as Azerbaijan, Albania, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq, Qatar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Slovenia, Chile, Singapore, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Also in attendance were the Head of the Iranian Interests Section, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Cairo, prominent Egyptian public figures, members of the Egyptian Senate, academics, journalists, Turkish business leaders, and members of the Turkish community in Egypt.
The commemoration began with a visit by embassy staff to the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery in Cairo, where they observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 4,500 Turkish soldiers who fell on the Palestine front during World War I, as well as those who were martyred during the events of 15 July 2016. A recitation from the Qur’an was followed by prayers for the martyrs. Turkish ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen signed the cemetery’s memorial book in honour of the fallen.
Turkish embassy marks Democracy and National Unity Day in Cairo (photo credit of the Turkish embassy in Cairo)
At the Embassy’s formal gathering, attendees observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of 15 July, followed by the national anthems of Turkey and Egypt. The ceremony also featured a documentary presentation and a photographic exhibition curated by the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Şen noted that, despite the passage of nine years, the events of 15 July 2016 remain deeply etched in the collective memory of the Turkish nation. He described the date as a turning point in Turkey’s modern history, when the will of the people decisively thwarted a treacherous coup attempt orchestrated by the FETO terrorist organisation.
“On that night, the Turkish people stood firmly in defence of their democracy and their legitimately elected leadership,” ambassador Şen stated. “Citizens confronted tanks and weapons, and many made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s democratic institutions. In doing so, the Republic of Turkey crowned its century-old statehood with an enduring commitment to democracy.”
Turkish embassy staff observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 4,500 Turkish soldiers
He emphasised that Turkey, having emerged from the brink of chaos on that day, has since demonstrated a steadfast resolve to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more unified future. Ambassador Şen also highlighted Türkiye’s historical experience with coups, referencing the military takeovers of 1960, 1971, 1980, 1997, and the early 2000s.
He recalled the execution of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes in the wake of the 1960 coup as a national tragedy that continues to resonate with the Turkish people. “The nation has not forgotten,” he said. “From those painful lessons, our people defended democracy and President Erdoğan with unwavering resolve.”
He described democracy as a hard-won achievement, forged through immense sacrifice and struggle. “Today, the will of the Turkish people is in safe hands. No force can again contemplate the usurpation of that will.”
Ambassador Şen also emphasised Turkey’s emergence as a regional and international actor in the political, economic, cultural, and military spheres. He highlighted the country’s commitment to peace, security, and development, not only in its immediate region but globally.
In this context, Ambassador Şen noted the convergence of vision between Turkey and Egypt under the leadership of Presidents Erdoğan and El-Sisi. He described both nations as committed to fostering peace, economic cooperation, and regional stability.
“Turkey and Egypt share a common understanding regarding the importance of dialogue, consultation, and coordination in addressing regional challenges, particularly those facing the Middle East and the broader Islamic world,” he added.
Turning to bilateral economic relations, Ambassador Şen noted that trade between Turkey and Egypt has reached record levels in recent years, citing investments totalling $ 700 million by Turkish companies, with Turkish investors actively expanding their presence in the Egyptian market.
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