Şevket Keskin, President of the Union of Malatya Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, stated in his message on the 10th anniversary of the coup attempt on July 15, 2016 that the nation directly claimed its own future that night.
Keskin stated that July 15 should not be considered only as an uprising that took place in the past, and noted that that night was a symbol of our common stance against all kinds of threats to Türkiye's independence.
"The decision of the nation was stronger than the shadow of the guns"
Stating that those who attempted a coup attempted to use the state's resources against the people, Keskin said that the nation responded to this attempt in the squares.
Keskin said, "On the night of July 15, they wanted to put fear, oppression and surrender in front of our nation. However, this nation showed the whole world that it will not surrender its will to any armed structure. The courage standing in front of the tanks, the determination rising in the squares and the millions who defended its flag, put Türkiye's future back in the hands of the nation."
Keskin stated that the target of the coup attempt was not only the elected administration, but also the peace of the society, the independence of the country and the common future.
"There is no excuse for treason, no excuse for a coup"
Emphasizing that the coup attempt carried out by the armed terrorist organization FETO on the night of July 15 cannot be mitigated for any reason, Keskin stated that the time that has passed since the incident will not eliminate responsibility.
Keskin said, "There is no excuse for wearing the state's uniform and pointing a gun at the nation, targeting the nation's Parliament and attempting to drag the future of the country into darkness. Betrayal does not become ordinary over time, and the coup attempt does not become an event that will be forgotten over the years. There is no room for laxity, negligence and memorylessness on this issue."
Keskin noted that the understanding of merit, law and control in state institutions should be strengthened so that Türkiye does not face similar threats again, and drew attention to the importance of maintaining determination in the fight.
"Tradesmen are not only the economic but also the social pillar of this country"
Referring to the stance of tradesmen and craftsmen on the night of July 15, Keskin stated that the tradesmen community has assumed responsibility during the difficult times of the state throughout history.
Keskin said, "Our tradesmen closed the doors of their shops and ran to the squares. They put their tools, means and labor at the service of the nation. Because tradesmen are not only the economic but also the social pillar of this country."
Stating that tradesmen and craftsmen will continue to stand against every attempt against the national will, Keskin emphasized that no group or structure can be seen above the common will of the nation.
"Those who cannot unite in the same pain cannot build the same future."
Stating that social polarization will weaken Türkiye's power, Keskin said that July 15 once again shows the importance of uniting around common values.
Keskin included the following statements in his message: "The greatest strength of a country is the trust its citizens have in each other. Those who live under the same flag and cannot share the same pain cannot build a solid future. Our views may be different, but we cannot disagree on the homeland, flag, democracy and independence. Türkiye's enemies feed on separation, and our nation is strengthened by solidarity."
Keskin stated that political and social differences should not be seen as a cause of conflict, but as an element that enriches the common future.
"Commemorating July 15 is keeping the responsibility alive"
Stating that commemorating July 15 only with ceremonies would not be enough, Keskin said that the common will that emerged that night should be kept alive in every field, from public administration to daily life.
"Remembering July 15 is not just about telling the past. It is also about protecting justice, strengthening loyalty to the state, teaching the truth to young people and protecting the trust of the nation," said Keskin, pointing out the importance of transferring the awareness of democracy to future generations.
At the end of his message, Keskin commemorated the July 15 martyrs with mercy and the veterans with respect and gratitude.
"The memory of our martyrs who laid down their lives for their homeland will always live in the conscience of this nation. The courage of our veterans will be an example for future generations. It is our common duty to protect the legacy of our martyrs, to grow the brotherhood between us and to make Türkiye stronger," he said.
Keskin stated that the tradesmen and craftsmen community will continue to stand by the state and the nation against any threats to Türkiye's peace, democracy and national will. - MALATYA