In his video message published on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of July 15, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir said, "July 15 is the epic written by a nation that believes in its leader and a leader who believes in his nation," and emphasized that July 15 is the common victory of the will of the nation, the spirit of unity and determined leadership.

AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir published a video message on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.

Özdemir, who started his message with the words "Our dear nation, precious Istanbulites", reminded that 10 years have passed since the treacherous coup attempt of July 15.

Stating that that night, millions of women, men, children and elderly citizens flocked to the squares upon the call of President and Commander-in-Chief Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özdemir stated that the nation stood against tanks, planes, bombs and bullets with their bare hands and foiled the coup attempt in a short time.

Reminding that 253 citizens became martyrs and 2,685 citizens became veterans on the night of July 15, Özdemir said, "I commemorate with respect and mercy all our martyrs who made these lands our homeland, and I once again offer my congratulations and gratitude to our beloved nation for protecting its homeland, flag and will."

Özdemir stated that July 15 was the date of despicableness and betrayal for those who attempted the coup, and emphasized that it was a symbol of unique resistance for the Turkish nation. Özdemir used the following statements:

"July 15 is the history of a glorious uprising, an exceptional resistance and an unforgettable epic for our nation, which defeated the treacherous attempt by saying 'The Will is Ours, the Victory is Ours', under the leadership of our President and Commander-in-Chief Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."

Noting that the struggle on the night of July 15 resurrected the spirit of Çanakkale, Özdemir said, "Those heroes gave their lives, but they left us a homeland."

Özdemir noted that July 15 did not only mean the prevention of a coup attempt, but also was a symbol of the nation's defense of its independence and future.

"July 15 is the victory of bravery and sincerity over insidiousness and lies. It is the victory of freedom against tutelage and loyalty against betrayal. It is the great victory of a nation that believes in its leader and a leader who believes in his nation," said Özdemir, emphasizing that July 15 will never be forgotten.

Stating that there are circles that want to return Türkiye to the darkness of the tutelage periods with different scenarios, Özdemir stated that the nation and organizations will continue to stand with the same determination against these attempts. Özdemir continued his message as follows:

"Today, there are those who are engaged in feverish activity to return Türkiye to the darkness of the tutelage periods with other scenarios. They still have the same mindset, they still stand in the same place. We say to them: We are here too."

Stating that they will continue their activities for Turkey under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Özdemir said, "We are here with our President, our leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to whom we said, 'You will walk, the nation will follow you. Because we still have a lot of work to do and many dreams to realize.'"

Özdemir concluded his message by saying, "We will not forget July 15, we will not let it be forgotten." - ISTANBUL