15 July has since become a symbol of national resilience and unity, known as Democracy and National Unity Day. It serves as a mighty reminder of the threats that countries may face and the extraordinary strength they can muster in response.
Throughout history, nations have experienced periods of turbulence and resilience, marked by both setbacks and triumphs. The attempted coup orchestrated by the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), on the night of July 15, 2016 stands as a stark example of such a moment in Türkiye’s modern trajectory.
FETO aimed at toppling the democratically elected government and subverting the constitutional order. This insidious attempt was decisively thwarted by the foresight, unity, and unwavering resolve of the Turkish Nation.
Turkish people, irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic differences, poured into the streets, resisting tanks and confronting armed forces with nothing but their national flags and unyielding determination. On that dark night, as a result of the terrorist acts of FETO, 251 of our citizens were martyred and more than 2,000 citizens were injured.
Hence, 15 July has since become a symbol of national resilience and unity, known as Democracy and National Unity Day. It serves as a mighty reminder of the threats that countries may face and the extraordinary strength they can muster in response.
Far from weakening the state, this critical juncture served to reinforce Türkiye’s institutional foundations and reaffirm the collective commitment of its people to freedom and national sovereignty.
In response, the Turkish government launched a comprehensive and multi-faceted campaign domestically and internationally to bring down FETO’s network and bring those responsible to justice in compliance with the principles of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms.
In the field of education, the Turkish state carried out a significant restructuring domestically by transferring institutions that were previously under the control of the FETO to the Ministry of National Education. Internationally, Turkish Maarif Foundation has emerged as a key global actor in the field of education. The foundation took over the management of schools that had long been exploited by FETO in several countries and expanded its presence worldwide. Today, the foundation operates 517 educational institutions in 55 countries, and provides educational services to more than 40,000 students.
Most of the FETO organisations have been dismantled globally thanks to the international cooperation by friendly and allied countries.
However, FETO is a terrorist and organised crime organisation with a cult-like character that has rarely been seen in history. It consists of multi-layered international and secret cells that sometimes present themselves as non-governmental organisations, as educational institutions, and/or sometimes under the guise of a religious community to advance their hidden goals. This shadowy and shady organisational structure, which abuses all universal values for its own secret agenda, is a major national security threat to all countries and societies in which it operates.In this regard, we would like once again kindly remind friendly countries the gravity of the threat posed by FETO in their homeland.
Thus, the fight against FETO is one of the most important components of Türkiye’s national security at home and abroad. The death of the organisation’s ringleader Fetullah Gülen in the United States on October 20, 2024 without being brought to justice, will not make us complacent and as a state.
We are fully cognisant of the fact that the struggle against this devious organisation is not a 100 meter run but a marathon. Hence we will continue our relentless struggle with determination until this dark organisation is completely eliminated.
Türkiye has encountered in its recent journey several challenges-15 July Coup Attempt, global COVID-19 pandemic, devastating earthquakes of February 6. Despite all these challenges, Türkiye achieved notable successes and has made remarkable strides across multiple sectors by strengthening its democratic governance, enhancing its economy, advancing its defence industry, expanding global humanitarian outreach, and becoming a key player in regional diplomacy.
Turkish economy has demonstrated resilience and sustained growth, maintaining its position among the world’s top 20 economies. Our exports have reached to 262 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to be over 270 billion dollars in 2025.
Türkiye has not only continued its ongoing infrastructure projects (Eurasia Tunnel), also has added them the new ones (1915 Çanakkale Strait). Additionally, impressive advancements in technology and automative sector (first domestically produced electric car TOGG) has continued since the failed coup attempt.
As the defence industry is an inevitable necessity for major countries, Türkiye has emerged as a global frontrunner, supported by a robust R&D budget approaching $3 billion, over 80% domestic production capacity, and a project portfolio valued at more than $100 billion.
In the aftermath of this existential threat, Türkiye’s foreign policy underwent a significant transformation shaped by a strong commitment to national sovereignty, security, and strategic autonomy. While maintaining its engagement with traditional allies such as NATO and the European Union, Türkiye reinforced its proactive and multidimensional approach in regional and global diplomacy. As one of the prominent member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Developing Eight (D-8), the Organization of Turkic States, Asia Cooperation Dialogue and MIKTA, Türkiye has brought additional efficiency and dynamism to all institutions during its Term Presidencies.
Türkiye’s foreign policy remains firmly rooted in a commitment to regional stability, multilateral engagement, and proactive peace-building. We uphold dialogue over division, prioritize partnerships over polarisation, and advocate for diplomacy as the principal means of resolving disputes.
Through deepening and widening its comprehensive policies, Türkiye has spawned the 3rd largest diplomatic network globally with 262 missions.
Türkiye has a leading role in conflict prevention, peaceful resolution of conflicts and mediation. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye has solidified its role as a mediator in global diplomacy, facilitating key peace talks and leading efforts to resolve regional and global crises.
Türkiye has also adopted a value-based foreign policy that places human dignity at its core as it ranks first among the countries that provide the most aid in terms of its GDP.
Türkiye has remained committed to its ethical principles on just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, and has consistently voiced its rejection of double standards in addressing the rights of peoples.
Qatar displayed a principled stance and solidarity by standing by Türkiye during one of its most difficult times despite of any probable costs. In the immediate aftermath of the coup attempt, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, extended one of the first and most sincere messages of solidarity. Furthermore, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar was among the first foreign officials to visit Türkiye in the aftermath of this night.
Qatar’s firm stance, its unequivocal support for Türkiye’s elected government, and its deep empathy with the Turkish people have not been forgotten. And this brotherly gesture not only affirmed our mutual trust and solidarity but also further reinforced our already resolute ties and made the foundation even stronger that our strategic cooperation is based on. As recently shown, H.E. President Erdoğan, expressed our country’s condemnation of the recent attack that violated Qatar’s sovereignty, and stressed that Türkiye stands by brotherly country Qatar.
Türkiye–Qatar relations are stronger than ever with the institutionalised partnership through the establishment of High Strategic Committee (SSC) mechanism. In the 10th SSC meeting in 2024, the total number of agreements which were signed has reached to 117 ranging across defence, energy, trade, education, and humanitarian sectors.
The bonds between two countries are deeply rooted in a shared vision for a more stable, prosperous, and just region. We collaborate with Qatar to promote peace, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance from Gaza to the Horn of Africa.
As we commemorate the 9th Anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, we pay tribute to the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives and well-being to defend our nation. We also express our heartfelt appreciation for those who stood by us.
This article is an opinion piece by Turkish ambassador to Qatar, Dr M. Mustafa Göksu, and does not necessarily reflect the views of Doha News, its editorial board, or staff.
