A panel titled “Reflections of the July 15 Coup Attempt: Turkey, Opportunities, and Challenges” was organized in London, the capital of England, with the participation of numerous members of the Turkish community. During the panel, Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, and the President of the British-Turkish Association, Atilla Üstün, emphasized the importance of the Turkish nation’s commitment to their state and paid tribute to the martyrs of the July 15 coup attempt. The ongoing fight against the FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization) was also highlighted, stressing the need for unity and solidarity.
In observance of the “July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day,” the British-Turkish Association organized the panel at the London Yunus Emre Institute (YEE). In addition to Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, Consul General of Turkey in London, Bekir Utku Atahan, and British-Turkish Association President Atilla Üstün, the event was attended by many members of the Turkish community.
The program began with a recitation of prayers, followed by a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. Afterward, the Quran was recited and prayers were offered for the souls of the July 15 martyrs.
Ambassador Ertaş, in his speech during the panel, emphasized the special place of the state in the hearts of the Turkish people. He stated, “When it comes to the state, the Turkish nation sets everything else aside and stands up for their country.” He pointed out that the plotters of the July 15 coup attempt failed to understand this commitment because they were not true citizens of Turkey. Ertaş reminded the audience that the 251 citizens who lost their lives during the coup attempt will always be remembered with gratitude and respect, as they sacrificed their lives for their country.
Underlining the importance of unity and solidarity, Ambassador Ertaş declared, “As long as we remain united and together, as a state and a nation, we will overcome any difficulty. May our state stand firm and endure forever.”
Furthermore, Ertaş highlighted that the fight against FETÖ is far from over, as the world has witnessed the organization’s sinister intentions and hidden agenda.
British-Turkish Association President, Atilla Üstün, offered his prayers to all the martyrs who lost their lives defending their country’s independence during the July 15, 2016 coup attempt. He expressed the Association’s commitment to always remember the sacrifices made by those who fought bravely for their nation, saying, “Every victory we have achieved throughout our history is built on sacrifice. We must never forget, nor let others forget, these acts of bravery.”
Drawing attention to the importance of unity and solidarity for a brighter future, Üstün stated, “We should cherish the values inherited from our ancestors and appreciate our freedom. In order to safeguard our nation and protect our state, we must act with stronger determination, together.”
The panel served as a platform to reflect on the lasting impact of the July 15 coup attempt and reinforce the Turkish community’s dedication to preserving democracy, unity, and their nation’s well-being.
