200 Journalists covering Türkiye National Unity Day celebration
Two hundred journalists from all over the world have been invited to report on the commemoration of a failed overthrow of the government of the Republic of Türkiye.
Known as the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications, through its International Media Coordination Office, is organising a comprehensive media programme to be held from July 14 to 18, 2025, in Ankara and Istanbul.
The programme will host a total of 200 journalists, comprising 81 local media representatives from all 81 provinces of Türkiye and 120 international journalists from 41 countries.
Aim of Türkiye National Unity Day celebration
The five-day programme aims to honour the memory of the martyrs and reaffirm that the historic victory was achieved through the unwavering determination of the Turkish people.
According to the organisers, emphasis will be placed on the nation’s unified stance against the coup attempt and the significance of social solidarity.
For international media representatives, the programme also seeks to provide a comprehensive account of Türkiye’s fight against FETÖ, both before and after July 15.
“In this context, the narrative will highlight not only the prevention of a coup attempt but also the people's powerful will to safeguard their future — a message intended for the global public,” a statement from the Directorate of Communications said.
Programme
In Ankara, the programme will include visits to the Presidential Complex, the 15 July Democracy Museum, and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, while in Istanbul, participants will visit the July 15 Memory Museum and the Governorship of Istanbul, in addition to attending various briefing sessions.
“This event will serve as a meaningful platform to commemorate the past while delivering a strong message for the future,” the Directorate said.
Background of the Türkiye National Unity Day celebration
July 15 was first declared a public holiday by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2017, to commemorate the failed coup, and the day has been marked all across Türkiye since then.
The day is commemorated with events to honour those who lost their lives while fighting against the coup plotters in 2016 and to remember the bravery of the nation that stood up for democracy.
Although the attempt was thwarted by military troops loyal to the government, the bridge across the Bosphorus in Istanbul was the scene of bloody fighting between Erdogan’s supporters and renegade soldiers.
To honour those who lost their lives, the bridge has been renamed the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge and the square in Ankara where thousands gathered nightly for a month after the coup attempt, has also been renamed the July 15 Kizilay National Will Square.
