The program addressed the historical significance of the coup attempt of July 15, 2016, in terms of democracy, national will, and constitutional order, while commemorating the martyrs who lost their lives for the independence of the homeland with mercy and gratitude, and expressing thanks to the veterans.
"July 15th is the ultimate victory of civilian will."
During the commemoration program, Professor Dr. Bülent Durgun, a faculty member of the Joint Courses Department at Atlas University, stated in his speech titled "The Will is Ours, the Victory is Ours" that July 15th should not be considered merely a failed coup attempt, but also a historical turning point in which the Turkish nation stood up for democracy, constitutional order, and national sovereignty.
In the introduction to his speech, Professor Dr. Bülent Durgun stated that the ten years that have passed since July 15th are not merely a period of time, saying, “In collective memory, ten-year periods are stages of maturation where major ruptures are transformed into institutional memory and become an important part of the state's rationale. The defeat of the treacherous coup attempt exactly ten years ago, thanks to the resilience of our nation and its unity around democratic legitimacy, is not only the prevention of a military uprising, but also the definitive victory of civilian and constitutional sovereignty.”
He drew attention to the historical continuity of national sovereignty.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Bülent Durgun also touched upon the historical roots of the concept of national sovereignty in the Turkish state tradition, stating that the resistance demonstrated on July 15th was not a coincidental reflex, but the result of a centuries-old consciousness of democracy and independence.
Citing an example from an interview conducted in 1924 between Yunus Nadi, the founder of Cumhuriyet newspaper, and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Prof. Dr. Durgun recalled Atatürk's words: "I am one of those who expect every miracle from the Parliament. Our nation is very great. It will not accept humiliation and slavery." He stated that this understanding was revived by the will of the nation on the night of July 15th.
Prof. Dr. Durgun stated that the principle in the Amasya Declaration, "The independence of the nation will be saved by the determination and decision of the nation itself," found its reflection in the will of the millions who took to the streets on the night of July 15th, emphasizing that the Turkish nation has demonstrated its determination regarding independence and national sovereignty in every period, from Çanakkale to the National Struggle, from the founding of the Republic to July 15th.
"The fact that the Turkish Grand National Assembly continued to function under bombardment demonstrated the strength of democracy."
Professor Dr. Durgun stated that on the night of July 15th, protecting the constitutional order emerged as a shared responsibility of the state and the nation, and that the fact that the Grand National Assembly of Turkey continued its work even under bombardment was one of the strongest symbols of democratic will.
Professor Dr. Durgun stated that the resolute stance displayed by the state's constitutional institutions and legitimate governance mechanisms that night was decisive in the failure of the coup attempt, and added that the nation united around constitutional legitimacy and defended democracy.
"July 15th is a legal turning point in the memory of the state."
Continuing his speech, Prof. Dr. Durgun also touched upon the restructuring process carried out in state institutions after July 15, stating that this process has strengthened Türkiye's constitutional order against asymmetric threats.
Professor Dr. Durgun stated that the national will is the strongest expression of the concept of complete independence in domestic politics, and that Türkiye has permanently inscribed in its state memory that its right to self-determination will not be left to any illegal structure or foreign intervention.
A Call to Young People for Science, Reason, and Free Thought
Devoting the final part of his speech to young people, Prof. Dr. Bülent Durgun stated that universities are not only institutions that produce knowledge, but also important centers where democratic culture and social memory are strengthened.
Stating that the understanding of "The Will is Ours, the Victory is Ours" gains meaning under the umbrella of the university with science, reason, and free thought, Prof. Dr. Durgun made the following appeal to young people:
“For young people, upholding the national will means not surrendering our minds, our reasoning abilities, and our free thought to any illegal structure or dogmatic ideology. The future of Türkiye will be shaped by technologies developed in laboratories, scientific studies produced in research centers, innovations established in engineering, and discoveries made in the field of health.”
Emphasizing that young people who are educated, question, and produce under the guidance of science are Türkiye's greatest strength, Prof. Dr. Durgun stated that the successes achieved in sectors ranging from defense industry to high technology are due to the efforts of scientists, researchers, and engineers, adding, "Turkish youth, who walk in the rational light of science and prioritize the national interests of their country above all else, are the most unwavering guarantee of our state and nation."
Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ: “National Unity and Democratic Awareness Must Be Carried into the Future”
Speaking at the program, Atlas University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ stated that July 15th was one of the most important turning points in Türkiye's democratic history.
Highlighting the importance of preserving the spirit of national unity and solidarity, Prof. Dr. Sınağ stated that strengthening the culture of democracy, protecting the constitutional order, and passing on the awareness of national will to future generations is the shared responsibility of all institutions, especially universities.
Martyrs were remembered with mercy and gratitude.
The program concluded with a tribute and expression of gratitude to all martyrs who lost their lives for the independence of the homeland and the peace of the nation, especially the martyrs of July 15th, and with an expression of thanks to the veterans.
Atlas University continues to contribute to the collective memory and pass on the culture of democracy to future generations through its activities that strengthen the sense of national unity and solidarity.
