Turkey will mark the 10th anniversary of the failed 2016 coup attempt on Wednesday with nationwide commemorations, including exhibitions, public memorial events and a march across Istanbul’s July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
The events, held under the slogan “Our Will, Our Victory,” will take place on July 15, a public holiday in Turkey commemorating the failed coup attempt. The bridge, formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge, was renamed after the coup attempt.
On July 15, 2016, factions within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Fighting broke out in Istanbul and the capital Ankara between coup plotters and security forces loyal to the government.
The coup plotters opened fire on civilians with tanks and fighter jets after Erdoğan called on people to take to the streets.
Erdoğan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. More than 250 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured before the uprising was suppressed.
Erdoğan blamed the movement of cleric Fethullah Gülen for the coup attempt. However, the events have never been independently investigated.
During the subsequent state of emergency, more than 100,000 public sector employees, including academics, judges and police officers, were dismissed by decree. Tens of thousands of people were arrested, while numerous media outlets and publishing houses were shut down.
