Turkey honors 15 July coup martyrs at Şehzadebaşı Mosque

On the tenth anniversary of the failed 15 July 2016 coup attempt, Turkey held commemorations for the martyrs at Şehzadebaşı Camii in Istanbul. Mustafa Varank, brother of the slain academic Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank, led the programme that featured the recitation of the Qur'an, prayers and a sermon recalling the events of that night. He said, “Our memory of the coup attempt is still fresh; the enemy tried to infiltrate the armed forces, but the nation’s courage stopped them,” and urged that the sacrifices continue to be remembered.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Defence Commission Chairman Hulusi Akar, Interior Commission Chairman Süleyman Soylu, and local mayors. Speakers also mentioned the broader toll of the coup, with Fuat Yavuz, brother of martyr Fahrettin Yavuz, stating that “253 martyrs and the people who took to the streets that night saved the country.” Families of other martyrs and members of the public gathered to pay respects at the gravesite of Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank.

The events underscored the continued political significance of the coup’s legacy in Turkey, emphasizing national unity and the remembrance of those who gave their lives.