Millions flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

A commemoration ceremony to mark the first anniversary of defeated coup attempt began Saturday at Istanbul's iconic July 15 Martyrs' Bridge with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in attendance.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Erdoğan joined millions of people at the bridge over the Bosphorous, which was renamed to honor the martyrs after the coup attempt.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

The commemoration event began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation of the Quran.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Earlier, having gathered in Beylerbeyi, Çengelköy, Altunizade and Kısıklı districts of the Asian side of the city, people marched to the bridge amid tight security.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

The bridge was closed by putschists on the night of the coup attempt and dozens people were killed on it.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Rallies named "democracy watches" will begin after midnight.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Later, Erdoğan is scheduled to depart for Ankara, where he would address the parliament at 2.32 a.m. local time (1132GMT), the time the parliament was bombed on the night of the coup attempt.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Sunday's program will begin with a morning prayer at Ankara's Bestepe Millet Mosque, followed by the opening of the July 15 Martyrs' Monument at the presidential complex.

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul

Thousands flock to July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul