Turkish gov't readying for coup anniversary


The government is preparing for various festivities and commemoration ceremonies on the anniversary of last year's coup attempt on July 15, with focus on public resistance to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) that ensured the coup failed.

Festivities will include seminars and activities that will last for a week. Democracy watches, nationwide rallies that took place for a month after the coup attempt at almost every square around the nation to protest the coup plotters and reaffirm determination to protect democracy, will take place throughout the week.

One venue will be Parliament, where FETÖ pilots fired missiles. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is also preparing to celebrate the failure of the coup with various activities, inviting the families and friends of those who died during the fight against the putschists.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whose remarks on television on the night on July 15 triggered the public resistance, is expected to attend several of the activities. He will attend either the ceremony in Parliament or the rally near the July 15 Marytrs Bridge, formerly known as Bosporus Bridge, where some of the bloodiest fighting took place.