Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) participated in the commemoration programs organized under the coordination of the Zonguldak Governorship on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. During the programs, which once again emphasized the determination to stand up for democracy, the national will, and independence, the July 15 martyrs were commemorated with mercy, while gratitude was expressed to the veterans.

The program began with the Democracy and National Unity March from İstasyon Street to the Miners’ Monument, accompanied by the Mehter March. Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, AK Party Deputy Chairman of the Central Executive Board and Zonguldak MP Ahmet Çolakoğlu, Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal and Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, members of the Senate, provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, and numerous citizens attended the program.

July 15 Spirit Commemorated Once Again in Zonguldak

Following the march, the program held at the Miners’ Monument began after the evening prayer with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem.

As part of the program, Quran recitations were performed by Provincial Mufti İbrahim Halil Demir and Nizamettin Dereli, muezzin of Uzun Mehmet Mosque. Prayers were then offered for the July 15 martyrs, followed by a speech on the meaning and significance of the day by Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu. In his speech, Governor Hacıbektaşoğlu stated that July 15 was a treacherous coup attempt against the will of the nation and the survival of the state, commemorated the martyrs with mercy and gratitude, expressed his appreciation to the veterans, and stated that this historic epic would never be forgotten.

Turkish Flag Presented to Governor Hacıbektaşoğlu

As part of the program, the glorious Turkish flag, which was brought to the Miners’ Monument at the end of the July 15 Unity and Solidarity Banner Run organized by students of the Youth Center of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, was presented to Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu.

Afterwards, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “Address to the Nation” was followed together with the participants. The program continued with performances by Grup Derun, the Miners’ Choir, and the Religious Hymn Group operating under the Provincial Mufti’s Office. At 00:13, as throughout Türkiye, salat al-wisal was recited from all mosques in Zonguldak. The commemoration program concluded with a commemorative photograph taken in memory of the day.

Rector Özölçer: “July 15 Is the Epic of Democracy Written by Our Glorious Nation”

Following the programs, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that despite ten years having passed since July 15, the day continues to remain as vivid in the nation’s memory as it was on the first day, and said:

“On the night of July 15, 2016, the treacherous FETÖ terrorist organization, which sought to undermine the independence, democracy, and national will of our glorious nation, failed to achieve its aims thanks to the strong leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the unwavering will of our nation, and the heroic struggle of our security forces. On that dark night, our nation, united as one from young to old, stood up for its homeland, flag, call to prayer, and state, once again showing the whole world that no power can stand above the national will in these lands. Today, on the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, I commemorate with mercy, gratitude, and appreciation all our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland without hesitation that night, particularly Martyr Ömer Halisdemir, and I wish our veterans healthy and long lives. The sacrifices they made are the strongest indication of what our nation is willing to risk for the sake of its independence and future.

As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we attach great importance to educating our young people as responsible individuals who love their homeland and nation and are devoted to their flag, call to prayer, and national and spiritual values. Because we know that the guarantee of a strong Türkiye is generations of young people raised with national consciousness and committed to serving their country. I would like to thank, first and foremost, our Governor of Zonguldak, Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, who took the lead in organizing these meaningful programs, as well as all public institutions and organizations, civil society organizations, and everyone who contributed to the organization. May God preserve our unity, peace, and solidarity forever.”