July 15 Commemorated at Bartın University with the "The Story of a Struggle" Conference
14 Temmuz 2026
At Bartın University (BARÜ), Security Policy Expert Mete Yarar highlighted the significance of the historic resistance demonstrated by the Turkish nation during a conference organized on the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
A conference was held in cooperation with the Bartın Governorship and Bartın University (BARÜ) to commemorate the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. Organized under the theme “Our Will, Our Victory,” designated by the Presidency of Communications, the conference titled “The Story of a Struggle” featured Security Policy Expert Mete Yarar as the keynote speaker. The event, held at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Conference Hall on the Kutlubey Campus, attracted significant interest from Bartın Governor Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, Garrison Commander Senior Naval Colonel Serhat Sır, local officials, academic and administrative staff, and citizens.
Following a stand of silence and the National Anthem, BARÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya delivered the opening remarks, stating that July 15 was an attack on the nation’s will, independence, and future, and emphasized that the Turkish nation demonstrated a resistance that set an example for the world that night.
Rector Akkaya Emphasizes “Will Is Ours, Victory Is Ours”
Rector Akkaya said, “Ten years ago that night, our national will, independence, and future were targeted. However, history has once again shown that the will of our nation is the greatest power standing above every threat it faces. Türkiye has become an example to the world through the resistance and struggle carried out shoulder to shoulder by its people and state. The phrase ‘Will Is Ours, Victory Is Ours’ is the strongest expression of our nation’s collective will throughout history. Today, our unity and solidarity, our democracy, and our independence remain above all threats. We commemorate with mercy our heroes who were martyred while defending the national will on the night of July 15 and remember our veterans with gratitude.”
“The Story of a Struggle”: July 15, 2016
Moderating the conference, BARÜ Rector’s Advisor Dr. Özkan Avcı stated, “The coup attempt on the night of July 15, 2016, targeted the survival of our state, the will of our nation, and our democracy. Our noble nation, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, thwarted this attempt through courage, patriotism, and commitment to democracy. Even after ten years, the heroic epic written that night continues to live in our nation’s collective memory and remains one of the strongest symbols of our unity and solidarity.”
In his speech, Security Policy Expert Mete Yarar emphasized that July 15 was a comprehensive attempt to occupy Türkiye by targeting its independence, democracy, and national will. Reflecting on the events of that night, Yarar said, “To understand July 15, we do not need to focus solely on that night; we must examine what came before, after, and where we stand today. The resistance in defense of the national will not only prevented the coup attempt but also became a turning point in the destiny of this country. We have seen similar examples in international developments, such as the Iran-Israel conflict, where internal vulnerabilities became apparent. Had the coup attempt succeeded and led to civil war, Türkiye would have faced extremely difficult times amid such chaos. The coup attempt was designed to divide this country.”
Mete Yarar: “On July 15, the Nation Protected the Integrity of the Country”
Emphasizing the importance of the nation’s resistance, Yarar stated, “That night, the nation protected the integrity of this country. People took to the streets and stood against tanks. Despite increasing violence, the number of people did not decrease—it increased. Our citizens did not retreat even when weapons were pointed at them. There is no other example like this in the world. There has never been another resistance movement in which unarmed civilians prevented a coup. Our heroic sons and daughters of the homeland were martyred. Thousands of our veterans did not wish to become a burden on the state. The civilians of this country stood against armed groups. The martyrs of July 15 fought unarmed against those who carried weapons. Today, we are all here thanks to the sacrifices and opportunities provided by those citizens on that night. May their souls rest in peace, and may their place be in heaven.”
July 15 Book and Poster Exhibitions
Following the conference, the opening ceremonies of two exhibitions were held in the foyer area. The “July 15 Poster Exhibition,” prepared by students of the Graphic Design Program at Bartın Vocational School, featured works reflecting the resistance shown by the public during the July 15 coup attempt. In addition, publications from the BARÜ Kutlubey Campus Library examining the July 15 coup attempt and the nation’s legendary struggle from various perspectives were introduced.
BARÜ Communications Coordination Office
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