Turkish Community in Abuja Marks Historic July 15 Anniversary
Envoy warns of lingering FETÖ threat abroad as Abuja ceremony honours martyrs of failed 2016 coup
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Turkish Embassy in Abuja hosted members of the Turkish community and friends of Türkiye to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, a watershed moment in modern Turkish history that claimed the lives of 251 citizens.
The solemn event, held at the Embassy’s Exhibition Hall, brought together diplomats, some Turkish citizens resident in Nigeria, and invited guests for a ceremony underscoring Türkiye’s enduring commitment to democracy and national unity.
In his welcome remarks, Muzaffer Hakan Tok, Head of the Political Office at the Embassy, reflected on the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by ordinary Turks who faced down tanks and armed soldiers to thwart the coup.
The gathering observed a moment of silence to honour the 251 martyrs who were killed during the attempted overthrow, and also paid tribute to Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently passed away in London. Both countries’ national anthems were rendered, followed by a soulful Qur’anic recitation and prayers for the victims.
Addressing the audience, Turkish Ambassador-designate Mehmet Poroy described the coup as “a bloody and treacherous” attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) to dismantle Türkiye’s democratic institutions.
“Thanks to the resolute and principled stance of our people, this attempt was thwarted. In order to prevent this coup attempt and uphold Turkish democracy, 251 of our citizens unfortunately lost their lives, and hundreds more were wounded,” he said.
Poroy cautioned that despite gains made in dismantling FETÖ’s networks within Türkiye and abroad, the group’s international structures “have not been fully eradicated.”
“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETÖ continues to fund its operations under the pretense of humanitarian aid, education, health care, and interfaith dialogue. Behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organization that seeks to infiltrate political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries,” the envoy warned.
He urged the Nigerian authorities and the international community to remain vigilant against FETÖ’s activities, stressing that the terrorist organization’s presence “poses a threat to every country in which it operates.”
Guests at the event were shown a documentary highlighting the events of July 15, 2016, and the aftermath of the coup attempt, including the extensive crackdown on FETÖ networks globally. Watch here: https://youtu.be/i6vZf7iz-vM?si=-CoAFvQVDDOd9CLx
Poroy concluded his address by reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to democracy and its determination to dismantle all remnants of FETÖ’s influence both at home and abroad.
“On this July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, I extend my respect to all our citizens and honour the memory of our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for a democratic and independent Türkiye,” the envoy said.
The event ended with expressions of solidarity from attendees, as the Turkish community in Abuja stood united in remembrance of a defining moment in their country’s history.
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