Democracy and National Unity Day is a national public holiday in Turkey. It commemorates the defeat of the 2016 attempted coup d'état and honors the civilians and soldiers who lost their lives resisting the putsch. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies and a strong emphasis on the importance of democracy and national unity.

When is Democracy and National Unity Day?

Democracy and National Unity Day is celebrated on July 15 each year.

The following is the list of Democracy and National Unity Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Democracy and National Unity Day?

On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to overthrow the elected government.

Tanks rolled onto the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, fighter jets flew low over cities, and key government buildings were seized or bombed. The plotters also tried to take control of state media, where a forced statement was read declaring martial law.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, using a FaceTime broadcast on CNN Türk, called on the public to take to the streets to defend democracy. Millions of civilians responded, confronting armed troops, blocking tanks, and occupying public spaces to resist the coup.

The coup attempt was crushed within 24 hours, but at a high cost: over 250 civilians and security personnel were killed, and more than 2,000 people were injured.

On October 26, 2016, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey officially passed legislation declaring July 15 as "Democracy and National Unity Day", which marks the defeat of the 2016 coup attempt and celebrates the power of ordinary citizens to protect democratic rule.