July 15 veterans gathered at Medipol

The "The 10th Anniversary of the Betrayal: July 15 Coup Attempt Photo Exhibition" opened to visitors in the foyer of Istanbul Medipol University's South Campus, welcomed veterans of July 15. The exhibition, prepared from the archives of Anadolu Agency, was visited by the veterans, who were welcomed by Istanbul Medipol University President Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk and Vice President Prof. Recep Öztürk. 

President Güntürk, Vice President Öztürk, and the veterans toured the exhibition together and examined the photographs. As part of the visit, a video documenting the events of July 15 was also screened.
 

“JULY 15 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TURNING POINTS IN OUR NATION’S COLLECTIVE MEMORY”
President of Istanbul Medipol University Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk described July 15 as a historic turning point when the nation stood up for democracy and independence, saying:

"July 15 is one of the most significant turning points when our nation resolutely defended its independence, democracy, and national will, demonstrating to the world the spirit of unity and solidarity. Passing this spirit of solidarity on to future generations with the same awareness and sense of responsibility is one of our greatest shared duties. We must never forget this day. Preserving and transmitting this spirit to future generations with the same awareness and responsibility is of great importance to us. As a reflection of this commitment, we are proud to organize this exhibition every year. I also commemorate with mercy and respect our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the peace, security, and future of our homeland, and extend my gratitude to our heroic veterans. I hope that July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day will continue to strengthen our unity and solidarity."
 

“THE PHOTOGRAPHS KEEP OUR MEMORY ALIVE”
Dean of the School of Communication Prof. Ali Büyükaslan stated that the exhibition is an important initiative to ensure that the events of the night of July 15 are never forgotten. Expressing his hope that such an event would never be experienced again, Büyükaslan commemorated the martyrs with mercy, wished the veterans good health, and thanked Anadolu Agency for its contribution to the preparation of the exhibition.
 

VETERANS RELIVED THE EVENTS OF THAT NIGHT
July 15 veteran Safiye Bayat stated that July 15 was one of the most significant days on which the nation defended its will, adding that seeing the photographs in the exhibition brought back the memories of that night. Bayat thanked Istanbul Medipol University for organizing the meaningful event.

Another July 15 veteran, Gürbüz Akın, said that July 15 was a historic day when the nation once again demonstrated its determination to defend its independence.

"We will never forget July 15, and we will never let it be forgotten. Even after ten years, we continue our struggle with the same awareness and determination."

The program concluded with a commemorative group photograph following the exhibition tour and a luncheon held in honor of the veterans.