Democracy and National Unity Day is a significant annual holiday that is celebrated in Turkey. This special day is observed on the 15th of July every year. It is a commemorative day, marked in honor of the failed military coup attempt that took place in Turkey on the 15th of July in 2016. The Turkish government declared it as a national holiday to celebrate the triumph of democratic resistance of the Turkish people.
The holiday serves as a tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives to rebuild the country's democracy as well as unite its citizens. Special events, including memorials and gatherings, are held throughout the day to remind people of this historic event. Other activities include national ceremonies with the attendance of high-ranking officials, military personnel, and citizens paying homage to the fallen heroes at ‘Martyrs Bridge’ and the Presidential Complex in the country's capital, Ankara.
Implementation of this holiday, initiated by the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also emphasizes the strength and resilience of the Turkish people. The day is aimed at fostering national unity and promoting democratic values throughout the nation. Reaffirming Turkey's commitment to democracy, this day further embodies the indomitable spirit of the Turkish nation, particularly under challenging circumstances.