Various commemorative events were held at Tarsus University to mark the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. The program was attended by Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz, Tarsus Garrison Commander Major Volkan Göçmez, Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen, as well as district officials and invited guests. The program was also attended by the university’s academic and administrative staff, as well as a large number of students. As part of the events organized under the theme “Our Will, Our Victory,” a photo exhibition focusing on July 15 was presented to visitors in the Tarsus University Rectorate Lobby; a short film was screened; and a conference was held to discuss the meaning and significance of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, as well as its political and social dimensions.
The program, organized by the Tarsus Mufti's Office and held at the Martyr First Lieutenant Ozan Olgu Köreke Conference Hall at Tarsus University, began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen then delivered the opening address, beginning his remarks by commemorating the beloved martyrs with mercy, gratitude, and respect. Stating that July 15 marked a historic turning point in which the Turkish nation stood up for democracy, national will, and independence, Prof. Dr. Ali Özen emphasized that on this important day, when the spirit of national unity and solidarity came to the fore, no victory was ever handed to us on a silver platter. Pointing out that every victory achieved throughout history was the result of great sacrifices, Özen said, “We must reiterate that no victory is handed to us on a silver platter; behind every victory we have achieved throughout our history lies a sacrifice.” Noting that the Turkish nation has demonstrated the same courage and self-sacrifice whenever its homeland and independence were at stake—from the War of Independence to the night of July 15—Özen stated that the nation’s resolve to defend democracy was once again demonstrated to the entire world on July 15.
In his speech, Rector Özen stated, “Today marks the anniversary of the day when the nation, united with its state, wrote the epic of its honorable rebirth. July 15 is a turning point for us. In this sense, July 15 has been a new struggle for liberation for our nation. It was the nation’s resolve and struggle to defend democracy and freedom, and the victory that followed. We will never forget our July 15 martyrs and veterans, who allowed us to experience the honor of that rebirth that day, nor will we ever forget the epic they entrusted to us.”
The program continued with a lecture by Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Muhammet Banazılı, a faculty member of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, titled “Legal and Administrative Transformation in Turkey’s Counterterrorism Efforts Following the July 15 Coup Attempt: An Analysis Through Law No. 7145.” In his presentation, Banazılı addressed the legal and administrative regulations implemented as part of the fight against terrorism following the July 15 coup attempt. He evaluated the changes made under Law No. 7145 and explained how these regulations have impacted public administration and security policies. Following the panel, the dignitaries visited the July 15-themed photo exhibition held in the Rectorate Foyer and viewed the photographs on display. The program concluded with this exhibition visit.
News: Office of Information and Communications