Democracy and National Unity Day is a holiday that’s observed in Turkey each year and commemorates the country coming together against the failed 2016 coup and all of the brave citizens who lost their lives defending their nation.
This holiday was first proclaimed as a public holiday in 2017 by President Erdogan to commemorate the date of the failed coup. Because this day is a public holiday, it’s a day off for the general population and many government agencies and businesses are closed. On this day, events for this holiday take place all across Turkey, but especially in Istanbul and Ankara.
The History Of Democracy And National Unity Day
After a rogue military faction attempted to overthrow President Erdogan on July 15th, 2016, approximately 259 people were killed and over 2,500 people were wounded. This attempted coup d’etat was put down by military troops that were loyal to the government. The following year, President Erdogan declared that July 15th should be a holiday known as Democracy and National Unity Day. It’s been observed as a public holiday ever since.
Observing Democracy And National Unity Day
In Istanbul and Ankara, Democracy and National Unity Day events take place. This event usually begins with a program at the Millet Mosque within the National Assembly. Several roads are also closed on this day to accommodate the throngs of people who are attending celebratory events.
Because this day is a public holiday, some government agencies and many businesses are closed. It’s also a day off for the general population. Many people show up at official events raising Turkey’s flag and taking pictures of Turkey’s President with their phones. People also fill the streets as they walk from Konak Square to Republic Square. And there are also memorial services for the citizens who gave up their lives in defending the nation against the coup d’etat.
When is Democracy And National Unity Day? |
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| This year (2023) | July 15 (Saturday) |
| Next year (2024) | July 15 (Monday) |
| Last year (2022) | July 15 (Friday) |