International

15 July Democracy Museum: Not About Fixating On The Past

Par Kimeng Hilton
16 juil. 2025 06:03
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Located in Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, the museum was toured by 200 journalists on July 15, 2025. As the country marked the 9th anniversary of the aborted bloody putsch of July 15, 2016.

According to Ali Haydar Atalar, the Director of the 15 July Democracy Museum in the Turkish capital, Ankara, about 9,000 soldiers revolted against the State on July 15, 2016. They pretended as if they were preparing to attack a foreign country, then turned on State institutions. But thanks to the prompt reaction of the people and loyalist forces, the coup was foiled, Haydar stressed.

Bridges Blocked
He said the rebels were not allowed to assassinate politicians as the nation did everything to protect its democracy and institutions. The Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehemet bridges were blocked by the rebels, but they were later dislodged. There was fighting in Ankara and Istanbul. From a secret location, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an made a video – which was aired on State television – urging the people to pour into the streets to resist the coup.

Defiant Civilians
Official buildings and barracks were bombed by the insurgents. In their desperate efforts to take over power by force, the renegade soldiers drove military tanks into crowds of defiant, protesting civilians. While Parliament was attacked and lawmakers held hostage, the Director recounted to journalists.

200 Journalists Visit Museum
Later the next day, loyalist troops, backed by large crowds of protesting civilians, overpowered the insurgents. There were wild scenes of jubilation as civilians climbed onto tanks to celebrate victory over the coup and the safeguard of democracy. In all, 253 civilians were killed in the coup attempt, Ali Haydar Atalar told 200 visiting journalists on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The team, with 120 journalists from 41 countries, is covering this year’s Democracy and National Unity Day celebrations in Turkiye.

Crucial Messages, Prayers
The journalists were taken on a guided tour of the 15 July Democracy Museum by Ali Haydar Atalar. Explaining at each stop how the coup was planned, executed and countered by the population and military. Singling out for mention the role of the Turkish military and civilians in safeguarding their democracy. Not leaving out the messages of support and prayers from friendly foreign nations and people for Türkiye during the onslaught to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.

Not Fixating On Past
According to its website, the 15 July Democracy Museum does not only seek to give facts and offer ideas, but to also help visitors understand the critical moments of the July 15, 2016 incident. And rather than fixating on the past, the museum’s objective is to liberate visitors from the negative effects of the past and emphasis the building a healthy Turkish future. By drawing lessons from the past, visitors can start to take firm steps towards the future, the website underscores.