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A commemoration program marking July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day was held on 15 July 2026 in the Rectorate Conference Hall of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The event began with the opening of a photo exhibition titled «July 15: Memory, Resistance and Democracy» in the Rectorate foyer and continued with the commemorative ceremony in the conference hall.

The program was attended by distinguished quests, including: H.E. Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek; Tahir Osman Tahir, Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Bishkek; Zülfugar Tanarverdi, Counsellor at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bishkek; Kürşat Dulkadir, Education Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye; Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University; Prof. Dr. Almaz İbrayev, Acting Rector; the Chief Physician and representatives of the Friendship Hospital; representatives of the Maarif Foundation, the Turkish Red Crescent, and TİKA; as well as the University's academic and administrative staff members.

As part of the program, participants observed a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs of July 15, followed by the national anthems of Türkiye and the Kyrgyz Republic. The ceremony continued with a recitation from the Holy Quran dedicated to the souls of the July 15 martyrs and all fallen heroes, and with the screening of a documentary produced by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications documenting the treacherous coup attempt of July 15.

Ambassador Ökem: "July 15 Was a Great Victory for Democracy and the National Will"

In his address marking July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, H.E. Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek, underscored the Turkish nation's unwavering commitment to democracy, independence, and the national will. He stated that on the night of 15 July 2016, members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), through operatives who had infiltrated the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted a treacherous coup targeting the democratically elected government, the constitutional order, and the will of the nation. He noted that the Turkish Grand National Assembly, state institutions, security forces, and civilians were directly targeted that night.

Recalling that 253 citizens were martyred and more than 2,000 others were injured during the coup attempt, Ambassador Ökem said, «We commemorate our martyrs with mercy and gratitude, and extend our deepest appreciation to our heroic veterans.» He emphasized that, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish nation stood united against the coup plotters, describing July 15 not only as a failed coup attempt but also as a historic victory of democracy and the national will.

Ambassador Ökem noted that FETÖ had concealed itself for many years under the guise of education, civil society, media, and commerce, exploiting young people to infiltrate state structures. Stressing the vital role of education, he said that education should cultivate individuals capable of distinguishing right from wrong, thinking independently, acting according to their conscience, and embracing responsibility toward both their country and humanity. Describing Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University as a living symbol of the shared history, culture, language, and common future of Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Ökem congratulated the University's academic and administrative staff and students on its achievements in international rankings.

Addressing the students directly, he said: «Never surrender your mind or your will to anyone. Regardless of the name, organization, or group, be cautious of any ideology that discourages you from questioning, thinking critically, and making decisions according to your own conscience».

He added that Türkiye has resolutely continued its fight against FETÖ within the framework of the rule of law, emphasizing that this struggle is crucial not only for Türkiye's security but also for the institutional safety of all countries where the organization operates.

«This Nation Is a Heroic Nation»

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, described July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day as a historic turning point that demonstrated to the world the Turkish nation's determination, patriotism, and commitment to democracy.

Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call to the nation on the night of July 15—"Do not bow your heads"—Prof. Dr. Ceylan said the nation responded with remarkable courage. «The 253 heroes who refused to bow their heads were martyred. May Allah have mercy upon them. Martyrs never die, and our homeland will never be divided. Without question, this is a heroic epic written by the Turkish nation, and we owe everlasting gratitude to those who made it possible.»

Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated that July 15 marked a defining moment in the Turkish nation's commitment to democracy and the national will. "By standing firmly with its state and its democratic will, our nation demonstrated a historic stance. The sacrifices of our security forces, the determined efforts of our state institutions within the framework of the rule of law, and the collective resolve of our citizens created an unforgettable example of national solidarity in the history of our democracy. Through this, the Republic of Türkiye clearly demonstrated to the world its unwavering commitment to the democratic rule of law and the principle of national sovereignty."

Recalling President Erdoğan's words, "Every dark night has a morning," Prof. Dr. Ceylan said that the dawn following July 15 symbolized a brighter future for Türkiye. He stressed that the dark forces targeting the homeland, the nation, and democracy were ultimately defeated by the will of the people, adding that this victory was rooted in the Republic of Türkiye's long-established state tradition and historical legacy.

Prof. Dr. Ceylan emphasized that July 15 should not be viewed merely as a historical event but as an important experience to be passed on to future generations. "Our responsibility today is not only to keep the memory of July 15 alive, but also to convey the lessons of that night accurately to future generations. Democracies endure through strong institutions, confidence in the rule of law, and conscious societies that uphold shared values.»

Highlighting the need for constant vigilance, he said: «As our ancestors wisely said, 'Water may sleep, but the enemy never does.' Ongoing operations against terrorist organizations clearly show that threats persist. We must therefore remain vigilant at all times, correctly recognize the enemy's traps, malicious schemes, and alliances, and stand firmly by our state and our democracy.»

Emphasizing that Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University stands as an important symbol of the friendship between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, Prof. Dr. Ceylan said:

«Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University is a distinguished model of higher education established through the shared vision and strong determination of our two brotherly states. Our University has become one of the institutional symbols of friendship, mutual trust, and strategic partnership between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan.»

Concluding his speech, Prof. Dr. Ceylan reaffirmed that July 15 was a victory, stating: «I extend my deepest gratitude to all our heroic martyrs and veterans who made this victory possible. The will is ours, the victory is ours.»

«We Must Honor Our Martyrs with Prayers and Keep Their Memory Alive»

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Almaz İbrayev, Acting Rector, said: «Today we have gathered to commemorate one of the most significant events in the history of Türkiye. Although ten years have passed, the treacherous attack against the Republic of Türkiye will never be forgotten. Despite the tremendous losses, the Turkish nation, together with the decisive and swift leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, prevented this malicious attempt from achieving its objective. We pray that such a tragedy never occurs again. We must always remember our martyrs in our prayers and preserve their sacred memory. We also sincerely hope that our brotherly countries will continue to grow stronger and prosper.»

Following the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Yücel Öksüz, Head of the Department of Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Letters of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, delivered a conference titled «Silent Persuasion, Invisible Manipulation: The Psychological and Educational Anatomy of July 15.» The presentation examined the psychological and educational dimensions of July 15 from a multidimensional perspective.

Prof. Dr. Öksüz argued that July 15 was not an event that emerged overnight, but rather the outcome of a long-term process of persuasion and manipulation.

He emphasized that security today extends beyond the protection of physical spaces to include the protection of the human mind, identifying education as one of the most effective safeguards in this regard. Explaining that manipulation operates through mechanisms such as trust, belonging, isolation, information control, and conditioned obedience, he noted that these factors play a critical role in the formation of cult-like structures. He also highlighted the importance of critical thinking and psychological resilience in strengthening societal resistance. «Education is not merely a collection of curricula designed to prepare individuals for professions; it is a strategic shield of defense that builds a nation's intellectual security and psychological resilience.» He concluded by stressing that educating individuals who think independently and question critically is essential for ensuring long-term societal security.

The commemoration program concluded with a group photograph.