Turkish Maarif Foundation Commemorates Martyrs on the 10th Anniversary of July 15
July 14, 2026
Turkish Maarif Foundation executives and staff visited the July 15 Memory Museum to mark the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. Alongside Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil, members of the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, heads of departments and Foundation staff attended the programme.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by prayers for the citizens who were martyred while defending their homeland and the national will during the attempted coup of July 15. The sacrifices made by the veterans were also remembered with gratitude and appreciation.
President Özdil Emphasises National Memory and Responsibility
Speaking during the programme, Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil stated that July 15 was one of the most significant turning points in Türkiye’s recent history. Highlighting the significance of the visit, Özdil said: “As Turkish Maarif Foundation, we are together with highly esteemed individuals in one of the most meaningful places we could visit on the anniversary of July 15.”
Drawing attention to the decisive role played by the nation’s determined stance in defeating the attempted coup, Özdil said: “The coup attempt failed because our people made it absolutely clear that they would not accept it. This process also created an obligation for Turkish Maarif Foundation to assume a distinct and important responsibility.”
Referring to the importance of Turkish Maarif Foundation’s educational activities in strengthening national memory, Özdil continued:
“In our 10th year, our brothers and sisters who have chosen to continue their university education in Türkiye, together with our students studying at the schools taken over by Turkish Maarif Foundation—children who understand the meaning of national memory, national will and protecting their country—completed 253 full recitations of the Holy Qur’an for the souls of our 253 martyrs. The concluding prayer for these recitations will be led by one of our Turkish Maarif Foundation graduates.”
Documents Relating to the Night of July 15 Examined
Following the commemoration programme, the Foundation delegation toured the museum’s exhibition areas. Participants examined documents, photographs, videos and other materials in sections presenting the events of the night of July 15 in chronological order. They also received information about the events and locations that became symbols of the resistance.
During the visit, participants also viewed exhibits preserving the memories of the martyrs. Through digital exhibitions and visual presentations, they were given a detailed account of how the attempted coup unfolded and the resistance demonstrated by the nation.
The programme concluded following the museum tour and the taking of a commemorative photograph.
