Türkiye on Tuesday commemorated the ninth anniversary of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, holding nationwide events to honour the 253 people killed and more than 2,700 wounded when a faction linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization tried to overthrow the elected government. Ceremonies, prayers and marches were organised in Ankara, Istanbul and other provinces, with crowds gathering at the 15 July Martyrs’ Memorial and other sites that witnessed heavy fighting during the night of the putsch. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to lead a series of memorials in the capital, while Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and other senior officials issued statements praising the public’s resistance and pledging to safeguard what the government calls the “Century of Türkiye.” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan vowed to continue global efforts to track down and extradite remaining FETO members, saying the failed coup was repelled by “the foresight of the nation’s leadership and the unwavering will of the people.” The coup bid unfolded over roughly 21 hours, involving rogue troops who deployed tanks, fighter jets and helicopters against civilians in Ankara and Istanbul. Parliament was bombed, bridges were blocked and senior military commanders were briefly held hostage before loyal forces and civilians regained control. Since the attempt was crushed, authorities have carried out sweeping investigations and purges targeting alleged FETO networks in the military, judiciary and public sector. The anniversary is officially observed as Democracy and National Unity Day.