Turkey: Democracy and National Unity Day commemorations in Istanbul and Ankara July 15

Event

Democracy and National Unity Day events will take place in Istanbul and Ankara on Monday, July 15, to commemorate the 2015 coup d'Etat attempt. In Ankara, Erdoğan will attend a program at the Millet Mosque within the National Assembly- before inaugurating the provincial Security Directorate building. In Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to inaugurate the July 15 Memory Museum near the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge, and will then make a speech at the shuttered Atatürk Airport (ISL), a location targeted by the coup attempters.

Authorities have announced that several roads will be closed in Istanbul to allow for the commemoration events, including the Martyrs' Bridge starting from 14:00 (local time). Traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected throughout the day in both cities.

Context

Democracy and National Unity Day is a national holiday in Turkey to commemorate national unity against the coup d'Etat attempt against President Erdogan's administration in July 25, 2016.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate heightened security measures and disruptions to transportation and businesses, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities