A special event titled “July 15: Türkiye’s Victory of Democracy” was held at the Hilton Belgrade Hotel this past weekend, gathering esteemed academics, policy-makers, and thought leaders from both Türkiye and Serbia. The occasion was marked by enriching dialogues and reflections, as the assembled guests paid tribute to the resilience of Turkish democracy
The Turkish Embassy in Belgrade organized the event in coordination with the Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye on Saturday, July 15, 2023. It aimed to commemorate the historical significance of this date and underscore Türkiye’s commitment to the principles of democracy.
The event began with the opening remarks delivered via a video message from Prof. Fahrettin Altun, the Communications Director for the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. Prof. Altun offered sharp insights into the current state of Turkish democracy and shared his visions for the future.
Following him, H.E. Hami Aksoy, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, took the stage to address the audience.
The speakers reflected on the harrowing events of July 15, 2016, when factions within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government. They also discussed the implications for Turkish democracy and stability in the years since.
The discussions were moderated by Assoc. Prof. Veysel Kurt from Istanbul Medeniyet University. A seasoned academic with a keen understanding of politics and international relations, Kurt guided the conversation with expertise, ensuring a thoughtful and balanced exchange of ideas.
Among the panelists was Dr. Murat Tınas from the Turkish National Police Academy, whose expertise in law enforcement and security provided a unique perspective on the evening’s theme. Prof. Branko Nadoveza from University Union Nikola Tesla offered a comprehensive academic view on the topic, underlining the historical and societal implications of the Victory of Democracy.
The Serbian perspective was enriched by Predrag Rajic, an advisor to the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Serbia. Rajic’s participation emphasized the common democratic values shared by Türkiye and Serbia and fostered mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The event was a potent reminder of the strength and resilience of democracy, especially as experienced and championed by Türkiye.
