The presidents of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), and Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants and Sworn-in Certified Public Accountants of Türkiye (TÜRMOB) issued messages for 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day. The messages emphasized the importance of the resistance demonstrated by the people against the 2016 coup attempt and their commitment to democracy.
ATO President Baran: A saga of democracy was written
ATO Chairman of the Board Gürsel Baran said that on 15 July, not only democracy but also the country's peace, stability, economy, productive capacity and determination to develop were targeted. Baran said that, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call, the people took to the squares and stood firm against tanks and weapons with their faith, courage and love of country. He said:
That night, our people showed the entire world that they recognized no power above the people's will and wrote a saga of democracy. As the business community, we will continue to sustain the spirit of unity, solidarity and determination demonstrated that day in every field, from production to trade and from investment to employment, and work with all our strength to advance our country and strengthen its economic independence.
ASO President Ardıç: National unity was declared to the world
ASO President Seyit Ardıç said the Republic of Türkiye would not bow to any threat, thanks to its deep-rooted state tradition and unwavering national unity. Ardıç emphasized that no group or initiative could seize the people's will and said the Turkish nation had declared to the entire world its determination to defend its democracy, independence and national will through the heroic stance it displayed on the night of 15 July. He added that the spirit of national unity shown that night had become a source of inspiration and courage for all nations.
TESK President Palandöken: Tradespeople stood up for democracy
TESK President Bendevi Palandöken said the common stance demonstrated on 15 July was one of the clearest indications that the Turkish nation would not give up its independence or national will. Palandöken said that, like people across Türkiye, tradespeople and craftsmen set aside their workplaces, earnings and daily concerns that night to stand up for their country, flag and democracy. He said the tradespeople, acting in the spirit of solidarity rooted in the Ahilik tradition, had once again shown that they were among the strongest representatives not only of economic life but also of national unity and solidarity.
TÜRMOB President Yıldız: No power can stand above the national will
TÜRMOB President İrfan Hüseyin Yıldız recalled that the people had defended the fundamental values of democracy and the republic, emphasizing that they had shown great resolve and determination against the coup attempt carried out on the night of 15 July 2016. Yıldız said:
The spirit of unity, solidarity and cooperation demonstrated that night once again showed the power of the national will to the entire world. We emphasize that no power can stand above the national will through our commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people.
