Turkish businesses voice unity 5 years after defeated coup

Turkish business representatives released strong messages of unity and solidarity on the fifth anniversary of a defeated coup attempt in the country on July 15, 2016.

Nail Olpak, head of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), said the nation stood firm against the coup attempt of the FETÖ, which sought to plunge Turkey into darkness.

Many lives were sacrificed for the sake of protecting the unity and integrity of the country, the pain of martyrs and veterans is shared by the Turkish nation, Olpak stressed.

"As a result of the determination of our state and our nation, and especially our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we proved once again to the whole world that sovereignty rests unconditionally with the nation," he stressed.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gülen orchestrated the defeated 2016 coup, which left 251 people dead and 2,734 injured.

Ankara accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Growth despite difficulties

Turkey has proved capable of weathering all the difficulties it has faced so far, said Olpak, adding that it was one of the world's few countries that grew its economy even during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"We firmly believe that Turkey will continue on its path with firm steps by continuing its development in every field without slowing down in growth," he highlighted.

Ismail Gülle, head of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM), said that July 15 was a day that should never be repeated, and that in the end, the Turkish people showed their will in favor of democracy.

He added: "As the...