Democracy and National Unity Day, known as Demokrasi ve Milli Birlik Günü, is observed in Turkey every July 15. This public holiday commemorates the national unity against the attempted coup d'état that took place on July 15, 2016, when a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces tried to seize control while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was on vacation. The coup plotters declared martial law and imposed a curfew but were unable to maintain power due to the support of a significant portion of the military and the entire police force for the government. The day was officially established in December 2016 by President Erdoğan and is dedicated to honoring those who participated in suppressing the coup. On this day, memorial services are held to remember the soldiers, police officers, and civilians who lost their lives during the events of the coup attempt.