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Thousands of citizens gathered on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in Istanbul, Türkiye, to participate in the annual July 15 Democracy and Martyrs' Commemoration Walk.
Organized by the Turkish Athletics Federation, the symbolic event honors national sovereignty and public resistance.
The massive gathering marks the milestone 10th anniversary of the historic events of July 15, 2016, when a faction within the military attempted a coup d'etat to overthrow the democratically elected government, a plot that was ultimately thwarted by widespread public resistance.
Aerial photography captures crowds of participants stretching across the iconic suspension bridge that links Europe and Asia.
Runners and walkers proudly carry large national flags along the closed highway corridor.
The 5-kilometer route brings together representatives from local sports clubs, public institutions, members of the press and the general public.
Local authorities implemented strict security protocols, shutting down the primary bridge corridor to all vehicular traffic starting in the early morning hours.
Alternative Bosphorus crossings such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge are utilized by city drivers as the sporting event occupies the main transit route.
The gathering stands as a central feature within a broader schedule of citywide commemorative ceremonies, educational panels, and public exhibitions.
This collective athletic march serves to honor the memory of the 252 individuals who lost their lives during the historic public resistance.
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