Türkiye's first lady Emine Erdogan on Wednesday said the July 15, 2016, defeated coup attempt symbolised the Turkish nation's unwavering courage and resistance, paying tribute to those who defended democracy.

In a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal marking Democracy and National Unity Day under the hashtag #VictoryIsOurs, Erdogan said July 15 "is the name of the resistance that rose from the homeland and of unshakable courage."

"That night, our heroes, who became a light against the darkness with their hearts, became the voice of the national will and the honourable defenders of our independence," she said.

The first lady said the struggle and sacrifices made to protect democracy would "live forever in the memory of our nation."

She also commemorated those who lost their lives and those wounded during the failed coup attempt.

“I commemorate the noble martyrs of July 15 and remember our heroic veterans with gratitude and appreciation,” she said.