TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the chamber and exchange chairs from Turkey’s 81 provinces and 160 counties have vehemently condemned the coup attempt. As TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu was reading the declaration along with the chamber and exchange presidents of Ankara and its counties, 365 chamber and exchanges also expressed their response simultaneously in their respective provinces and counties.

Stating that the Turkish private sector has put forth its stance against the coup attempt as soon as the news broke, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This traitorous uprising’s failure was possible through the stance, determination of the Turkish nation and its will to embrace democracy.”

The full text of the declaration is as follows:

“Democracy is essential; our nation’s will, brotherhood and future.

Representing the whole Turkish private sector, TOBB and its 365 Chamber-Exchanges in 81 provinces are making this declaration simultaneously.

On the night of July 15^th our nation and institutions prevented a heinous attack targeting our democracy. Our people have preserved the ballot boxes and democracy.

Our Union and Chamber-Exchange community put forth its stance against the coup attempt as soon as the news broke.

This traitorous uprising’s failure was possible through the stance, determination of the Turkish nation and its will to embrace democracy.

It has been the greatest joy to see all institutions, political parties, NGOs, press organizations have embraced democracy.

The unity, solidarity determined stance of both the ruling party and opposition parties against the enemies of democracy is praiseworthy.

We congratulate the President, National Assembly Speaker, Prime Minister and other National Assembly Members for their stance against the junta.

Resisting the attacks of the putschists, the National Assembly has once again shown us how deserving of its “Veteran” title.

We are deeply grateful to everyone, the heroic law enforcement forces and the honorable members of the Turkish Armed Forces who resisted this coup attempt.

But most of all we are overjoyed by the staunch resistance of our people with determination and courage against the arms of the putschists.

We do not want an authority which is not derived from the will of the people. There is no alternative to democracy for our country.

This terrorist gang organized inside the military should be brought to light and judged.

I pray for the grace of Allah upon the people who were martyred, we extend our condolences to their families; We hope those wounded will recover as soon as possible.

Praise Allah, the common sense, foresight, courage and with the aid of Allah, we have stopped this disturbance.

We have emerged from this with a stronger democracy, unity and solidarity.

We must all recognize the value of this great contract in society in regards to democracy.

We must be stronger, embrace each other and love one and another. That is what makes us, us, as a nation.

We will not fall into the trap of those who wish to drag us into chaos. As the business community, we say it is time to work harder, to produce and to generate employment.

As in the past, now and in the future, TOBB and its 365 chambers and exchanges will always side with democracy, our nation and our government.

We will stand against those who would oppose the unity, solidarity and democracy of our country.

As the private sector we will work with greater vigor for our country and nation, bringing Turkey to its great goals.

With Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words, “Sovereignty rests unconditionally with the nation,” always in our minds, we will produce for our country.

 All that is necessary is that we remember the value of our unity and solidarity; all that is necessary is that we love each other, believe in each other and trust each other.

We once again declare that we will not recognize any authority but that of the nation, we will never give up democracy and we will stand against all coup attempts.

We exist so long as our government and country exists. We exist as long as democracy exists.

May Allah spare us from the like of this anguish in the future.

We respectfully submit this to the public.

- Live coverage in Trabzon, Diyarbakır, Antalya and Denizli

Representing 81 provinces and 160 counties at the press conference held at the TOBB Twin Towers were live connections to Trabzon, Diyarbakır, Antalya and Denizli. Following TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s speech, chamber and exchanges of the provinces established live broadcast with Ankara and expressed the reaction of their provinces to the coup attempt.

Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Suat Hacısalihoğlu stated that they would stand firm against the coup while Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Engin Yeşil stated that they would preserve democracy to the end.

Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Davut Çetin stated that nobody can override the will of the people and that they object to the coup attempt.

Denizli Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Necdet Özer stated that the nation has protected its will, democracy and freedoms, “We thank the TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu who was the first to react against the coup attempt and give us courage.”