Survivor of 27 surgeries! Veteran on July 15 remains resilient with artificial skull
It has been 8 years since the treacherous FETO coup attempt on July 15, 2016, and yet the veterans who risked their lives that day to defend their homeland still bear the scars of that dark night.
Sabahattin Çelik, a 44-year-old July 15 veteran, shared his harrowing experiences from that fateful night. He recalled how he witnessed tanks rolling over the Golden Horn Bridge from his home in Fatih, prompting him to reach out to his friends and rush to Saraçhane. There, amidst the chaos, they worked tirelessly to carry the wounded and martyrs to safety.
Çelik recounted how they challenged the putschists, urging them to go back home. He remembered the cruel and indiscriminate shooting that took place, with innocent civilians being targeted without mercy.
Many of the people Çelik fought alongside lost their lives that night, including himself. He shared his own ordeal of being shot in the head by a sniper, leading to 27 surgeries and a lifetime of medical treatment due to brain damage.
Bedridden and paralyzed for months after July 15, Çelik expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife and family during his darkest hours.
Despite the physical and emotional toll that July 15 took on him, Çelik remains resolute in his dedication to defending his country and ensuring that such a betrayal never happens again. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of any future threats to democracy.
Çelik also addressed those who dismiss July 15 as a mere theater, challenging them to stand alongside him and his fellow veterans that night. He stressed the importance of courage, faith, and national pride in overcoming adversity, declaring that the spirit of Çanakkale lives on in the hearts of all who stood up against the coup attempt.
As Çelik continues his treatment to this day, his unwavering commitment to defending his homeland serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by all those who fought on July 15, 2016.
