Turkey renames Bosphorus Bridge after failed coup victims

Ankara to honour civilians and soldiers who died while opposing rebel troops.

1 min read

26 July, 2016

Turks celebrated the thwarting of the July 15 coup attempt on the Bosphorus Bridge [Getty]

Turkish Prime Minister Benali Yildirim has announced that the Bosphorus Bridge will be renamed to honour the victims of the failed July 15 coup.

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeing in Ankara, the Turkish premier said the bridge, which connects Europe and Asia, will be renamed The July 15 Martyrs' Bridge.

Yildirim also said that the civilians who were killed during the failed putsch would be honoured with monuments in Ankara and Istanbul.

Around 290 people died as a result of the July 15 coup attempt, when government loyalists - both military and civilian - confronted the rebel troops.

These announcements come as Turkey continues its crackdown on supporters of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of being behind the coup.

Turkey's government declared a three-month state of emergency on Thursday and has detained more than 13,000 members of the military, judiciary and other institutions since July 15.