ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey is commemorating the second anniversary of thwarting a coup against the Turkish president and the government.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top officials attended a Quran recitation in Ankara on Sunday, kicking off a series of events with prayers.

On July 15, 2016, factions within the military used tanks, warplanes and helicopters to try to overthrow Erdogan. Clashes took place in Istanbul, Ankara and Marmaris, where Erdogan was on holiday. Turkey has blamed U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen for the coup attempt, but he rejects the accusations.

Ali Erbas, the head of religious affairs, prayed for the 250 people killed and nearly 2,200 wounded, saying they stood against "traitors who are the pawns of foreign powers." Erdogan recited verses in Arabic.

At least 35 alleged coup plotters were also killed.