Name: Turkish Military Memorandum Ousts Coalition Government
Start: 1997-02-28
Location: Ankara, Turkey

Holidays on February 28, 2026:

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day, 2/28/2026, raises awareness for millions affected by rare diseases, sharing stories, advocating for change, and pushing for research and treatment options. more >>

National Tooth Fairy Day

National Tooth Fairy Day, February 28, 2026: Discover the magic of this beloved tradition and its impact on children's oral health and imagination. more >>

National Science Day

National Science Day, 2/28/2026, discover the wonders of science and its impact on our daily lives, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM careers. more >>

National Chocolate Souffle Day

National Chocolate Souffle Day, 2/28/2026, indulge in rich, velvety goodness, masterclass in culinary art, precision, patience, and creativity. more >>

Global Scouse Day

Global Scouse Day, 2/28/2026: Join the global community in sharing recipes, stories, and warm company as you savor the iconic Scouse stew. more >>

Floral Design Day

Floral Design Day, 2/28/2026: Discover the art and creativity of floral design, learn from experts, and create your own stunning arrangements. more >>

International Tongue Twister Contest Day

Get ready to twist your tongue and challenge your friends! This fun celebration is all about practicing linguistic gymnastics and having a blast with tricky tongue twisters from around the world. more >>

Linus Pauling Day

Learn about Linus Pauling Day on February 28, 2026, and discover the fascinating life and achievements of this renowned American chemist, biochemist, and peace activist. more >>

Car Keys and Small Change Day

Discover the truth behind Car Keys and Small Change Day on February 28, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

Birthdays on February 28:

Frank Gehry

97 Years Old

A visionary architect and designer, known for his bold, expressive, and curvaceous structures that defy conventional norms, redefining urban landscapes and pushing the boundaries o...

Paul Krugman

73 Years Old

A Nobel Prize-winning economist and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of international trade and economic geography, and is also a prominent columnist an...

Jason Aldean

49 Years Old

A country music superstar, known for blending traditional and modern styles, with hits like "My Kinda Party" and "Any Ol' Barstool".

Luka DonÄiÄ?

27 Years Old

A Slovenian professional basketball player who has dominated the NBA with his exceptional all-around skills, leading the Dallas Mavericks to numerous victories. He's a four-time NB...

Brian Jones

Died in 1969, aged 27

Founder of the Rolling Stones, a legendary rock band that blended blues, folk, and psychedelia, and a key figure in shaping the British Invasion of the 1960s.

Mario Andretti

86 Years Old

A legendary racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship, Indianapolis 500, and Daytona 500, earning him the title of "Driver of the Century".

Steven Chu

78 Years Old

A Nobel Prize-winning physicist who served as the 12th United States Secretary of Energy, leading efforts to combat climate change and develop sustainable energy solutions. He's kn...

Bernadette Peters

78 Years Old

A Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and author, renowned for her iconic performances on Broadway and in film, particularly in musicals like Gypsy and Annie Get Your Gun.

Leon Cooper

96 Years Old

A pioneer in superconductivity, he discovered the Cooper pair, a phenomenon where electrons team up to enable superconductivity, revolutionizing our understanding of materials and ...

Gilbert Gottfried

Died in 2022, aged 67

A comedian, actor, and singer known for his distinctive voice, outrageous humor, and iconic roles in films like Aladdin and Problem Child. He's a beloved figure in comedy and enter...

Robert Sean Leonard

57 Years Old

Star of TV's "House M.D." as Dr. James Wilson, a charismatic and witty oncologist, and notable for his Tony Award-winning Broadway performances.

Peter Medawar

Died in 1987, aged 72

A Nobel Prize-winning biologist and immunologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in tissue transplantation and immunology, leading to significant advancements in organ transpla...

Events from History on February 28:

79 years ago

Taiwanese civilians massacred by government forces (Taiwan) 1947

Government forces in Taiwan, fueled by paranoia and speculation, sparked a brutal crackdown on civilians, killing an estimated 28,000 people in a bloodbath that would haunt the nation's conscience for generations to come. The flashpoint was sparked by a minor incident involving a cigarette vendor, but the tensions had been building for years, simmering beneath the surface as the Kuomintang (KMT) regime struggled to maintain control. The reprisals were merciless, with troops and police firing indiscriminately into crowds, brutally suppressing dissent and opposition. The massacre would leave deep scars, and its legacy continues to be felt in Taiwan's politics and identity to this day.

33 years ago

Federal agents clash with Branch Davidian cult in Waco, Texas (Mount Carmel Center, 9413 Double E Ranch Rd, Elk, TX 76643, USA) 1993

The day the ATF came knocking on the door of the Branch Davidian church, they were met with a hail of bullets. David Koresh, the charismatic leader, had been under scrutiny for child abuse and weapons violations, but he and his followers were not going down without a fight. The ensuing 51-day standoff would captivate the nation, spark intense debate, and ultimately end in tragedy. As the world watched, the FBI tried to negotiate a peaceful resolution, but Koresh's apocalyptic vision and the government's heavy-handed approach would prove a deadly mix.

104 years ago

UK Recognizes Egyptian Independence (Egypt) 1922

The game was afoot! After decades of British control, Egypt was finally breaking free from its colonial shackles. On February 28, 1922, the United Kingdom issued a unilateral declaration, effectively ending its protectorate over Egypt and recognizing the country's independence. This monumental decision paved the way for Egyptian sovereignty, marking a significant milestone in the country's struggle for self-determination. With this bold move, the UK acknowledged Egypt's right to self-governance, thus reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

40 years ago

Olof Palme, Swedish PM, assassinated in Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden) 1986

In the midst of a chilly winter evening, Sweden's beloved Prime Minister Olof Palme and his wife Lisbet were strolling home from the cinema in Stockholm when a lone gunman emerged from the shadows, firing multiple shots that would change the course of Swedish history. Palme, a charismatic leader known for his progressive policies and international diplomacy, slumped to the ground, his life slipping away. The shocking murder sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving a grieving population demanding answers to the unsolved crime that would haunt Sweden for decades to come.

43 years ago

Final episode of M*A*S*H airs, shattering TV records (United States) 1983

The epic conclusion to the iconic TV series M*A*S*H captivated an astonishing 109.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched television broadcast in U.S. history! The final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," marked the end of an era, as fans bid farewell to the beloved characters of the 4077th MASH unit. With its witty dialogue, poignant storytelling, and memorable characters, M*A*S*H had become an integral part of American pop culture, and its finale was a testament to its enduring appeal.

29 years ago

Turkish Military Memorandum Ousts Coalition Government (Ankara, Turkey) 1997

In the heart of Ankara, Turkey's tumultuous political landscape was turned upside down when the Turkish military, tired of the Islamist-oriented government's alleged disregard for the country's secular principles, issued a stern memorandum that effectively toppled the fragile coalition government. The fallout was swift and merciless, as Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, leader of the Islamist-oriented Welfare Party, was forced to step down, marking the end of a short-lived but tumultuous chapter in Turkish politics.

Notable Deaths on February 28:

2020Joe Coulombe Entrepreneur and founder of Trader Joe's

2016George Kennedy Charismatic actor with a Hollywood legacy

2020Freeman Dyson Groundbreaking physicist and mathematician

1977Eddie "Rochester" Anderson American comedian who brought laughter and joy through diverse performances

2009Paul Harvey Beloved radio personality and storyteller

1993Ruby Keeler Canadian actress who captivated audiences with her energetic performances

2013Donald A. Glaser Renowned physicist and Nobel laureate

1966Charles Bassett American astronaut who explored space and engineered new technologies

2011Annie Girardot Acclaimed French actress and national treasure

2006Owen Chamberlain Pioneering physicist and Nobel laureate

1978Zara Cully American actress who charmed audiences with her on-screen presence

2004Daniel J. Boorstin Pioneering historian and archivist for the Library of Congress

2002Mary Stuart American actress and singer who mesmerized with her dual talents

2015YaÅ?ar Kemal Respected Turkish journalist and author

2007Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Outspoken historian and Pulitzer Prize winner

2005Chris Curtis Legendary drummer and rock icon

1966Elliot See American astronaut who ventured into the unknown and pushed engineering boundaries

1975Neville Cardus English writer who harmoniously merged cricket and music into vibrant writings

2002Helmut Zacharias German violinist who mastered the art of music composition

Open That Bottle Night