A Magnificent September 9 Celebration in Bornova

The 104th anniversary of the liberation of İzmir and Bornova from enemy occupation was celebrated in Bornova, where the torch of freedom was first lit, with official ceremonies and enthusiastic events. Addressing the public at Belkahve, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said, “If we can live in safety today despite the ring of fire surrounding us, we owe it to the Republic founded by Atatürk. We will keep this value alive forever.”

The First Ceremony Was Held in Honor of the Martyrs

The excitement of Liberation Day in Bornova began in the early morning with an official ceremony at the September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery, located in front of Ege University Hospital. The heroes who sacrificed their lives for the homeland were commemorated in front of the Martyrs’ Monument. The ceremony was attended by Bornova District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner, 57th Artillery Brigade Commander Brigadier General Tarık Demirci, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, representatives of political parties, bureaucrats, neighborhood headmen, veterans, and many citizens. Wreaths were laid at the Martyrs’ Monument by members of the protocol.

A Grand Celebration at the Historic Hill Where Atatürk Looked Toward İzmir

Following the commemoration ceremony at the cemetery, the second stop was Belkahve, one of the symbolic locations of the Turkish War of Independence. At this historic site, where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk looked toward İzmir before September 9 and said, “I was very afraid that something would happen to this city,” the celebrations reached their peak under the hosting of Bornova Municipality. Beginning with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the program turned into a visual feast featuring waltz performances, a women’s rhythm group, Azerbaijani dances reflecting the spirit of a sister geography, and zeybek performances embodying the spirit of the Aegean efe.

Mayor Ömer Eşki: “Happy Birthday to İzmir”

Speaking at the ceremony in Belkahve about the significance of the day, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said:

“Today is a very important day for İzmir, Türkiye, and all oppressed nations. More than a century ago, those who sought to drive the Turkish nation from these lands back to Asia occupied İzmir. The occupation of this city, which left a deep mark on the nation’s collective consciousness, became a turning point in the War of Independence. The Great Offensive, which began on August 26, turned into victory at Dumlupınar on August 30 and was crowned on September 9 when the Turkish army entered this city. The Treaty of Lausanne and the Republic that followed became the greatest reward for our nation.

“If we can stand today without being consumed by the ring of fire surrounding us in the world, at its foundation lies this great Republic established by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We must tell our children about this value and keep it alive. We are fortunate that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk existed. Happy birthday to İzmir and Bornova!”

District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner: “We Must Appreciate the Value of Our History”

The celebrations concluded with a visit to the Ata Memorial House, brought to the city by Bornova Municipality. The participants also drank coffee together at the site where Atatürk had last looked toward İzmir and enjoyed his coffee before the city’s liberation.

Speaking there, Bornova District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner said that the suffering experienced during the occupation period was deeply painful, but that the liberation brought great honor and pride. Reminding everyone that every inch of these lands was steeped in the blood of martyrs, Şahiner emphasized that the value of the homeland must be recognized both today and in the future.

District Governor Şahiner thanked Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and his team for organizing such an excellent ceremony. He also expressed his gratitude to former Mayor Olgun Atila for ensuring that the historic Belkahve area was expropriated and opened to the public. Şahiner noted that if historic sites are not protected, they may eventually be used for purposes other than those for which they were intended.