Commemorative Events and Park Opening by Bornova Municipality on the 32nd Anniversary of the Sivas Massacre

Bornova Municipality is organizing a series of commemorative events, including concerts, oratorios, and the opening of a new park, on the 32nd anniversary of the Sivas Massacre. The program, which runs from June 23 to July 2, will culminate in the inauguration of the “Memory and Justice Park” on July 2. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of July 2 as a day of collective memory and a demand for justice.

Bornova Municipality has prepared a comprehensive program to commemorate the 33 intellectuals, artists, poets, and young people who were burned to death in the Madımak Hotel in Sivas on July 2, 1993. Alongside musical and theatrical performances held on different dates between June 23 and July 2, the event aims to leave a lasting mark in public memory with the inauguration of the Memory and Justice Park on July 2.

“To Remember Sivas Is to Keep the Demand for Justice Alive”

Commenting on the commemoration program, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that July 2 is not only a day of mourning but also a symbol of societal reckoning:

“We have not forgotten and will never forget the lives lost in the Sivas Massacre. We are building a memory that brings this dark event to light instead of letting it fade over time. Through art, culture, and confronting our shared pain, we amplify the voice of July 2 to ensure such tragedies are never repeated. The Memory and Justice Park we are opening is not just a physical space—it will be the voice of public conscience. In Bornova, our struggle for justice, peace, and solidarity will continue.”

In Memory of the Bards: Folk Music Choir and Bloody Sivas Oratorio

Monday, June 23
🕗 20:00
📍 Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater (Büyükpark)

In collaboration with the Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association Bornova Cemevi, this event will feature a performance by the Folk Music Choir, followed by the emotionally charged Bloody Sivas Oratorio from the Land of Bards.

Metin & Kemal Kahraman Concert

Monday, June 30
🕘 21:00
📍 Aşık Veysel Recreation Area Amphitheater

Organized in cooperation with the Bornova Alevi Unity Platform, this concert will feature the Kahraman brothers, Metin & Kemal, who carry the legacy of Anatolia’s resistance and lament traditions.

Grup İlyada & Written in Fire: July 2 Oratorio

Wednesday, July 2
🕣 20:30
📍 Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater (Büyükpark)

Presented in collaboration with the İzmir Culture, Art and Education Association (KSED), the oratorio Written in Fire: July 2 will offer a poignant reminder of the Madımak tragedy through powerful narration and musical performance.

Inauguration of the Memory and Justice Park

Wednesday, July 2
🕚 11:00
📍 Intersection of 370 Street and Ord. Prof. Dr. Muhittin Erel Avenue (Opposite Bornova Anatolian High School)

The Memory and Justice Park, which will immortalize the names of those lost in Sivas and serve to keep societal memory alive, will be opened to the public with a formal ceremony.