“We Are Not Afraid, We Will Not Be Silent, We Will Not Give Up!”

Bornova Municipality’s Youth Festival concluded with a grand finale featuring a parade from Küçükpark to Cumhuriyet Square and a concert by the popular band Grup Seksendört. During the parade, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, joined by his wife and daughter, addressed the youth with a powerful message:

“We are not afraid, we will not be silent, we will not give up. Freedom against all odds, the Republic against all odds, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk against all odds!”
This electrified the atmosphere of the event, which drew thousands of young participants and highlighted the themes of Atatürk and the Bandırma Ferry.

The Festival Ends on a High Note in Cumhuriyet Square

The Bornova Youth Festival, which began on May 13 in Küçükpark Square, culminated in a spectacular final day. A vibrant parade marched along Suvari Street from Küçükpark to Cumhuriyet Square. Mayor Ömer Eşki, leading the procession with his wife Beste Eşki and daughter Asya Tuna, was joined by CHP İzmir MP Ednan Arslan and CHP Women’s Branch Executive Board Member Rahşan Halat Nazlıoğlu.

A Historic March with the Bandırma Ferry

The standout elements of the parade included a massive Turkish flag, a large portrait of Atatürk, and a giant replica of the Bandırma Ferry—the ship that brought Atatürk to Samsun on May 19, 1919. Accompanied by a marching band, participants chanted slogans such as “Rights, Law, Justice.” Shopkeepers and residents joined in with flags in hand.

Grup Seksendört Rocks Cumhuriyet Square

After the parade, Grup Seksendört took the stage at Bornova Cumhuriyet Square, met with enthusiasm from the crowd. Thousands of attendees sang along to the band's most beloved songs, and the square echoed with chants of

“We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal!”

Mayor Eşki’s Message to the Youth: “Freedom, Republic, and Atatürk—No Matter What!”

Mayor Ömer Eşki, watching the concert among the youth with his wife and daughter, later took the stage to address the crowd:

“Happy Youth and Sports Day on May 19, the symbolic birthday of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In a time when people across the country are pressured not to gather in public, where lawlessness prevails, and despotism is rampant, I salute every young person who has come here to celebrate May 19.”

Sending greetings to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Eşki continued:

“We will speak proudly of the Republic, and we will say Mustafa Kemal without fear. We are not afraid, we will not be silent, we will not give up. Down with tyranny, long live liberty. Freedom against all odds, the Republic against all odds, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk against all odds! I came here with my 9-year-old daughter because I want her to grow up enlightened, modern, and devoted to Atatürk—just like you. I believe that we will overcome these dark times with the hope and belief of our youth.”

He concluded by inviting everyone to the mass gathering at Gündoğdu Square on May 19:

“Bring your partners, your neighbors, your parents, your loved ones—and join us with great enthusiasm. Let us be so many, so passionate, and so determined that we send the clearest message to those who try to silence and intimidate us.”

A Powerful Message from Grup Seksendört

Grup Seksendört’s lead singer Tuna Velibaşoğlu thanked Mayor Eşki from the stage, saying:

“I’ve performed all over Turkey, but I’ve never seen a mayor watch a concert among the youth like Mayor Ömer Eşki did today.”

Referring to recent injustices, Velibaşoğlu honored poet Nâzım Hikmet—who spent much of his life in prison or exile:

“He is now considered one of the greatest poets in the world. So remember—those imprisoned today may be the heroes of tomorrow.”