Homer’s Epic Legacy in Bornova Becomes a Book by Altan Altın

At a special talk and book-signing event hosted by Bornova Municipality, city historian and author Altan Altın’s highly acclaimed new book, “The Birthplace of Epics: Bornova Homer Caves,” was introduced to readers. The work, which has also attracted close attention from the international press, presents concrete evidence suggesting that Homer, one of antiquity’s greatest poets, shaped the Iliad and Odyssey—epics that profoundly influenced world literature—in the lands of Bornova.

The Literary World Turns Its Attention to Bornova

Continuing its mission of uncovering Bornova’s thousands of years of history and rich cultural layers, Bornova Municipality hosted another significant cultural gathering. A launch event was held for “The Birthplace of Epics: Bornova Homer Caves,” written by city historian and author Altan Altın and published by İzmir-based Ala Publishing. Held in the historic and peaceful garden of the Atatürk Library, the book-signing and talk brought together Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and numerous distinguished figures from İzmir’s cultural, artistic, academic, and political circles.

The event attracted considerable interest from book lovers. During the talk, author Altan Altın examined the Bornova Homer Caves through the interconnected perspectives of history, geography, and collective memory, sharing with guests the ancient poet’s enduring connection to the region.

Mayor Eşki: “This Work Is Tangible Evidence Presenting Bornova’s Heritage to the World”

Speaking enthusiastically at the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki referred to author Altan Altın as “Bornova Baba” in recognition of his contributions to the city and emphasized the importance of preserving local history. Mayor Eşki said:

“We sincerely thank everyone who embraces Bornova’s culture, heritage, and historical identity and who works tirelessly in this cause. This valuable book written by Altan Altın, together with today’s launch event, represents a highly strategic step toward ensuring that Bornova’s unique historical and cultural heritage is passed on to future generations in its entirety. I believe this work will significantly increase interest in our city in the future and become a cornerstone in many fields, from tourism to academia. I would like to express my gratitude, first and foremost to Altan Altın and to all my colleagues who contributed to this remarkable work, which presents the world with some of the most tangible and compelling evidence regarding Homer.”

International Press Talks About Bornova: “World Heritage Is Hidden in These Caves”

Altan Altın’s meticulously researched work has attracted significant attention not only in Türkiye but also in the international press in recent days. Analyses and reports published by international media organizations have highlighted Homer’s enduring connection with İzmir, and particularly Bornova, widely regarded as one of the foundational figures of Western literature. The mysterious caves situated on steep slopes surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, and associated directly with Homer in local traditions, have also become a focus of attention for foreign journalists.

Speaking to the international press about the global importance of the region, Altan Altın emphasized that this special area, which has been preserved and known as the “Homer Valley” for many years, attracts history and literature enthusiasts from around the world. Altın noted that thousands of tourists visit İzmir every year to see with their own eyes the mystical caves where, according to tradition, the ancient poet is said to have composed his immortal verses.

A Great Mystery Spanning Centuries: Ancient Sources and the Secret of the Meles River

One of the greatest debates in the history of Western literature is the question of exactly where the Iliad and Odyssey were composed—a subject that has intrigued scholars and archaeologists for centuries. One of the strongest centers of this historical debate is undoubtedly İzmir.

Homer’s relationship with ancient Smyrna, as well as his connection to the Meles River and the natural caves surrounding it, is referenced even in some of the most reliable sources from antiquity. The renowned Greek historian and geographer Pausanias, who lived in the 2nd century AD, explicitly stated in his travel writings that Homer withdrew to a cave near the Meles River, where he composed his poetry.

The striking inscription on the Homer bust in Bornova, which reads, “I compiled the epics of the Iliad and Odyssey in these lands. I lived in Bornova,” also stands out as one of the strongest elements of cultural memory supporting this historical thesis.

An Immortal Homecoming Story: The Odyssey Comes to the Big Screen

One of the subjects explored extensively in both the book and the talk was Homer’s Odyssey, one of the great literary legacies he left to humanity. Centered on the perilous, relentless, and years-long journey of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home following the devastating events of the Trojan War, the epic stands as one of the greatest symbols of human determination.

For ten years, Odysseus battles monsters, the wrath of the gods, and supernatural forces in his quest to reunite with his faithful wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. His epic journey home has also become a favorite of the world of cinema. Most recently adapted for the big screen as a major production, the epic film has generated worldwide attention and broken box-office records, once again highlighting the universal significance of Homer—and, by extension, the lands of Bornova where he is believed to have lived.

A Life Dedicated to the History of a City: Altan Altın

Born in Çanakkale in 1965, Altan Altın has lived since 1973 in Bornova, a city believed to bear the footsteps of Homer and where he is said to have compiled the Iliad. Having forged a connection with the city for nearly half a century, Altın has made tracing its historical legacy a way of life. Since the early 2000s, he has produced numerous academic and cultural works illuminating Bornova’s lesser-known past.

The accomplished author has also prepared and hosted radio and television programs aimed at bringing the city’s historical wealth to wider audiences and has played a pioneering role by guiding cultural tours organized in the region.

The author, who prepared Bornova’s first comprehensive travel guide, has two other highly acclaimed works: “My Bornova, The Tale of Wisteria” (2016) and “Pesulaki Conversations – Bornova, the City of Stories” (2023). Altan Altın also wrote continuously for seven years about the city’s historical heritage in the “History Notes” column of Milliyet newspaper.

He is also the recipient of the prestigious “İzmir Award,” presented by the International İzmir Research Center exclusively to distinguished individuals once every 25 years.