Legendary Artist Selda Bağcan Takes Republic Day Celebrations to New Heights

The Republic Day celebrations organized by Bornova Municipality on October 29 overflowed from the streets into the city’s public spaces. Following the Torchlight Parade, Selda Bağcan, the living legend of Turkish music, took the stage at Aşık Veysel Recreation Area, accompanied by a grand symphony orchestra conducted by Musa Göçmen, taking the spirit of the Republic to new heights. The words of Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, who emphasized İzmir residents’ deep connection to the Republic by declaring, “There is only one owner of this place, and that is Mustafa Kemal,” and legendary artist Selda Bağcan, who said, “I have come with the winds of freedom and democracy,” became the defining moments of the evening, attended by thousands of Bornova residents.

A Red-and-White Procession from the Squares to the Streets

The first stop of Bornova’s celebrations was Republic Square. With the Torchlight Parade setting off from the square, Mustafa Kemal Avenue was transformed into a sea of red and white, adorned with Turkish flags. Thousands of Bornova residents marched to victory marches accompanied by the municipal band, while residents waving flags from their balconies and local shopkeepers showed their enthusiastic support.

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki marched in the procession alongside his wife Beste Eşki, daughter Asya Tuna, and son Noyan Volkan, greeting residents and sharing the festive spirit with his family.

A Historic Night at Aşık Veysel Recreation Area

Excitement reached its peak at the Open-Air Theatre in Aşık Veysel Recreation Area, the final stop of the Torchlight Parade. Thousands of İzmir residents, far exceeding the concert venue’s 5,200-seat capacity, joined in the celebrations, passionately expressing their commitment to the Republic. The crowd warmed up for the concert with a performance by DJ Olcay Fidan.

Concert Planned for 16 Songs Extended to 20 Following Overwhelming Audience Demand

Taking the stage in a red-and-white outfit, Selda Bağcan opened her concert with “Özgürlük ve Demokrasiyi Çiz” (Draw Freedom and Democracy), greeted by thunderous applause. The master artist was accompanied by a grand symphony orchestra conducted by Maestro Musa Göçmen.

Originally scheduled to feature 16 songs, the concert was extended to a total of 20 pieces in response to the enthusiastic audience and continuous requests from thousands of Bornova residents who had packed the venue.

Together with the grand orchestra, Bağcan performed a selection of her most beloved and memorable songs, including “Ah Yalan Dünya,” “Tatlı Dillim,” “Yiğidim Aslanım,” “Ayrılık,” “Mağusa Limanı,” “Yaz Gazeteci,” “Gesi Bağları,” “Çemberimde Gül Oya,” “Adaletin Bu mu Dünya,” “Bir Acayip Derde Düştüm,” “Öyle Bir Yerdeyim ki,” “Yuh Yuh,” “Sivas'ın Yolları,” and “Uğurlar Olsun,” which moved the audience deeply.

During the lively folk songs, the entire crowd, including Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, joined in the traditional halay dance, adding to the excitement. The evening concluded with everyone singing “İzmir March” and “Sarı Saçlım Mavi Gözlüm” together.

An Italian Rendition of “Bella Ciao” Takes the Stage

Ayça Gümrükçü, an İzmir-born opera singer and soprano who has been Selda Bağcan’s backing vocalist for many years, also took the stage during the concert. Gümrükçü performed the famous folk song “Bella Ciao” in Italian to great enthusiasm. Responding to repeated audience requests, the soprano performed the song once again, getting thousands of concertgoers dancing.

Mayor Eşki Presents a Special Plaque

At the end of the concert, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki kissed Selda Bağcan’s hand and presented her with flowers. He also expressed his gratitude by presenting the master artist with a special plaque symbolizing the trio of Atatürk, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and Hector, featured at Abide-i Hürriyet Park.

“I Have Come with the Winds of Freedom and Democracy”

Sharing her feelings on stage, Selda Bağcan said:

“I am very happy and proud to have been chosen to perform here on such a meaningful day. I have come with the winds of freedom and democracy. This is the 103rd anniversary of the Republic and my 55th year in music. You are magnificent—this is the true spirit of Republic Day! Happy Republic Day. Here’s to many, many more October 29 celebrations!”

Ömer Eşki: “There Is Only One Owner of This Place, and That Is Mustafa Kemal”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki addressed the crowd filling the venue with the following words:

“As our great leader Atatürk said, happy Republic Day, the greatest of all our holidays! First and foremost, on behalf of all of you, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the living legend of Türkiye, the beloved Selda Bağcan, for honoring us with her presence here today. This is İzmir. Here, it does not matter who the mayor, the governor, or the commander is. There is only one owner of this place, and that is Mustafa Kemal. Atatürk is here with us, and so are all of you. After all, we are all soldiers of Mustafa Kemal. Happy Republic Day!”