3,500 Servings of Ashure Shared at Büyükpark

Bornova Municipality brought thousands of residents together at Büyükpark for its traditional Ashure Day gathering, serving 3,500 portions of ashure while sharing messages of unity, justice, and solidarity through prayers and the folk songs of Mustafa Özarslan. The event highlighted the values of the Alevi faith, resistance against oppression, and social justice. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the municipality would always stand with the oppressed.

The traditional gathering, which celebrated peace, brotherhood, and social solidarity, attracted a large crowd. Following a moment of silence in memory of the Martyrs of Karbala and the Turkish National Anthem, the ceremony continued with prayers led by Niyazi Dede as the ashure cauldrons were stirred. Throughout the event, musician Mustafa Özarslan performed traditional hymns and folk songs, creating an emotional atmosphere for participants.

A Universal Message of Peace

Speaking at the event, İsmail Dede described the gathering as a "cem of unity," emphasizing that it represented shared human values and calling for universal peace. He stressed that all people are brothers and sisters regardless of race, religion, language, or gender, and noted that the Alevi-Bektashi philosophy embodies friendship and coexistence among peoples.

İsmail Dede stated that injustice stems not from faiths but from human actions, urging society to unite in protecting the innocent against oppression. Referring to Imam Hussein and the Ahl al-Bayt, he said they were martyred because they stood against tyranny and defended freedom and justice. He concluded by inviting everyone to unite with the words, "Come, let us be one."

Mayor Eşki: “We Will Always Stand with Truth and the Oppressed”

Mayor Ömer Eşki joined residents in serving ashure and underlined the significance of the month of Muharram as a time of solidarity, peace, and brotherhood.

"For us, Karbala is not only a tragedy of the past; it is a moral compass that continues to guide us today and into the future. The greatest lesson it teaches is to remain committed to truth, to stand with the oppressed regardless of the cost, and to remember that power alone is never what truly matters. We are proud to host this table, which symbolizes sharing, equality, and peaceful coexistence in Bornova. I thank everyone who contributed to making this meaningful gathering possible."