117th Anniversary of the Second Constitutional Era Celebrated with “Notes of Freedom” Concert

Bornova Municipality celebrated the 117th anniversary of the Second Constitutional Era (II. Meşrutiyet) with a special concert titled “Notes of Freedom Rise from Bornova”, held at the newly inaugurated Abide-i Hürriyet Square. The event featured folk music, zeybek dance performances, and historical speeches, with a strong emphasis on liberty and the republic.

Recalling that the original Abide-i Hürriyet Monument, erected on July 23, 1911, in Istanbul’s Şişli district to mark the third anniversary of the proclamation of the Constitutional Monarchy, has been closed to the public since 2013, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stressed the importance of press freedom, protecting the nation-state, and preserving historical memory.

A Historic Night at Bornova’s New Square

Bornova Municipality’s newly opened Abide-i Hürriyet Square, located in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, hosted a meaningful cultural evening. The “Notes of Freedom” concert celebrated the 117th anniversary of the Second Constitutional Era, combining historical consciousness with musical joy.

Songs about liberty and the Turkish world were performed, creating an atmosphere of unity and remembrance.

Freedom Songs and Torch-Lit Zeybek from the Youth

The Bornova Municipality Folk Music Ensemble "Avaz" performed folk songs and freedom-themed compositions. Youth from CHP Bornova District Youth Branch took the stage with a torch-lit zeybek performance, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Citizens participated in halay dances as part of the lively celebration. CHP Bornova District Chair Ertürk Çapın and ADD Bornova Chair Mübeccel Timaç also attended the event.

Mayor Eşki: “We’re Behind the Spirit of That Era”

In his speech, Mayor Ömer Eşki reflected on the historical process that led to the Second Constitutional Era and compared it to today’s conditions:

“The proclamation of the Constitutional Monarchy on July 23, 1908, began with the abolition of censorship. Today, however, our press is more blind, deaf, and mute than ever.”

He reminded attendees of the resistance shown by patriotic youth during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, saying:

“Today, our country’s fundamental values are under threat. But these lands are soaked with the blood of millions of young people. No power can destroy the values of this nation.”

“Abide-i Hürriyet Cannot Be Chained”

Criticizing the closure of the original Abide-i Hürriyet Monument in Istanbul to the public, Eşki emphasized the purpose of Bornova’s new square:

“They may have chained the gates of the monument in Şişli, but history cannot be chained. This square we opened proves that the spirit of the Second Constitutional Era and patriotism will live on forever.”

“Every Inch of This Land Holds the Spirit of Resistance”

Mayor Eşki also paid tribute to historical heroes:

“Even if Ali Suavi’s name is erased from schools, he will not be forgotten. Namık Kemal is the conscience of us all. Mithat Pasha is our pride. Though not recognized in the presidential emblem, Shah Ismail and the Safavid State were Turkish. From Hector, who defended these lands, to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who built an empire, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded this Republic — we will protect all our values.”

“CHP Has Started the Spring of Change”

Stating that the winds of change led by CHP are blowing across Turkey, Eşki described this transformation as only the beginning:

“We will build a country where justice, freedom, and the ability to say ‘I am a Turk’ without fear are possible. The name of this state is the Republic of Turkey, and the name of its people is the Turkish Nation. We are its soldiers, guardians, and defenders.”

Military Historian Taner Kılınç: “The Constitutional Era Was a Fight for Justice”

Military historian Taner Kılınç, who also spoke at the event, emphasized that the Second Constitutional Era was not only a political but also a social justice movement:

“The foundations of the Committee of Union and Progress (İttihat ve Terakki) were built on the dream of fair distribution and social justice. Young people risked their lives to enforce this regime. Today, a similar struggle is still needed.”