Mayor Eşki Delivers a Message of Social Solidarity

Alevi-Bektashi associations, representatives of civil society organizations, and citizens came together at a solidarity dinner hosted by Bornova Municipality at the Dr. Sırrı Aydoğan Cultural Center. The jointly organized event featured speeches delivering strong messages centered on democracy, secularism, environmental struggle, and social solidarity. Speaking at the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that solidarity must be strengthened and collective action embraced in order to achieve a fairer and more democratic future for society.

Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of preserving collective memory and shared values, noting that past sufferings should not be forgotten and that remembering such experiences plays a significant role in shaping the future of societies.

Eşki pointed out that the country is currently going through a socially significant period and said that both individuals and institutions must take greater responsibility during this process. He stressed that bringing together different segments of society around common values is essential for building a fairer, more democratic, and freer future. In this context, he highlighted the importance of cooperation among civil society organizations, local governments, and citizens.

Underscoring the importance of acting together and strengthening solidarity, Mayor Eşki stated that a social structure in which people support one another, make their voices heard, and move forward toward common goals would become stronger. He also emphasized the goal of achieving political power, stating that a collective understanding of struggle in which everyone contributes would lead to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

“We Must Struggle Together”

In his speech, Alevi Bektashi Federation President Mustafa Arslan highlighted the significance of solidarity gatherings, emphasizing that such meetings are not merely social events. Arslan stated that Türkiye is facing serious problems in many areas, from education to environmental destruction, and particularly criticized the departure from secular and scientific education.

Referring to the importance of coexistence among different identities, Arslan made the following call:

“Against denialist and monolithic approaches, we must build a multilingual and multi-identity way of life together. The struggle must be carried out not only through words but in every aspect of life.”

“At the Same Table, In the Same Struggle”

Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association President Barış Çelik emphasized the symbolic meaning of the event. Stating that the gathering was not simply a dinner organization, Çelik underlined the shared will for unity and solidarity.

Referring to struggles against environmental destruction, Çelik said that the resistance movements stretching from Akbelen to Dersim are interconnected. He also stated that the struggle would continue until political prisoners gain their freedom, delivering the message:

“United, we will win.”

“Nature, Women, and Youth: Three Major Wounds”

Speaking on behalf of the Dersimliler Association, Bahar Gürsul drew attention to environmental destruction, femicides, and the hopelessness facing young people.

Emphasizing that Dersim is not merely a geographical region but also a cultural and spiritual space, Gürsul stated that attacks on nature are also attacks on collective memory. She described violence against women as one of society’s deepest wounds, saying:

“Violence against women is violence against humanity.”

Addressing the despair felt by young people, Gürsul criticized the current education system for raising individuals who do not question. She concluded her speech with the following words:

“After all, spring always follows winter. We will continue to nurture hope.”

“Emphasis on Unity and Brotherhood”

Dersimliler Association Bornova Branch President Fethi Duman thanked the participants and the host, Bornova Municipality, and delivered messages of solidarity, unity, and brotherhood in his speech.