Bornova Municipality and the Bornova Branch of the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD) commemorated investigative journalist Uğur Mumcu on the 33rd anniversary of his assassination in a bomb attack with an event held at the center bearing his name. Speaking at the commemoration, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the struggle for justice and enlightenment, stating, “We must raise more Uğur Mumcus.” During the panel held as part of the event, Cumhuriyet Newspaper İzmir Representative Mehmet Şakir Örs and ADD Bornova Branch Chair Mübeccel Timaç delivered a shared message that the struggle for the Republic, secularism, and democracy must continue today.

The symbolic figure of investigative journalism, Uğur Mumcu, who lost his life as a result of a treacherous attack, was commemorated on the 33rd anniversary of his death through a meaningful event organized by Bornova Municipality and the Bornova Branch of the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD). The commemoration program was held with strong public participation at the Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Art Center.

Carnations, a Moment of Silence, and a Musical Tribute

At the entrance of the hall, red carnations were placed in front of Uğur Mumcu’s photograph. The event, held at the Sevda Şener Stage, began with a moment of silence followed by the Turkish National Anthem. An orchestra composed of Bornova Municipality’s young music students and instructors then presented a musical performance. During the program, Ege Asiltürk delivered a powerful reading of Uğur Mumcu’s poem “Sesleniş” (“The Call”).

Mayor Ömer Eşki: “We Must Raise More Uğur Mumcus”

In his opening speech, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki shared the deep impact of Uğur Mumcu’s assassination on his own life:

“I was seven years old when this horrific murder was committed. My father traveled from Istanbul to Ankara to attend the funeral of the late Uğur Mumcu. I remember watching television, wondering if I would see my father on the screen. What I saw was a terrible rain and thousands of umbrellas beneath it. What remained on all our tongues was the folk song ‘Uğurlar Olsun.’”

Emphasizing that the poem “Sesleniş” reflects Turkey’s dark periods, Mayor Eşki said, “We are probably one of the countries that treats the saplings it has raised with the greatest cruelty. We are merciless when it comes to destroying our own values.”

Stating that Turkey is experiencing a serious turning point, Eşki drew attention to the loss of hope among young people, saying:
“There is no justice in this country anymore, no rule of law. Where there is no trust, no one wants to live. But we have nowhere else to go. We must keep our young people in this country and ensure that enlightened and progressive generations remain standing in this struggle.”

Concluding his speech with a strong call, Mayor Eşki said:
“We must move forward and become enlightened. That is why we must raise more Uğur Mumcus, stand up for justice, and be more Atatürkist. Long live Kemalism, long live a fully independent Turkey.”
His remarks were met with prolonged applause.

Mübeccel Timaç: “This Is Not Just a Commemoration, It Is a Declaration of Determination”

ADD Bornova Branch Chair Mübeccel Timaç stated that Uğur Mumcu’s struggle continues today, saying:
“We are not gathered here today merely for a commemoration, but for a reckoning and a declaration of determination. Remembering Uğur Mumcu gains meaning only by defending the truths for which he was killed.”

Noting that Uğur Mumcu fearlessly confronted reactionism, imperialism, and the relations between religious sects, politics, and capital, Timaç said:
“Uğur Mumcu is not an unsolved murder victim. He was a target of the enemies of the Republic. The mentality that killed him is still among us. It may have changed its form, but it has not abandoned its goals.”

Emphasizing that “Uğur Mumcu’s pen did not fall to the ground; that pen is now in our hands,” Timaç added that silence, acceptance, and submission are the real dangers. She concluded her speech with the words, “Long live the Republic, long live the principles and reforms of Atatürk.”

Mehmet Şakir Örs: “Uğur Mumcu Is a Kuvâ-yi Milliyeci Without a Cap”

Speaking at the panel held at the end of the event, Cumhuriyet Newspaper İzmir Representative Mehmet Şakir Örs thanked Bornova Municipality and the ADD Bornova Branch for organizing the meaningful program and described Bornova as “a city of enlightenment.”

Drawing attention to Uğur Mumcu’s investigative journalism, Örs said:
“Uğur Mumcu was a secular, democratic, Atatürkist, and a Kuvâ-yi Milliyeci without a cap. He was assassinated because he fought against dark forces. We must never forget this.”

Evaluating Turkey’s current situation, Örs pointed out that many mayors and journalists are unjustly imprisoned due to anti-democratic practices, stating:
“Overcoming this darkness depends on our efforts. We must protect the Republic, the principles and reforms of Atatürk, democracy, and our freedoms.”