The Joy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Celebrated in Bornova

Hosted by Bornova Municipality, March 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina Independence Day was celebrated with an iftar program and a concert by Cenk Bosnalı. During the evening, the national anthems of Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina were performed, and poems were recited in both Turkish and Bosnian. In their speeches, association presidents emphasized the significance of the struggle for independence and the deep bond between the two countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day was marked with a concert by Cenk Bosnalı. As part of the program, citizens gathered at the iftar table set up at the İzbaş Wedding Hall within the Çamdibi Şehit Er Adem Bilaloğlu Social Facilities before the concert. Following the performance of the national anthems of Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, participants broke their fast together, after which the program continued with its second part.

During the evening held at the Nedret Güvenç Stage, Cenk Bosnalı performed beloved songs, and poems were recited in Turkish and Bosnian. Participants experienced an emotional and enthusiastic night.

“Independence Is a Nation’s Cry”

Mehmet Fatih Demir, President of the İzmir Bosnia Sanjak Association, emphasized in his speech that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s declaration of independence was not an ordinary decision.

“The declaration of independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina was not an ordinary decision; it was a declaration of existence, a nation’s cry. Bosnia has paid a price throughout history but has never renounced its identity. During the genocide there, not only Bosnia but all of humanity was tested. The bond between Turkey and Bosnia was built with tears, prayers, and faith, and we must keep this bond alive,” he said.

“March 1 Is a Symbol of Freedom and Common Will”

Dzenita Osmanspahic Özgüner, President of the Zambak Bosnian Women’s Association, reminded attendees that Bosnia and Herzegovina is now 34 years old and stated that independence was achieved through great sacrifice.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is now 34 years old. Our country had to gain its independence through a very difficult path. We lost tens of thousands of martyrs. Therefore, March 1 is not just a date; it is a symbol of freedom, resistance, and collective will. We live this day as part of our identity, memory, and heart. We believe in the unifying power of women. We are working to strengthen our ties and pass our culture on to future generations,” she said.

“Two States, Two Flags, but One Nation”

Barbaros Taşer, President of the Federation of Turkey–Bosnia and Herzegovina Cultural Associations and Deputy Mayor of Bornova, highlighted the significance of gathering at the same table during the holy month of Ramadan.

“On this special day coinciding with Ramadan, we have shared the same table, the same excitement, and the same happiness. Thank you all very much. We have always said: Two states, two flags, but one nation. May this unity last forever,” he stated.

A Night of Culture, Memory, and Solidarity

The songs performed and poems recited during the evening recalled Bosnia’s pain and resistance, once again making visible the historical and heartfelt ties between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The iftar table set in Bornova and the concert organized were not merely a celebration, but a symbol of shared memory, solidarity, and brotherhood.