Izmir’s Liberation Celebrated with Atatürk’s Favorite Songs and Yıldırım Bekçi

Bornova Municipality celebrated September 9, the day of İzmir’s liberation, with a spectacular concert at Büyükpark. As Yıldırım Bekçi and the Bornova Municipality Turkish Classical Music Choir performed Atatürk’s favorite songs, thousands of Bornova residents came together as one with Turkish flags in their hands. Mayor Ömer Eşki further elevated the spirit of the celebrations, saying, “Thank goodness Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk existed; we will continue to follow in his footsteps forever.”

Bornova Municipality crowned the September 9 celebrations marking İzmir’s liberation with a magnificent concert at Bornova Büyükpark. On this historic evening, featuring the powerful voice of Turkish Classical Music, Yıldırım Bekçi, and the Bornova Municipality Turkish Classical Music Choir, thousands of Bornova residents came together as one, waving Turkish flags.

Atatürk’s Favorite Songs Echoed Across Bornova

The first part of the celebrations featured the Bornova Municipality Turkish Classical Music Choir, conducted by Sami Büyüköztekir. Captivating thousands of citizens who filled the venue, the choir performed, together with the people of Bornova, some of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s favorite pieces, including “Hoş Gelişler Ola,” “Kırmızı Gülün Alı Var,” “Fikrimin İnce Gülü,” “Bülbülüm Altın Kafeste,” “Yanık Ömer,” “Manastırın Ortasında,” “Havada Bulut Yok,” “Çökertmeden Çıktım Halilim,” “Vardar Ovası,” and “Bir Başkadır Benim Memleketim.”

An Unforgettable Musical Feast from Yıldırım Bekçi

Following the choir, the legendary name of Turkish Classical Music, Yıldırım Bekçi, took the stage and brought the enthusiasm of the crowd at Büyükpark to its peak. Bekçi performed timeless works of Turkish Classical Music together with the people of Bornova, including “Seni Ben Ellerin Olsun Diye mi Sevdim,” “Unutamam Seni,” “Sorma Ne Haldeyim,” “Her Mevsim İçimden Gelir Geçersin,” “Yeşil Ördek Gibi Daldım Göllere,” “Bir Fincan Kahve Olsa Kırk Yıl Hatırı Vardır,” and “Çile Bülbülüm.” The spectacular finale came with the İzmir March, as the entire venue transformed into a giant choir and Turkish flags waved proudly.

“Every Time I Say Mustafa Kemal, I Get Goosebumps”

Expressing his happiness at the intense interest shown by the people of Bornova during the concert, renowned artist Yıldırım Bekçi said:

“Your beautiful applause, your love and your interest are what keep us artists going. I would like to thank you all endlessly and extend my deepest respects. I would also like to thank our esteemed mayor, who organized this wonderful evening, and everyone who contributed. But my greatest thanks and eternal gratitude go to Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. Every time I say Mustafa Kemal, I genuinely get goosebumps. May they rest in eternal peace. Throughout my artistic career, I have worked with many valuable artists and choirs, but every time I come here, I listen to the Bornova Municipality Turkish Classical Music Choir with admiration. I congratulate our esteemed conductor and the instrumental ensemble, together with the choir.”

Mayor Eşki: “We Will Continue to Follow in His Footsteps Forever”

In his speech during the evening, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the significance of September 9, saying:

“September 9 is the birthday of our İzmir. It is the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk brought liberation to İzmir... It is a great pleasure to welcome you here today with his favorite Turkish Classical Music and to share this evening with our esteemed Yıldırım teacher. Thank goodness Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk existed; thank goodness God blessed this nation with him. We, too, will continue to follow in his footsteps forever. On this beautiful day, the birthday of our İzmir and our Bornova, I respectfully extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to you all.”

A Surprise Birthday Celebration and Messages of Unity

One of the most special moments of the evening was a heartfelt celebration filled with remembrance and messages of unity. Mayor Ömer Eşki invited Olgun Atila, a former mayor of Bornova who was attending the concert with his mother, Yaşar Atila, onto the stage and celebrated his birthday. Together, they presented flowers of appreciation to Yıldırım Bekçi and Conductor Sami Büyüköztekir.

Speaking on stage, Olgun Atila also delivered a message of unity, saying:

“Long live the Republic, long live Atatürk. I sincerely believe that together we will reach better days. I extend my deepest respect and thanks to our mayor and all my colleagues at the municipality, and I salute the people of Bornova.”