A painful memory of assimilation revived in the collective conscience

Bornova Municipality commemorated Türkan Feyzullah—one of the youngest victims of the assimilation policies imposed in Bulgaria in 1984—on the 41st anniversary of her death with a ceremony held at the park bearing her name in Atatürk Neighborhood. During the ceremony, a toy wreath and carnations were laid at the Baby Türkan Monument. Speeches emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory, resisting oppression, and the danger of repeated atrocities when past suffering is forgotten. Mayor Ömer Eşki, Asu Kaya, and representatives of Balkan associations delivered messages of unity and solidarity.

The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the laying of a toy wreath and red carnations at the Baby Türkan Monument. An accompanying photo exhibition documenting the assimilation period highlighted themes of unity, resistance, and collective memory. The ceremony was attended by CHP Women’s Branch Chair Asu Kaya, representatives of Balkan associations, and many citizens.

Asu Kaya: “Türkan is a symbol of memory against oppression and denial”

CHP Women’s Branch Chair Asu Kaya stated that Türkan Feyzullah has become more than a baby—she is one of the most striking symbols of the oppression and forced assimilation policies directed at Turks in Bulgaria. Kaya emphasized in her speech:
“The bullet fired that day was not aimed only at a child; it was aimed at Turkish identity, human dignity, and the right to life. Baby Türkan is the silent yet profound cry of a people whose language was banned, whose faith was suppressed, and whose cemeteries were even destroyed—and that cry still echoes in our ears.”

Ömer Eşki: “Remembering history is not enough; keeping it alive is our responsibility”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stressed that the commemoration was not merely an act of remembrance but a call to learn from history. Noting that the soon-to-be-unveiled Naim Süleymanoğlu Statue will transform Balkan identity and the spirit of resistance into a permanent site of memory in Bornova, Eşki said:
“We will never allow the suffering of Baby Türkan and those persecuted during that period to be forgotten. We will not forget the pain experienced in Bosnia, Palestine, and Jerusalem either. Because, as the Wise King Alija Izetbegović said: Genocides that are forgotten are repeated.”

Joint message from the Balkan community: “Keeping memory alive is protecting the future”

Bornova Municipal Council Member and BAL-GÖÇ Bornova Branch Chair Nihat Yağbasan described the assimilation process in Bulgaria and drew parallels with the humanitarian tragedies unfolding today in Gaza, calling out, “No more children should die.” Bornova Balkan Turks Culture and Solidarity Association Chair Kemal Yılmaz underlined the importance of memory and solidarity, saying:
“Every pain that is forgotten is condemned to be relived in history. As Atatürk said, a nation that does not know its history is doomed to disappear.”