Ali Mahir Başarır’s Historic Call to İzmir

CHP Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır has issued a historic call from the newly inaugurated Abide-i Hürriyet Square in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, Bornova, inviting citizens to join the major rally in İzmir on May 19.

“Come on İzmir, let’s take to the streets!”

Ahead of the rally, Ali Mahir Başarır, CHP İzmir MP Ednan Arslan, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, and CHP Bornova District Chair Ertürk Çapın toured the streets of Bornova, visiting shopkeepers and distributing Turkish flags while encouraging citizens to attend the event. Accompanied by a marching band, the walk was filled with vibrant and joyful moments.

Ali Mahir Başarır: “This monument now lives in Bornova”

Speaking from Abide-i Hürriyet Square, Başarır noted that a replica of the original Abide-i Hürriyet Monument—which was removed from Şişli, Istanbul—has been revived in Bornova:

“Mayor Ömer has recreated it for İzmir. Right behind us are monuments to the founders of all Turkish states, especially Atatürk. It's impossible not to be moved. We call on all people of İzmir to join the May 19 rally starting from the Abide-i Hürriyet Monument. Let’s send a message to Turkey and the world. Let’s meet in İzmir for our imprisoned comrades in Silivri, for democracy, and for justice.”

Ömer Eşki: “İzmir is the conscience of the Republic”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki also made a statement ahead of the rally:

“İzmir has always been the voice of the Republic, of justice, and of freedom throughout history. This call rising from Bornova is not just about attending a rally—it is a firm declaration of the people’s will. The Abide-i Hürriyet is not just a monument here today; it is also a symbol of this determination.”

A Democracy Watch in Gündoğdu

The İzmir rally, expected to be one of the strongest demonstrations in CHP’s recent wave of rallies across Turkey, is set to turn into a major celebration of democracy. With millions anticipated to attend, İzmir is once again preparing to become the epicenter of the people’s conscience and their demand for freedom.