Organized by Bornova Municipality, the preparations for the International Bornova History and Culture Symposium have been completed. The event will take place on May 22–23, 2025, at the Yeşilova Mound Visitor Center. Drawing attention with its academic depth and cultural richness, the symposium will explore Bornova’s 8,500-year history and cultural heritage through an interdisciplinary approach.

Distinguished Speakers to Participate

The symposium will begin on Thursday, May 22, at 9:00 AM with an opening session titled “Local Governments and Cultural Heritage Management.” Among the speakers are former Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Aziz Kocaoğlu and Prof. Dr. Koray Velibeyoğlu from İzmir Institute of Technology. Dr. Mahir Polat, Secretary General of the Union of Historical Towns and Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is also scheduled to speak at the event.

Bornova’s History to Be Discussed in Depth

The second day of the symposium will start with a special session titled “Bornova in Prehistoric Times (Yeşilova–Yassıtepe Special Session).” This session will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Kamil Okyay Sındır, former CHP Secretary General and former Mayor of Bornova.

Over the two-day event, 23 national and international academics and experts will present papers. Session topics have been curated to reflect the various historical periods and cultural layers of Bornova:

• Urban Identity and Collective Memory

• Bornova in Prehistoric Times (Yeşilova–Yassıtepe Special Session)

• Bornova in Antiquity

• A Poet from Bornova: Homer

• Bornova in the Ottoman and Republican Periods

• Social Cohesion and Cultural Diversity

Mayor Eşki: “It Is Our Responsibility to Preserve Bornova’s Memory”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the significant contributions the symposium will make to the city's historical and cultural memory, stating:

“Bornova is not just a settlement with a long history, but a cradle of civilizations. The unique history stretching from Yeşilova Mound to the present day is not only our heritage, but also our responsibility. Through the International Bornova History and Culture Symposium, we aim to preserve this invaluable memory by grounding it in scientific research and passing it on to future generations. I invite all history enthusiasts to join us for this important event.”