The 103rd anniversary of the liberation of Bornova and İzmir began with a ceremony at the September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery. During the program, attended by Bornova’s protocol and citizens, athletes who completed the “On the Road to Victory” Bicycle Tour handed over soil collected from various martyrdoms to Mayor Ömer Eşki. Speaking at the Republic Square ceremony, Mayor Eşki emphasized that September 9 is the symbol of independence, while noting that this year’s celebrations were marked with sadness due to the recent terrorist attack.

The 103rd Anniversary of Liberation Began at the Martyrs’ Cemetery
The celebrations of the 103rd anniversary of the liberation of Bornova and İzmir were held at the September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery near the Ege University Hospital Junction. With the participation of Bornova’s protocol, veterans, and citizens, a moment of silence was observed and the National Anthem was sung. Acting District Governor of Bornova Musa Sarı, Garrison Commander Brigadier General Tarık Demirci, and Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki laid wreaths at the cemetery.

“On the Road to Victory” Cyclists in Bornova
Cyclists who completed the “In the Footsteps of a Nation, On the Road to Victory” Bicycle Tour, organized for the 10th time this year by Bornova Municipality in memory of İzmir’s liberation, also attended the ceremony at the September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery. Huriye Kutlu, the 88-year-old mother of tour coordinator Osman Kutlu, handed over to Mayor Ömer Eşki the soil collected from martyrdoms along the route that began in Afyon Kocatepe on August 26. The moment was highly emotional. Mayor Eşki presented medals to the cyclists in commemoration of the day.

A Meaningful Message from Mayor Eşki
The celebrations continued with a wreath-laying program organized by the CHP Bornova District Organization at Bornova Republic Square. In his speech, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said:
“Today is September 9. İzmir’s birthday. The day Mustafa Kemal and the sons of Anatolia, who fought with the determination for liberation, reunited with İzmir. A day that declared to history that the Turkish nation would never compromise its independence, that it would live forever free on these lands, and that under the crescent and star flag its will would endure forever. Yesterday, we faced a tragic terrorist attack. Normally, we would celebrate these days with all our strength and enthusiasm, but shortly we will be attending the funeral ceremonies of our martyrs.”