Respect for Atatürk on September 8, Joyful Celebrations on September 9

Bornova Municipality will celebrate the 103rd anniversary of İzmir’s liberation with ceremonies and events on September 8–9. The program will include a visit to the Atatürk House, ceremonies at Belkahve Ata Memorial House, concerts, and commemorations at the September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery and Belkahve Atatürk Monument. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that September 9 is the symbol of freedom and independence, inviting all Bornova residents to join the celebrations.

The 103rd anniversary of İzmir’s and Bornova’s liberation will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride through events organized by Bornova Municipality. The program will begin on September 8 with a visit to the Atatürk House in Kemalpaşa, followed by a ceremony at Belkahve Ata Memorial House. Virtual reality applications will bring to life the memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, while traditional keşkek and lokma will be served.

Yıldırım Bekçi Concert at Aşık Veysel

At 19:00, the ceremony will begin with the opening speech of Mayor Ömer Eşki. Historians Farabi Ayata and Ahmet Garipler will recount the National Struggle and the epic journey from August 26 to September 9. On the same evening, the liberation joy will culminate with a concert by the Bornova Municipality Turkish Classical Music Choir and Yıldırım Bekçi at Aşık Veysel Recreation Area Amphitheater.

Meaningful Ceremonies on September 9 at the Martyrs’ Cemetery and Belkahve

On Tuesday, September 9, celebrations will begin at 10:00 with a wreath-laying ceremony at Bornova’s September 9 Martyrs’ Cemetery, organized jointly by Bornova Municipality and the Bornova District Governorship. At 10:30, the celebration will continue at the Belkahve Atatürk Monument with a waltz performance, a women’s rhythm group, Grup Avaz, and folk dance performances.

Mayor Eşki: “September 9 is the symbol of freedom and independence”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that September 9 marks a turning point not only for İzmir but for all of Turkey’s independence struggle, stating:

“Keeping alive the values of the Republic entrusted to us by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms is the duty of every Bornova resident and every citizen of our country. On the 103rd anniversary of September 9, we both commemorate our martyrs with respect and proudly come together for a free and independent Turkey.”