Bornova Honors Hüseyni Resistance, Invites All to the Table of Unity

The Bornova Municipality, in cooperation with the Alevi Unity Platform, hosted a major Aşure event at Bornova Büyükpark, drawing a large and heartfelt crowd. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized justice and equality in his speech, while renowned folk artist Tolga Sağ moved attendees with his emotional songs. The event highlighted Alevi faith, Hüseyni resistance, and messages of societal unity.

The program began with a moment of silence in memory of the Martyrs of Karbala, followed by the Turkish National Anthem. A traditional semah performance added a deeply emotional tone to the gathering.

Mayor Eşki: “Hope is no longer enough—it's time to sing out”

In his speech, Mayor Ömer Eşki underlined the symbolic power of Karbala, describing it as more than a tragedy—rather, a representation of a longing for justice:

“Welcome to this event held within the sacred month of Muharram. I am honored to share this Aşure with you all under the same sun, around the same table. We are here to remember the tragedy of Karbala. While reflecting on Yazid's oppression and Hüseyin's resistance, I was reminded of Nazım Hikmet's poem ‘To Think of You.’ But now, I want more than to just resist—I want our people to be governed with justice and fairness.
This oppression must end. Together, under the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, we must strive for a Turkey governed with the justice it deserves.”

Mayor Eşki concluded his remarks by calling for continued support of the justice movement led by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel.

Tolga Sağ Brings Emotion to Büyükpark with His Songs

Folk musician Tolga Sağ, son of the legendary Arif Sağ, brought both sorrow and hope to the audience with his heartfelt songs and bağlama performance. Drawing attention to the coincidence of July 2 marking both Yas-ı Matem and the anniversary of the Sivas Massacre, Sağ said:

“We are here to remember our losses and to send strength to all those standing firm in Hüseyni resistance today. Aşure is incredibly meaningful—it should boil for peace, democracy, and brotherhood. I thank Mayor Ömer Eşki and all local officials for honoring this tradition and culture. It means so much to us.”

Barış Çelik: “We Are the Leaven of Peace in This Land”

Speaking on behalf of the Alevi Unity Platform, Barış Çelik, President of the Bornova Branch of the Pir Sultan Abdal Association, emphasized the religious and cultural importance of Muharram and the Aşure offering. He addressed ongoing sectarian conflicts, wars, and human rights violations, asserting that the Alevi community remains a target globally.

Çelik also criticized political pressures within Turkey, including trustee appointments and policies suppressing the opposition, and concluded by thanking the Bornova Municipality and Mayor Eşki for their support.

A Table of Shared Conscience and Collective Memory

The Aşure table set in Bornova Büyükpark was not just a meal—it symbolized shared conscience, a longing for justice, and a collective commitment to coexistence. The event was attended by:

• Rahşan Nazlıoğlu, CHP Central Women's Branch Executive Committee Member

• Zahide Kurun, CHP İzmir Women's Branch President

• Ertürk Çapın, CHP Bornova District President

• Çağdaş Kaya, CHP Buca District President

• Ahmet Yılmaz, CHP Kemalpaşa District President

• Meltem Dalkılıç Kavas, CHP Bornova Women’s Branch President

• Representatives from associations under the Alevi Unity Platform

• And a large number of citizens