Naim Süleymanoğlu’s statue unveiled on his birthday, reviving a deeply engraved chapter of history

On the fully renovated Pınar Street by Bornova Municipality, the statue of World and Olympic Champion “Pocket Hercules” Naim Süleymanoğlu was unveiled on his birthday with strong public participation. During the ceremony, Süleymanoğlu’s historical role was emphasized not only as an extraordinary athlete but also as the voice and symbol of the Turks of Bulgaria. Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the statue symbolizes Naim Süleymanoğlu’s great heart and his profound meaning for the Turkish world.

Legendary national weightlifter Naim Süleymanoğlu, known as “Pocket Hercules,” was commemorated on January 23, his birthday, with a ceremony held on Pınar Street, which has been completely renewed by Bornova Municipality. The unveiling of the statue erected on the street took place with emotional moments and a large crowd in attendance.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a folk dance performance. The oppression faced by Turks in Bulgaria was conveyed to participants through recordings in Naim Süleymanoğlu’s own voice. His record-breaking sports career and the historical responsibility he carried were once again remembered.

Hasan Öztürk: “Naim is not just an athlete; he is the voice and torch of the Turks of Bulgaria”

CHP Bursa Member of Parliament Hasan Öztürk highlighted Naim Süleymanoğlu’s historical role in his speech, saying:
“I would like to thank our Mayor of Bornova for bringing this meaningful work to Pınarbaşı on January 23, the day Naim was born. Defining Naim merely as an athlete is insufficient. In addition to being the greatest weightlifter in world history, he became the voice and torch of the Turks of Bulgaria. Balkan Turks have defended these lands for centuries, paying heavy prices. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was also a Balkan native, and the Republican People’s Party is the continuation of the Rumelia and Anatolia Defense of Rights Associations. As a Balkan native, I am proud to engage in politics within Atatürk’s party.”

Öztürk stated that after 1984, Naim Süleymanoğlu became the “key of Kapıkule,” adding:
“He played the most important role in making the oppression and genocide in Bulgaria known to the entire world. This statue is not only a tribute to sporting achievements but also a memory space that tells the story of what the Turks of Bulgaria endured. The Turks of Bulgaria are an inseparable part of the Turkish nation. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed.”

Ömer Eşki: “This statue belongs not only to an athlete, but to a great heart”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki addressed both the transformation of Pınar Street and the symbolic power of Naim Süleymanoğlu with the following words:

“This is a very special and beautiful day for us. Years ago, Pınar Street was dark, with damaged roads and no proper intersections. Today, it has become a well-organized, well-lit avenue crowned with a meaningful value. We all remember the moment when Naim Süleymanoğlu lifted the barbell. But I always thought about this: was it only athletic strength that lifted that weight, or were the renamed gravestones in village cemeteries, his mother’s forcibly changed name, or the suffering of 18-month-old baby Türkan in his mind?

To lift more than three times one’s own body weight requires not only training, but an enormous heart. That is why we built the statue in his actual physical size. Because in our collective memory, Naim is a man who was great through his heart. Naim Süleymanoğlu is not only a value for the Turks of Bulgaria, but for the entire Turkish world. These lands are beautiful. İzmir, Bornova, Pınarbaşı are beautiful. Today, another meaning has been added to this beauty.”

Muharrem Süleymanoğlu: “My brother broke records to make his voice heard”

Naim Süleymanoğlu’s brother, Muharrem Süleymanoğlu, shared a deeply emotional memory in his speech:

“Today is my brother’s birthday. Holding the unveiling of his statue on this special day means a great deal to us. After the Seoul Olympics, a journalist asked my brother, ‘Why did you break so many records?’ He replied, ‘I wanted to make my voice heard by 56 million people in Turkey and 2 million compatriots in Bulgaria.’ When a Bulgarian journalist objected, saying ‘Not 2 million, but 1 million,’ my brother simply responded, ‘Yes… Until yesterday, we didn’t exist at all. At least you’ve acknowledged one of us.’ That was Naim.”

Joint message from association leaders: “Naim Süleymanoğlu is a symbol of hope and resistance”

Speaking at the ceremony, Balkan Rumeli Turks Confederation President Sabri Mutlu emphasized that Naim Süleymanoğlu should be remembered not only for his sporting success but also for his struggle to protect Turkish identity. Mutlu stated that Turks in Bulgaria paid heavy prices for years to preserve their names, language, and beliefs, saying:
“Our name, religion, and flag are our identity. We must keep them alive in the Balkans. Naim Süleymanoğlu is one of the strongest symbols of this struggle.” He added that the statue’s proportions were meaningful, as Naim was always remembered as a “small but great man.”

Izmir Balkan Immigrants Culture and Solidarity Association President Abdurrahim Nursoy noted that what Naim Süleymanoğlu experienced is part of the shared memory of citizens of Balkan origin. He emphasized that despite his small stature, Naim carried a great responsibility:
“He did not only lift weights; he carried the hope of the oppressed on his shoulders. While becoming the strongest man in the world, he succeeded in being the voice of the Turkish and Muslim community.” Expressing his satisfaction with one of the largest Naim Süleymanoğlu statues in Turkey being unveiled in Bornova, Nursoy stressed that the legendary athlete would never be forgotten.

Thanks from local neighborhood heads

Kemalpaşa Neighborhood Head Mustafa Karadeniz and Gürpınar Neighborhood Head Erkin Sarpkaya also spoke, emphasizing Naim Süleymanoğlu’s mission as a symbol of Turkish identity, resistance, and hope, and thanked Bornova Municipality for the investments and improvements made in the area.

Statue unveiled with applause

Following the speeches, the statue of Naim Süleymanoğlu, located at the intersection connecting Pınar Street to the center of Pınarbaşı, was unveiled with the participation of protocol members and citizens. Opened amid applause, the statue became one of Bornova’s new landmarks.