A Tribute to the “Dervish of Our Time” at Bornova’s Cultural Heritage Gathering

Dr. Mahir Polat, Secretary General of the Union of Historical Towns and Deputy Secretary General of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), was scheduled to attend the opening session of the International Bornova History and Culture Symposium, organized by the Bornova Municipality. However, due to ongoing operations targeting IMM and his subsequent house arrest, Polat was not released in time for the symposium. As a result, the event began with his seat left symbolically empty.

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki criticized Polat’s detention, describing him as the “dervish of our time.” The symposium, which attracted strong interest from local administrators and academics, emphasized the importance of preserving and sustaining cultural heritage, with particular focus on the 8,500-year history of the Yeşilova Mound.

Mayor Eşki: “We’ll Say They Resisted and Won”

In his opening speech, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki called Dr. Mahir Polat “a man of science and culture who has made tremendous contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage in Turkey.” He added:

“Due to health issues, he is being held under house arrest instead of in a prison cell in Silivri. There are those fighting back against efforts to turn Turkey into a country of jailed journalists and politicians. I dream of a future Turkey where people will say, ‘They resisted, and they won.’”

Academics and Urban Leaders Meet in Bornova

The symposium brought together national and international scholars, cultural heritage experts, and city administrators. It opened with a session titled “Local Governments and Cultural Heritage Management,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Koray Velibeyoğlu from Izmir Institute of Technology.

Emphasis on Cultural Continuity

Former Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Aziz Kocaoğlu, shared insights into major projects such as the Homer Valley, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Agora excavations, saying:

“Despite a lack of support from the central government, Izmir succeeded in preserving its history through its own resources.”

Prof. Dr. Velibeyoğlu added,

“The most critical aspect of support is its continuity.”

8,500 Years of History at Yeşilova Mound

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer Derin, head of the excavation team, presented findings that extended the known history of Izmir from 5,000 to 8,500 years.

Prof. Dr. Kamil Okyay Sındır, recalling his time as mayor, emphasized the significance of the award-winning visitor center established at Yeşilova Mound during his term.

CHP Group Deputy Chair Altan İnanç of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality concluded:

“As urban leaders, our primary responsibility is to pass down the heritage we’ve inherited without allowing it to deteriorate.”