Thousands of Bornovalı Citizens Illuminated the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic with Their Lights

Ömer Eşki: “The Republic is, above all, a women’s revolution.”
Sevcan Orhan: “I sing my folk songs as a free Turkish woman thanks to Atatürk.”

Bornova Municipality celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the Republic with great enthusiasm through a parade and a concert by Sevcan Orhan, held as part of the “Bi’Hayat Fest” event.
Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized in his speech that the Republic was a revolution for women, expressing his wish for a Turkey where women and children live in freedom.
Beloved folk music artist Sevcan Orhan received a standing ovation, saying, “I sing my songs as a free Turkish woman thanks to Atatürk.”

Thousands Joined the Republic Parade

The celebrations began with a parade from Bornova Cumhuriyet Square and continued along Mustafa Kemal and Süvari Streets. Mayor Ömer Eşki, accompanied by his wife Beste Eşki and their daughter Asya Tuna, marched shoulder to shoulder with citizens. Sports clubs, civil society organizations, women’s associations, and residents joined the march carrying Turkish flags and portraits of Atatürk.

Residents cheered from their balconies, waving flags, while café-goers along the route joined in the excitement with applause. The parade, led by the Bornova Municipality Band, the Private Turkish College Band, and the Women’s Rhythm Group, concluded at the Bi’Hayat Fest area—organized to support Abbas Miran, a child with SMA Type 1, and Berk Yıldız, a child with DMD.

A Heartfelt Speech from Sevcan Orhan

Before performing her most beloved folk songs, Sevcan Orhan gave an emotional speech that deeply moved the crowd filling Büyükpark Square:

“This is the greatest holiday gifted to us by Atatürk.
If I can stand here today as a free Turkish woman and sing my songs, it is thanks to him.
I am grateful to Atatürk and to everyone who built this Republic with him.
The concerts that make me most proud are those I perform on October 29.
Atatürk is the founding leader of this nation—no one can change that truth.
Bornova is lucky to have such a valuable mayor. You are hope, you are light. Thank you.”

Eşki: “The Republic is the liberation of women.”

Taking the stage with young girls, Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the greatest achievement of the Republic is the freedom of women.

“Happy 102nd anniversary of our greatest holiday.
Just moments ago, Sevcan Orhan thanked Mustafa Kemal for granting women the freedom to sing.
That’s why I wanted to come on stage with five wonderful young girls.
The Republic is, above all, a women’s revolution.
Atatürk made this revolution so that women could be recognized as individuals, so that girls could study, and so that they could become teachers, doctors, engineers.
The Republic means equality—where women and men are free and equal citizens.”

Eşki continued by addressing ongoing social issues:

“As we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, sadly, we still face femicides and child abuse.
I believe we will win this fight. Together, we will build a Turkey where women, children, and education are free—and where modernity is never suppressed.”

“The Nation Will Protect Its Children”

Eşki reminded the audience that the purpose of Bi’Hayat Fest was to support the treatment of two children with SMA and DMD:

“This festival has one goal—to contribute to the treatment of two sick children.
Unfortunately, their medical expenses are not covered by the state.
But just as Mustafa Kemal and his comrades stood up for the people when the state had abandoned them, today we, the nation, will stand up for our children.
If we cannot protect our children, then our Republic and our freedom lose their meaning.
Our festival continues until November 2 with various events. I invite everyone from İzmir to join and support this cause.”

“We Will Illuminate These Dark Days”

Closing his speech, Mayor Eşki sent a message of unity and hope to the cheering crowd:

“Let’s send our greetings to our brave friends unjustly imprisoned in Silivri.
Now, turn off all the lights—let only the lights from our phones shine.
We will brighten these dark days with your hope and faith, just as we did a hundred years ago.
With your lights, we will reignite the fire of democracy and freedom, and we will once again carry Turkey toward the bright path shown by our Great Leader.”

Bornova Glowed with Lights, Flags, and Folk Songs

The celebrations ended with thousands waving Turkish flags and lighting up the square with their phones. The night concluded with a powerful performance of the İzmir Anthem, as the entire crowd sang together in one voice—filling Bornova with the spirit of unity, freedom, and pride.