Bornova Residents Remember Srebrenica

The massacre of 8,372 Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995 was commemorated in Bornova. An emotional ceremony was held at the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial located inside Çamdibi Atatürk Park. Both the Turkish National Anthem and the National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina were performed during the ceremony, and red carnations were laid in front of the monument in remembrance.

The ceremony also featured the photography exhibition “Those Who Walked for Peace on the Road of Death” by artists Aylin Telef and Ayşegül Çetinkalp, who participated in the annual Mars Mira (March of Peace), reminding everyone once again of the pain and loss caused by the genocide.

Among the attendees were Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cultural Associations in Turkey and Bornova Deputy Mayor Barbaros Taşer, President of the İzmir Bosnia-Sancak Culture and Solidarity Association Mehmet Fatih Demir, various NGOs, and many Bornova residents.

“Forgotten genocides are repeated”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of remembrance, quoting the late President Alija Izetbegović: “Forgotten genocides are repeated.”

“We will never forget, and we will not let others forget,” said Mayor Eşki.
“If we forget this massacre, many more Srebrenicas will happen. Massacres like those in Karabakh, East Turkestan, and Gaza will continue, and people around the world will keep suffering under oppression. We must teach these truths to every child like we teach them the alphabet. These are tragedies where thousands were killed, families were erased, and entire memories destroyed. Forgetting them paves the way for future atrocities.”

“Our wounds need healing”

Barbaros Taşer, President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cultural Associations in Turkey, remarked:

“Our wounds may have scabbed over, but the pain remains. It’s been 30 years. Now, our wounds need healing. I believe this can be achieved through friendship, cultural exchange, trade, and social interaction. Genocides and massacres still occur before our very eyes around the world. We must raise awareness together to end this suffering.”

“To remember and never forget”

Mehmet Fatih Demir, President of the İzmir Bosnia-Sancak Culture and Solidarity Association, emphasized their most important duty:

“Despite being declared a safe zone by the United Nations, 8,372 Bosniaks were systematically murdered in Srebrenica in July 1995. It was the largest crime against humanity in Europe since World War II. Not only were people buried there, but also justice, compassion, and the belief in human rights. These commemorations aim to raise awareness, remind younger generations of their historical responsibilities, and emphasize the value of peace.
As Bosniak-origin Turkish citizens living in Turkey, we will never forget our past, and we will continue to contribute to the peaceful spirit of this land. We thank Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki for making this meaningful event possible.”