Mayor Eşki: “May This Land Never Witness Another Tragedy Like Karbala”

The traditional Aşure event organized in cooperation between the Bornova Municipality and the Alevi Unity Platform in Gökdere Village attracted great attention. Many citizens, neighborhood heads (muhtars), and civil society representatives attended the communal table. Speaking at the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the love for the Ahl al-Bayt and delivered strong messages of unity and peace.

In the final days of the month of Muharram, Gökdere Village hosted a meaningful gathering. The traditional Aşure event, held annually in collaboration with the Alevi Unity Platform and Bornova Municipality, once again welcomed a large crowd.

The event began with a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs of Karbala, followed by the national anthem. A moving semah (ritual dance) performance left a deep impression on the audience. Turkish folk music artist Muharrem Temiz brought emotional moments to the crowd with songs accompanied by his bağlama (long-necked lute). Together with Alevi Dede (spiritual leader) Veli Zengin—who also serves as the Vice President of the Alevi Cultural Associations—participants collectively stirred the aşure pot on stage, accompanied by a heartfelt prayer.

“May Our Offerings Be Accepted, with the Love of the Ahl al-Bayt in Our Hearts”

In his speech, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that this gathering is a heritage passed down through generations by the people of Anatolia:

“This is a sacred month of mourning. The martyrdom of Imam Hussein is commemorated with sorrow across the Islamic world. I send greetings to all who carry the love of the Ahl al-Bayt in their hearts. I thank our Director of Social Assistance and all municipal staff who helped make this event possible. May this land never again suffer a tragedy like Karbala.”

“Karbala Is the Honor of Humanity”

Speaking on behalf of the Alevi Unity Platform, Sevda Kobak—President of the Gökdere Culture and Solidarity Association—stated that Karbala is not only a historical incident but also a noble resistance against oppression:

“Karbala is the honor and foundation of humanity. Any action that ignores the past is doomed to be repelled by the ghosts of history. If we do not learn from history, it repeats itself. That is why the epic of Imam Hussein must be known and kept alive. I offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to our aşure.”

“This Table Brings Healing and Sharing”

Durmuş Kayın, the muhtar of Gökdere Neighborhood, underlined the importance of the event for communal healing and unity:

“Today is a day of sharing, connecting, and healing at its highest. I sincerely thank our Mayor Ömer Eşki and everyone who contributed materially and spiritually to this beautiful event.”

The Aşure gathering in Gökdere was attended by CHP Buca District Chair Çağdaş Kaya, representatives of associations affiliated with the Alevi Unity Platform, municipal council members, neighborhood muhtars, and many citizens.