Abide-i Hürriyet Square Opened with a Magnificent Ceremony

İlber Ortaylı: "We Must Preserve Our Civilization"

Abide-i Hürriyet Square, constructed by the Bornova Municipality in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, was inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony attended by renowned historian İlber Ortaylı and CHP İzmir MP and Party Spokesperson Deniz Yücel. During the opening, the flags of the Republic of Turkey and 18 historical Turkish states were raised, emphasizing the values of democracy and freedom.

The ceremony, which was also part of the popular Halk TV program Serhan Asker ile Görkemli Hatıralar, featured messages from İlber Ortaylı on the importance of cultural and historical preservation, and from Deniz Yücel on justice and hope. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the struggle for democracy and freedom, symbolically breaking a chain to mark the opening of the square.

The event was attended by former CHP Secretary General and former Bornova Mayor Prof. Dr. Kamil Okyay Sındır, CHP Women's Branch MYK Member Rahşan Halat Nazlıoğlu, Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, CHP Bornova District Chair Ertürk Çapın, district officials, political party representatives, municipal council members, local leaders, and numerous citizens.

İlber Ortaylı: “We Need Squares Like This”

Famous historian İlber Ortaylı stressed the importance of nature, urban culture, and youth education:

“We need spaces like this, not just buildings. Especially for our children. Due to overpopulation, Istanbul cannot be a university city—but İzmir and Bornova can. We must invest in culture, art, and our environment. Olive trees must not be cut down; we must protect our olive groves. I thank the Bornova Municipality for realizing this wonderful project.”

Ortaylı also reflected on İzmir and Bornova’s rich history:

“İzmir has long been a haven for those fleeing oppression—Italians, British, French, and Balkan people found refuge here. I believe in the enduring structure of Turkish history and the vital importance of national will. We must protect these values.”

He also praised the inclusion of the Safavid dynasty and Shah Ismail in the square:

“Shah Ismail is one of the most significant Turkish figures of the 16th century, alongside Mehmed the Conqueror and Sultan Selim I. Keeping their memory and monuments alive is the duty of all society—not just a single group. I commend the mayor for including the statue and flag of the Safavids here.”

Deniz Yücel: “We Will Not Bow to Injustice”

CHP İzmir MP and Party Spokesperson Deniz Yücel criticized the imprisonment of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality staff and protesting youth, including the targeting of Ekrem İmamoğlu:

“We will never lose hope in the face of injustice and lawlessness. We will win the next election—Ekrem İmamoğlu will become President. As we prepare to celebrate May 19th, I invite everyone to support our petition campaign launched for Ekrem President.”

Yücel also performed two songs on guitar: Zülfü Livaneli’s Yiğidim Aslanım and Barış Manço’s Anlıyorsun Değil mi?, used during the local election campaign.

Ömer Eşki: “Down with Despotism, Long Live Freedom!”

Mayor Ömer Eşki referred to the Abide-i Hürriyet Park and Monument in Şişli, Istanbul, which is currently closed:

“This park and monument were originally built in 1911 to commemorate progressives who were martyred during the reactionary 31 March Uprising. It even became part of the Şişli Municipality logo during Fatma Girik’s term. But under AKP rule, the park was symbolically chained shut. By reopening this monument in Bornova, we are saying that progressive ideals cannot be shut down.”

Mayor Eşki and Deniz Yücel together broke a symbolic chain at the square, referencing the chained gate in Şişli. The crowd chanted “Justice, Law, and Freedom,” while Eşki declared:

“We are breaking the chains imposed on democracy and freedoms.”

Serhan Asker: "Justice Will Prevail"

Program host Serhan Asker said during the broadcast:

“Ekrem İmamoğlu will walk free from prison with a smile and become the President of this country. Other wrongfully imprisoned mayors and comrades will also regain their freedom.”

Citizens in the square, waving Turkish flags, sent their greetings to Ekrem İmamoğlu via the live broadcast.

A Ceremony Crowned with Art: Performances by Grup İlyada and Bournabat

The opening was enriched by musical performances from Grup İlyada and Bournabat, composed of music instructors from Bornova Municipality. The crowd experienced moments of joy and enthusiasm.

At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Ömer Eşki presented Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı with a special plaque depicting a trilogy of Atatürk, Mehmed the Conqueror, and Hector. Deniz Yücel and Serhan Asker received Atatürk statues as gifts.

What’s in the Square?

Located between Sanayi Street and University Street, right next to Yaşar University, Abide-i Hürriyet Square was designed to honor those who lost their lives during the 31 March Uprising—a reactionary revolt against the Ottoman constitutional reforms and modernization movements.

• First section: Features the 18 historic Turkish states and their founders.

• Second section: Includes a symbolic monument to the 71 people martyred in the 31 March Incident and pioneers of the Committee of Union and Progress.

The square also includes a cultural ensemble: statues of Atatürk, Mehmed the Conqueror, and Hector (symbol of the Trojan War), as well as the Orkhon Inscriptions, the Great Beech Tree, and various historical figures, offering deep cultural significance.