The Chains on Freedom and Democracy Were Broken in Bornova
Abide-i Hürriyet Square Inaugurated with a Magnificent Ceremony
İlber Ortaylı: “We Must Preserve Our Civilization”
Bornova Municipality’s Abide-i Hürriyet (Monument of Freedom) Square in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood was inaugurated in 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, with strong emphasis placed on democracy and freedom.
The opening was broadcast live on the popular Halk TV program “Serhan Asker ile Görkemli Hatıralar.” İlber Ortaylı stressed the importance of preserving culture and history, while Deniz Yücel delivered messages of justice and hope. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the struggle for freedom and democracy, symbolically breaking a chain to crown the opening ceremony.
Also in attendance were former CHP Secretary General and former Bornova Mayor Prof. Dr. Kamil Okyay Sındır, CHP Women’s Branch Central Executive Board Member Rahşan Halat Nazlıoğlu, Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, CHP Bornova District Chair Ertürk Çapın and district executives, political party representatives, council members, neighborhood heads, and many citizens.
İlber Ortaylı: “We Need Squares Like This”
Renowned historian İlber Ortaylı emphasized nature, urban culture, and youth education, stating:
“We don’t need more buildings, we need more spaces and squares like this—especially for children. Due to its population density, Istanbul cannot be a university city, but İzmir and Bornova certainly can. We must invest in culture, art, and nature. Olive trees must never be cut down; olive groves must be preserved. I thank Bornova Municipality for realizing this beautiful project.”
Ortaylı also reflected on the deep-rooted history of İzmir and Bornova:
“İzmir has long been a haven for the oppressed—Italians, British, French, and Balkan peoples who fled Europe found a home here and flourished. I believe the historical fabric of Turkey is strong and that the national will is of great importance. We must preserve these values.”
He also praised the inclusion of the Safavids and Shah Ismail in the square:
“Shah Ismail is one of the most important Turkish figures of the 16th century, along with Mehmed the Conqueror and Selim the Grim. Preserving these statues and historical values is not the duty of a single group, but of society as a whole. The inclusion of this statue and the Safavid flag was an excellent decision. Bravo, and congratulations.”
Deniz Yücel: “We Will Not Bow to Injustice”
CHP İzmir MP and Party Spokesperson Deniz Yücel criticized the detention of protestors and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality officials, including Ekrem İmamoğlu:
“We will never lose hope in the face of injustice and lawlessness. We will win the next election. Ekrem İmamoğlu will become the President. As we prepare to celebrate May 19, I call on everyone to support our petition campaign for Mayor Ekrem in opposition to these injustices.”
During the program, Yücel performed Zülfü Livaneli’s "Yiğidim Aslanım" and Barış Manço’s "Anlıyorsun Değil mi?", which was also used in local election campaigns.
Ömer Eşki: “Down with Despotism, Long Live Freedom!”
Mayor Ömer Eşki referenced the Abide-i Hürriyet Park and Monument in Istanbul’s Şişli district:
“That park and monument were built in 1911 to commemorate the progressives martyred during the reactionary March 31 Revolt and were later incorporated into Şişli Municipality's logo during Fatma Girik’s term. However, under the AKP government, the park was literally chained shut. By reviving this monument with even deeper meaning in Bornova, we are sending a clear message that progressive ideals cannot be shut down.”
During the ceremony, Ömer Eşki and Deniz Yücel jointly broke a symbolic chain in reference to the chained monument in Şişli. As the crowd chanted “Rights, Law, Justice,” Eşki declared:
“We are breaking the chains imposed on democracy and freedom.”
Serhan Asker: “Justice Will Prevail”
Program host Serhan Asker added during the ceremony:
“Ekrem İmamoğlu will walk free with a smile and become this country’s President. Other unjustly imprisoned mayors and comrades will also be liberated.”
The crowd, waving Turkish flags, sent their greetings to İmamoğlu via live broadcast.
A Culturally Enriched Opening: Performances by Grup İlyada and Bournabat
The ceremony was enlivened by musical performances from Grup İlyada, composed of Bornova Municipality music instructors, and the Bournabat group, creating moments of high enthusiasm among attendees.
At the end of the event, Mayor Eşki presented Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı with a special plaque depicting Atatürk, Mehmed the Conqueror, and Hector. Deniz Yücel and Serhan Asker received statues of Atatürk.
What’s in the Square?
Located between Sanayi Avenue and University Avenue, right next to Yaşar University, Abide-i Hürriyet Square was designed to honor those who lost their lives during the 1909 March 31 Counter-Revolution in opposition to the Ottoman constitutional reforms and modernization movements.
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The first section features the 18 historical Turkish states and their founders.
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The second section houses a symbolic monument to the 71 people martyred in the March 31 Incident and pioneers of the Committee of Union and Progress (İttihat ve Terakki).
The square also offers deep cultural context with statues of Atatürk, Mehmed the Conqueror, and the legendary Trojan hero Hector; Orkhon Inscriptions; the Great Beech Tree (Ulu Kayın Ağacı); and various other historical figures.