A Meaningful November 10 Gathering at Belkahve

Children aged 3 to 6 attending Bornova Municipality’s Children’s Play and Activity Centers marked November 10, Atatürk Remembrance Day, with a heartfelt visit to the Belkahve Atatürk Memorial House, a landmark symbol of the Turkish War of Independence. Accompanied by their families, the children demonstrated their deep respect and unwavering devotion to Atatürk.

Children aged 3 to 6 attending Bornova Municipality’s Children’s Play and Activity Centers, located at 10 different points across the district, took part in a special visit on the anniversary of the passing of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Accompanied by their families and teachers, the young children toured the Belkahve Atatürk Memorial House, a site brought into the city’s cultural heritage by Bornova Municipality and one of the most important symbolic locations of the Turkish War of Independence.

The First Lesson at a Historic Site: The War of Independence

Throughout the visit, the children received guidance and watched special visual presentations about Atatürk and the War of Independence with great attention. Introducing young residents of Bornova to historical awareness at an early age, the visit provided an opportunity to remember Atatürk with deep respect, love and gratitude at the very place where the liberation of İzmir was first announced.

The most emotional moments of the visit took place in front of the wax statue commemorating the moment when Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk first looked out over İzmir and drank coffee there, before the city’s liberation on September 9, 1922. The children took a journey back in time at the reenactment area and posed for commemorative photographs beside the statue of the Great Leader.

Mayor Eşki: “We Keep the Love of the Republic Alive in Young Hearts”

Emphasizing the importance of raising children with national values from an early age, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said:

“One of our greatest responsibilities as Bornova Municipality is to raise our children, who are the guarantee of our future, in the footsteps of Atatürk and guided by science, conscience and the light of the Republic. Our Children’s Play and Activity Centers do more than provide a safe childcare environment; they also lay the foundations for the enlightened generations of the future.

It is invaluable for our children to experience this atmosphere at our historic heritage site in Belkahve, where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk first set his eyes on İzmir and heralded victory. As unwavering members of the Kuvayı Milliye spirit, we will never allow our children to forget how these lands were won. We will continue to instill love for the Republic and the principles of Atatürk in young hearts from as early as the age of three, and to safeguard this precious legacy forever.”