Balkan winds blow in Buca

Buca, a district of Izmir, recently resonated with the spirit of the Balkans through a special event hosted by its municipality. The "From the Balkans to Buca" talk, held at the historic Pembe Köşk, brought together community leaders and political figures to celebrate the enduring cultural connections.

“

CHP’s perspective on the Balkans is this: Just as in the Republic of Turkey, our motherland, we view people as human beings regardless of their religion, language, ethnicity, or sect, and as human beings with their rights, laws, justice, and democratic rights usage, we view them the same way in the Balkans.

As reported by Cumhuriyet, the gathering underscored the significant contributions of people from the Balkan and Rumelian regions to the fabric of modern Turkey. CHP officials, including Deputy Chairman Bihlun Tamaylıgil and Izmir Deputy Deniz Yücel, highlighted that individuals from these regions are integral to the nation's identity, describing them as the "cement of the Republic of Turkey."

“

The red lines of the Balkan and Rumelian community are, above all, our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, our Republic, the integrity of the country, and our star-and-crescent flag. These are also the red lines of the Republican People's Party.

Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, himself from a family of Salonica emigrants, spoke passionately about strengthening these ties at the local government level. He detailed the establishment of "friendship bridges" and "sister city" protocols with numerous municipalities across the Balkans, including in North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. This initiative reflects a deep understanding that the Balkan immigrant experience is not merely a story of migration, but a testament to the ongoing struggle for equal citizenship and dignified life.

“

Balkan immigration is not just a migration story. It is also a struggle for equal citizenship and a dignified life. Since the first day I took office as Mayor, we have been working with all our might to further strengthen those ancient roots between Buca and the Balkans.

From our perspective at Cumhuriyet, these events are vital. They not only honor our shared heritage but also reinforce the sense of belonging and mutual respect between Turkey and the Balkan nations. The emphasis on shared values, such as respect for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Republic, and national unity, as articulated by Deniz Yücel, demonstrates the strong common ground that binds these communities. The efforts to build these "bridges of the heart" are a testament to the enduring legacy of Balkan culture within Turkey and the commitment to fostering these relationships for the future.

“

As children of Atatürk, we will continue our struggle against these pressures until the end.