The 100th anniversary of the birth of Alija Izetbegović, Bosnia and Herzegovina's first President and wise leader, was commemorated with a meaningful program organized in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Ceremony Hall in collaboration with Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (AYBU).
TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş: "It is our duty to keep Izetbegović's memory alive."
Hosted by Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), the commemoration program aimed to pass on Izetbegović's intellectual world and legacy of leadership to future generations. The event, organized with the support of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University and featuring AYBU Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Cengiz Köseoğlu as a speaker, was attended by former TBMM Speaker Hikmet Çetin, numerous members of parliament, university administrators, and students.
Speaking at the event, Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Kurtulmuş described Alija Izetbegović as "a fearless commander-in-chief, a pioneer of his country's resurrection, a great philosopher, and a wise leader," emphasizing his holistic approach that blended morality and faith with free thought.
AYBU Rector Köseoğlu: "There was no contradiction between Izetbegović's life and his writings."
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Cengiz Köseoğlu, in his speech, highlighted Izetbegović's unifying character, stating that he was an exemplary leader who lived according to his beliefs. "You cannot see a single contradiction between his writings and his experiences," Köseoğlu said, highlighting the leader's integrity of thought.
Prominent figures from the political world were also present at the event.
Political figures such as AK Party Deputy Group Chair Bahadır Yenişehirlioğlu, MHP Deputy Group Chair Filiz Kılıç, Yeni Yol Party Deputy Group Chair Selçuk Özdağ, Digital Media Commission Chair Hüseyin Yayman, National Defense Commission Chair Hulusi Akar, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Affairs Commission Chair Vahit Kirişci were also present.
The event was also attended by guests of honor, including Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and Sabina Berberovç, daughter of Alija Izetbegović.
The commemoration ceremony began with a musical performance.
The program, which began with a special musical performance by the Turkic World Music Ensemble of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Fine Arts, left a deep impression on the attendees.
