Aliya Izetbegović’s ‘My Escape to Freedom’ Echoes in Istanbul
Istanbul, January 14 – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first President and intellectual leader, Aliya Izetbegović, was honored on the 100th anniversary of his birth with a special concert at the Atatürk Cultural Center in Istanbul. The event, organized by the İlim Yayma Foundation, featured the symphonic poem ‘My Escape to Freedom,’ composed by Bosnian composer and conductor Prof. Emir Mejremic.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, attending the program organized by the İlim Yayma Foundation, drew attention to Izetbegović’s work ‘My Escape to Freedom.’ Ersoy stated, “One of the concepts that best describes Izetbegović is naturalness. The concept of naturalness holds a central position in his world of ideas, both as a moral and existential principle.”
A Unique Intellectual Figure
Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation, also spoke, describing Izetbegović not only as a statesman but also as a unique intellectual who centered his philosophy on conscience. Erdoğan summarized Aliya’s political understanding with the words, “The real struggle begins not on the battlefield, but in one’s own conscience. Real victory is not to win, but to remain human.” Emphasizing that Aliya’s legacy can be understood not just by being told but by being felt, Erdoğan stated that Aliya’s ideas, which brought human dignity, law, and faith together on the same ground between East and West, serve as a strong moral compass for today’s world.
Bosnia Entrusted to Erdoğan
Prof. Dr. Fahrudin Rizvanbegovic, a member of the Board of Directors of the Aliya Izetbegović Foundation, highlighted that the evening was not just a concert, but a testament to an intergenerational trust and a deep friendship. Rizvanbegovic recalled that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Aliya one day before his passing, stating, “Aliya Izetbegović entrusted Bosnia to Mr. Erdoğan as a legacy. This is a sign of a deep friendship and unwavering trust.”
The concert program was also attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, members of the Aliya Izetbegović Foundation board, Izetbegović’s family members, Türk Telekom CEO Ebubekir Şahin, special guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, academics, and prominent figures from the world of politics, culture, and arts.
