"Bornova Miras" was introduced with a magnificent organization

Bornova Municipality introduced the Bornova Heritage Project — which brings the city's 8,500-year history together under a single umbrella — at a specially organised event. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasised that the project aims to create a shared memory of Bornova and to transmit its cultural heritage to future generations in the correct manner. The Bornova Heritage Map, digital platform and 25 historic stops, prepared with contributions from academics, were presented to attendees at the event.

Bornova Municipality introduced the "Bornova Miras" (Bornova Heritage) project — which addresses the city's 8,500-year history with an integrated approach — to the public at an event held in the Dramalılar Mansion. Bornova's rich past, stretching from archaeological sites to Levantine mansions, from museums to cultural heritage sites, was brought together under a single roof for the first time. Karşıyaka Mayor Yıldız Ünsal, representatives of political parties and civil society organisations, academics and numerous guests attended the launch event.

Mayor Eşki: "This project is the most valuable legacy we shall leave to the city's future"

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasised in his speech that the Bornova Heritage Project is not merely a promotional exercise but a major step aimed at claiming the city's history and creating a shared memory.

Stating that from the outset of his term of office he believed in the importance of transmitting Bornova's history to the future with proper documentation, Mayor Eşki said: "We wanted to bring all the data relating to Bornova's 8,500-year history together under an orderly, accessible and scientific umbrella. This project — I might even say the place from which we took our cue — was inspired by İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality's 'İstanbul Heritage' initiative. Yet in Bornova there was a far more organic counterpart: a story living in every stone, in every street of our city. We want to record that story, keep it alive and transmit it to future generations in the proper manner."

Eşki noted that the experience gained from oral history work carried out with Bornova's older generations in the past had given direction to this project, adding: "It is its memory that makes a city a city. People who value their city and know it will also care for their surroundings. With the Bornova Heritage project, we aim for Bornova's residents to rediscover their own city. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed."

Prof. Dr Hasan Mert: "A project that will fill Bornova's great gap"

Prof. Dr Hasan Mert of Ege University, one of the project's important stakeholders, summarised the importance of the project as an academic who has worked on Bornova's history for more than 20 years: "Bornova is a unique settlement with its geography, its historic heritage and its development dynamics. Yet until now this great history had not been presented in an integrated manner. Bornova Heritage is a very valuable study that fills this gap and builds a bridge between past and future."

Museum Director Şükrü Koçak: "This project is a journey of memory"

Bornova Municipality Museum Director Şükrü Koçak stated that the project's preparation process rested on rigorous academic work, noting that 25 historic locations identified with the contributions of 30 academics had been brought together under the Bornova Heritage umbrella. Koçak said: "Bornova is not merely a district; it is a living memory where thousands of years of recollections are layered one upon another. Our aim is not to place the past in a display case; it is to make it part of today and tomorrow. Heritage is not merely conserved; it is shared, felt and kept alive."

Following the speeches, guests had the opportunity to receive information from experts at the Bornova Heritage presentation kiosks and to examine the project details. The programme concluded with the "Bornova Heritage Family Photograph" taken in front of the specially prepared panel.

Key components of the Bornova Heritage Project

Bornova Heritage Map: A comprehensive map composed of walkable, thematic stops that brings together the city's historic and cultural sites in a single visual guide.

Digital Platform and Website: A user-friendly digital experience enriched with oral narratives and specially prepared content for each stop.

On-site and digital exploration: A heritage framework explorable both in person and online, through restoration, promotion and awareness-raising activities.

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