41st anniversary of resistance to assimilation: Bulgarian Turks commemorate their martyrs
A commemorative rally was held to mark the 41st anniversary of the protests staged in 1984 against the forced name-changing and assimilation campaign imposed on Turks in Bulgaria. The event honored those who lost their lives during the resistance against the policies targeting the Turkish minority.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF/HÖH), guests from Bulgaria and abroad, civil society organizations, and members of the Turkish community. Participants observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims and laid wreaths and flowers at the fountain-monument in the village square of Sütkesiği.
Among those present were MRF Deputy Chair and Mayor of Kardzhali Erol Mümün; MRF Central Executive Board Member and Deputy Chair of the MRF–New Beginning parliamentary group Bayram Bayram; members of parliament Elvan Gürkaş, Ayten Sabri, Seyfi Mehmedali, Erbil Halim, Hüseyin Hafızov and İsmail Osman; MRF provincial leaders and youth representatives; Türkiye’s Consul General in Plovdiv Emre Manav; Kardzhali Regional Mufti Basri Eminefendi; mayors from several municipalities including Ardino, Cebel, Chernoochene, Krumovgrad, Kirkovo and Momchilgrad; organizers of the 1984 peaceful protests; victims of repression; representatives of MRF women’s and youth branches; migrant associations from Türkiye; and members of the Turkish minority.
In his address, Ardino Mayor İzzet Şaban stressed the need for a strong Movement for Rights and Freedoms, saying Bulgaria cannot become stronger by ignoring differences. He underlined that unity around national interests and equal citizenship could help the country advance within the European Union.
Türkan Baby and Other Victims Also Remembered in Edirne
Separately, a memorial ceremony was held in Edirne, Türkiye, for 1.5-year-old Türkan Feyzullah, who was killed in her mother’s arms during the 1984 protests against forced assimilation in Bulgaria. Participants laid wreaths and carnations at the Türkan Baby Monument in a park dedicated to her memory in the Şükrüpaşa neighborhood.
Speaking at the ceremony, Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer recalled the struggle of Bulgarian Turks to preserve their names and identities, describing the events of the period as shameful. He emphasized that Türkan baby has become a symbol of the resistance of Bulgarian Turks and paid tribute to all those who suffered imprisonment, torture, and displacement.
Edirne Deputy Mayor Gökçe Onur Öktem said the painful experiences of the past require societies to learn lessons from history and take responsibility to prevent similar violations of rights. Balkan Rumelian Turks Confederation President Sabri Mutlu called for accountability for those responsible for the oppression, while Trakya Balkan Turks Culture and Solidarity Association President Cevat Güneş expressed respect and remembrance for Türkan baby and all other martyrs.
The ceremony concluded with poems recited by primary school students and prayers offered for the victims. Officials, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, and members of the Turkish community from Bulgaria also attended.
Photo source: Kardzhali News, Anadolu Agency
