Commemoration ceremony for Naim Süleymanoğlu held in Bulgaria
The program, organized on the 8th anniversary of Süleymanoğlu’s passing, took place at the New Life Cultural Center in Mestanlı, located in the Kırcaali province where he was born. Known worldwide as “Pocket Hercules,” Süleymanoğlu was honored in his hometown with a large turnout.
The ceremony was held with the cooperation of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and the Municipality of Mestanlı. Attendees included Turkey’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, Türkiye’s Consul General in Plovdiv Emre Manav, Kırcaali Mayor Erol Mümün, Mestanlı Mayor İlknur Kazım, Turkish Weightlifting Federation President Talat Ünlü, Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation President Stefan Botev, “Naim” film musician Eypio, Süleymanoğlu’s former teammates, and young athletes.
TİKA President Eren, delivering the opening speech, emphasized Süleymanoğlu’s importance in Turkish sports history. “Naim Süleymanoğlu was the one who brought the hardships faced by Turks in Bulgaria to the attention of the world,” he said.
Highlighting how Naim became a global symbol for Turks at a very young age, Eren added: “The world came to know Turks through Naim. At just 10 years old, he shouted ‘freedom,’ becoming a symbol for Turks everywhere.”
Eren also mentioned TİKA’s contribution to the restoration of Süleymanoğlu’s childhood home in Mestanlı, which will be opened as a museum tomorrow, noting the happiness and emotional responses the project created among the public. “We know many people will visit the Naim Süleymanoğlu Memorial House,” he said.
“NAIM INSPIRED COUNTLESS YOUNG ATHLETES”
Ambassador Uyanık stated that Süleymanoğlu served as a bridge of friendship between the Turkish and Bulgarian peoples. “Naim Süleymanoğlu carried the friendship of two nations on his shoulders and became one of the strongest symbols of the deep ties between our countries,” he said.
“His extraordinary achievements in weightlifting inspired countless young people,” Uyanık added, stressing that Süleymanoğlu is a source of pride not only for Turkey but for the entire Balkan region.
Kırcaali Mayor Mümün also spoke, saying: “Despite his small stature, Great Naim stood tall against oppression and became a courageous figure who strengthened relations. Sadly, life took him from us far too soon.”
SHARED MEMORIES
During the event, Süleymanoğlu’s teammates took the stage to share their memories of the legendary athlete.
Bulgarian weightlifter Angel Genchev said, “It is not enough to remember Naim solely as an athlete. With his achievements, he became a sacred idol for all Turks, all Bulgarians, and the entire world.”
“Naim carried an unbreakable light of heroism,” Genchev said, before offering an emotional apology:
“I want to share a debt of conscience with you. The assimilation campaign carried out by the former communist regime in Bulgaria deeply wounded a strong person like Naim. As a Bulgarian, I apologize to both Naim and to you for this inhumane policy.”
The program continued with the presentation of gifts and plaques to young athletes. Musician Eypio performed his song “Naim,” inviting attendees to the opening of the Naim Süleymanoğlu Memorial House, which will take place on 18 November 2025, the anniversary of the champion’s passing.
After the ceremony, guests visited a photo exhibition at the entrance hall depicting significant moments from Süleymanoğlu’s life.
