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Istanbul welcomed a significant cultural and historical tribute this week as the “Aliya at 100: Life, Thought, Struggle” exhibition opened at the Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM).
Commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Aliya Izetbegovic, the first president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into the life, ideas, and enduring legacy of one of the Balkans’ most influential leaders.
Organized by the Ilim Yayma Foundation, the exhibition combines personal artifacts, photographs, and writings to bring Izetbegović’s story to life for both Turkish and international audiences.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bilal Erdogan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ilim Yayma Foundation, emphasized the enduring significance of Izetbegovic’s legacy.
He noted that Izetbegovic was not only a pioneering leader and hero for the Bosniak people but also an influential intellectual figure who inspired Muslims navigating the complexities between Eastern and Western worlds.
Erdogan announced plans for a series of joint initiatives with the Aliya Izetbegovic Foundation in both Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming months.
The exhibition features an extensive collection of personal items, including furniture from Izetbegovic’s Sarajevo residence, photographs spanning different periods of his life, notable quotations, and excerpts from letters he wrote to his family while imprisoned under the former Yugoslav communist regime in the 1980s.
The display provides visitors with both a personal and intellectual insight into his life and work.
Esma Zlatar, granddaughter of Aliya Izetbegovic and Secretary General of the Aliya Izetbegovic Foundation, attended the opening and expressed her satisfaction at the exhibition being held in the newly renovated AKM.
Former Bosniak Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic, emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s balanced role in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability, conveying his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The ceremony included the presentation of plaques and gifts, followed by a ribbon-cutting and a guided tour of the exhibition. The “Aliya at 100: Life, Thought, Struggle” exhibition will remain open to the public at the Ataturk Cultural Center until Jan. 18, 2026.
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