Premiere of the Symphonic Poem “My Escape to Freedom” on the Occasion of the Centenary of Alija Izetbegović
On October 17, 2025, to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alija Izetbegović, the Alija Izetbegović Foundation and the Public Institution Alija Izetbegović Museum organized the premiere performance of the symphonic poem “My Escape to Freedom” by composer Emir Mejremić at the Sarajevo National Theatre.
Numerous high officials and guests attended this main event, and greetings were sent from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkiye and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who both shared their memories of and respect for President Alija Izetbegović—his character, his life, and his work.
A speech titled “How to Read the Works of Alija Izetbegović Today” was delivered by Professor Sead Šemsović, while Adnan Rondić hosted the program. The media sponsor of the event was HAYAT TV.
The symphonic poem “My Escape to Freedom” delves into the essence of the theme through which composer Mejremić analyzes the life and work of Alija Izetbegović. The beginning of the composition introduces us to Izetbegović’s life and inner world, with melodic lines that inspire reflection on the complexity of existence—suffering, love, idea, war, morality, and freedom. Everything is clearly and precisely emphasized, underscored by the main theme to which Mejremić continually returns. The central idea of the work is freedom, which resonates and breathes with longing—the same longing lived and shared by Izetbegović and his contemporaries.
The premiere was held under the auspices of Dr. Denis Bećirović, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Refik Lendo, Vice President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was supported by: the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton Tahir Lendo, the Sarajevo National Theatre, Una-Sana Canton, the City of Konjic, and the municipalities of Stari Grad Sarajevo, Travnik, Bužim, Ključ, Busovača, and Bosanski Petrovac.
Sponsors of this significant event included: BIHEXO, HIFA OIL, CENGIZ INSAAT, HIFA PETROL, RELAX TOURS, and SARAJ INŽENJERING.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all who honored this evening with their presence and support and the magnificent premiere of the new musical work —a piece that, according to the composer, will not end with its final note, but will continue to live through the emotions and impressions of the audience.
Message from the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:
With longing, respect, and prayers, I remember the first President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the distinguished statesman and thinker Alija Izetbegović, on the occasion of the centenary of his birth.
His life, filled with struggles, represents an epic story of resistance against oppression and perseverance through faith in seemingly impossible circumstances.
The late Alija secured his place as a voice of conscience in history—not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but throughout the oppressed world. He was a wise and resolute leader who, despite all difficulties, never compromised his principles; a capable statesman and a thoughtful man who brought light to our horizons. His vast world of ideas and action—built on the foundations of justice and morality—still shines like a star on the horizon of humanity in its search for freedom and justice.
Alija was also one of the leading Islamic thinkers of our time. He built bridges between faith and reason, tradition and modernity.
His words—“We shall not be slaves!”—served as a guiding light in the struggle for Bosnia.
With the deep love and trust he felt toward Turkiye, Alija will forever have a place of honor in the hearts of our nation as the leader of a brotherly people.
Preserving the unique memory of our mutual affection, I continue to cherish the legacy of the late Alija and remember him once again today—with the deepest respect.
May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Paradise.
Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN
President of the Republic of Turkiye
Warm greetings to those gathered in Sarajevo this evening to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of President Alija Izetbegović.
When I met President Izetbegović during the darkest days of the Bosnian War, I was struck by his calm resolve and his conviction that people of different faiths could once again live together in peace. I deeply admired his intellect, composure, and moral conviction, and will always be grateful for his courageous leadership during that time. I am proud that the United States could stand with him, and with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to help end the war and support the peace that followed.
During the Dayton peace negotiations, I saw a leader who bore the grief of his people with grace. He never confused peace with surrender, nor justice with revenge. In the years that followed, as Bosnia rebuilt, President Izetbegović remained steadfast in his belief that reconciliation was the only true victory.
On what would have been his 100th birthday, the best way to honor President Izetbegović’s legacy is to follow the example he set by choosing cooperation over conflict.
Best wishes for a meaningful, memorable commemoration.
Bill Clinton
Click on the YouTube link below to watch the whole event and the musical premiere:
SPONZORI DOGAĐAJA
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ALIJA IZETBEGOVIĆ FOUNDATION