Magnificent Performance of the Symphonic Poem “My Escape to Freedom” at the Atatürk Cultural Center in Istanbul

As part of the program marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alija Izetbegović, the symphonic poem about Alija Izetbegović, “My Escape to Freedom,” was presented to the public in the Republic of Türkiye on January 13, 2026, through a magnificent performance by composer and conductor Emir Mejremić and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra.

The hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center in Istanbul was filled to capacity, and welcoming remarks prior to the concert were delivered by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye; Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the “İlim Yayma Vakfı” Foundation; and Prof. Dr. Fahrudin Rizvanbegović, a member of the Board of the “Alija Izetbegović” Foundation from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The wider public in the Republic of Türkiye had the opportunity to watch and listen to the performance via a live broadcast on the TRT2 channel.

We extend our gratitude to the “İlim Yayma Vakfı” Foundation for the excellent organization of the event and for yet another opportunity to speak about Alija Izetbegović in the Republic of Türkiye. Congratulations and thanks are also extended to composer and conductor Emir Mejremić and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra for a fantastic performance, to the sponsors, and to all others who contributed to the realization of this concert.

The performance of the symphonic poem “My Escape to Freedom” in Istanbul represents recognition of the quality and relevance of Mejremić’s artistic work, as well as a symbolic bridge between the cultural and historical tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international music scene.

Above all, it confirms the enduring relevance of the intellectual legacy of Alija Izetbegović, which transcends spatial, temporal, and political boundaries and belongs to the universal heritage of humanity.

Photos: “İlim Yayma Vakfı” Foundation, TRT2

ALIJA IZETBEGOVIĆ FOUNDATION