Founding President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegovic was commemorated with mercy and prayers on the 19th anniversary of his death. A commemoration program was held at the Bosnia Sanjak Association of Turkey on the occasion of the death of Alija Izetbegovic, who is known as a good Muslim, a determined mujahid, and opened new horizons for the Islamic world with his wise personality and ideas. One of the late Alija's close working team, former Minister of Education, Science and Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina Prof. Dr. Fahruddin Rizvanbegovic detailed Alija's wise and faithful personality, his humble lifestyle, and his perspective on political and social issues. Many people who love Aliya İzzetbegovic participated in the program moderated by Turkey Bosnia Sanjak Association Vice President Prof. Dr. Adem Fazlıoğlu and translated by Deputy Chairman Hilmi Erdem. The program was also broadcasted live on Bosnian World TV.
“HE COULD CONSULT EVEN WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST HIS IDEOLOGY”
Rıdvanbegovic, who started to his words with the sentences “Tonight, I want to tell you about Alija's humanity and friendship aspect,” said, “Alija was very patient. It is very difficult to see another person who listens longer than Alija. Alija was one of the rare leaders who could say that I made a mistake. Faith, determination and courage were the most important criteria of his leadership. With these aspects, Alija was a leader appreciated both in the East and in the West. Due to his position, the decisions made by Alija were always very difficult. He made every decision by doing deep research and thinking a lot. He would try to find the answers to the questions that were on his mind by meeting with his friends, and he would even consult with people with whom he did not agree ideologically when necessary.”
“ALIJA WAS AN EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND DETERMINATION”
Reminding that Alija Izetbegovic was imprisoned at the age of 21 due to his Islamic studies, Prof. Dr. Fahruddin Rıdvanbegovic said, “Alija was very young when he first went to prison. When he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, he said in his court defense: 'I loved Yugoslavia, but I don't like your laws. I donated all my love to freedom. I was born as a Muslim, I am still a Muslim, and I will always remain a Muslim. I raised myself as a soldier of Islam and will remain so for the rest of my life. Islam is for me the other name of every truth and every good thing.' He said these things without any fear, despite the judges and security forces present at the court. Alija was an example of courage and determination.”
“HE HAD ONLY 2 SUITS”
Prof. Dr. Fahruddin Rıdvanbegovic also shared a memory that draws attention to Alija's modest life. Rıdvanbegovic said, “Although he was a head of state, the deceased had only two suits. This is the story of these two dresses. While the war was going on, 10 suits were sent to Alija by a Bosnian businessman friend. These dresses were brought to Alija by passing through the tunnel connecting the airport and Sarajevo. Alija became uncomfortable when he saw the suits. He reacted to the situation by saying, ‘Is it normal for me to have 10 dresses when my soldiers at the front don't have shoes on their feet?’ He took the 2 dresses he needed and returned the remaining 8 dresses.”