Erdoğan pays tribute to late Bosnian leader Alija Izetbegovic on 22nd death anniversary

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the passing of Alija Izetbegovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first president, who led his nation to independence from the former Yugoslavia.

“I commemorate with mercy and longing the wise leader Alija Izetbegovic, the first president of our friend and brother Bosnia-Herzegovina, who won hearts with his nobility, character, and exemplary stance; who defended his nation’s rights and laws with great courage; on the 22nd anniversary of his passing,” President Erdoğan said in a message shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Alija Izetbegovic, a politician, writer, and lawyer, rose to international prominence during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1992–1995 war, leading the nation through one of the most turbulent periods in its history. Each year, his life and legacy are remembered with respect on the anniversary of his death.

Widely known as the “Wise King,” Izetbegovic is regarded as one of the most influential Muslim intellectuals of the 20th century. He played a pivotal role in steering Bosnia and Herzegovina toward independence on March 1, 1992, following the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, months after Slovenia and Croatia had declared their independence.

Izetbegovic passed away in Sarajevo on October 19, 2003, of natural causes. He served as President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1996 and later as Chairman of the Bosnian Presidency until October 2000.

President Erdoğan has frequently paid tribute to Izetbegovic, describing him as a symbol of wisdom, faith, and moral integrity, and a guiding figure for the Muslim world who dedicated his life to justice and human dignity.