A park in Milan, Italy, has been named after 3-year-old Alan Kurdî, who drowned along with his mother, and older brother, while attempting to cross from Bodrum, Turkey, to Greece on September 2, 2015.
The opening of Alan Kurdî Park drew a large and diverse crowd. Among the attendees were Nurgül Çokgezici, who is a Professor of Linguistic Mediation in Milan, as well as several city officials, including Mayor Santo Minniti, Councilor for Welfare Francesca Gisotti, and Councilor for Green Areas Elena Grandi.
The event also saw the participation of neighborhood priest Don Ambrogio Basilico, alongside many other community members coming together to honor the memory of Alan Kurdî.
Nurgül Çokgezici is a Kurdish refugee and a human rights activist, who moved to Italy from the Pazarcık district of Maraş in Southeast Turkey as a child. Çokgezici spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the significance of naming the park after Alan Kurdî as a way to commemorate him and keep his memory alive.
During her speech, Çokgezici highlighted the challenges and traumas associated with migration, expressing hope that prejudices can be overcome and people can live together in harmony. She quoted Turkish socialist poet and playwright Nazım Hikmet, saying, “Living brotherly, like a single and free tree, like a forest, is our nostalgia.”
Mayor of Milan Santo Minniti underscored the importance of acknowledging the struggles and hopes of refugees. He praised the resilience of families like Alan’s and reiterated Milan’s commitment to being a city of refuge and solidarity. Councilor Francesca Gisotti emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to support and integrate refugees, and ensure they have access to essential services and opportunities.
Councilor Elena Grandi discussed the symbolic significance of dedicating a park to Alan Kurdî, noting how green spaces represent growth, renewal, and a safe haven for families.
Alan and his family fled their home in Kobane in 2011 due to ISIS attacks. They planned to travel to Europe before seeking refuge in Canada. The image of Alan’s lifeless body washed ashore in Turkey became a heartbreaking symbol of the refugee crisis. The story of Alan Kurdî touched hearts worldwide and sparked a global outcry for better treatment and support for refugees. Naming a park after him in Milan is a step towards ensuring his story is not forgotten and that the plight of refugees continues to be recognized.
