Bulgarian, Turkish officials pay tribute to legendary weightlifter

A commemoration ceremony was held at the Yeni Hayat Cultural Center in Mestanlı, in Bulgaria’s Kardzhali province, on the 8th anniversary of the death of Süleymanoğlu, known by the nickname “Pocket Hercules.”

The program, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and the Municipality of Mestanlı, was attended by Turkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, Turkiye’s Consul General in Plovdiv Emre Manav, Kardzhali Mayor Erol Mümün, Mestanlı Mayor İlknur Kazım, Turkish Weightlifting Federation President Talat Ünlü, Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation President Stefan Botev, musician Eypio from the film “Naim,” Süleymanoğlu’s teammates, and young athletes, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

In his opening speech, TİKA President Eren emphasized Süleymanoğlu’s importance in Turkish sports history, saying: “Naim Süleymanoğlu was the one who made the whole world aware of the hardships Turks in Bulgaria were facing.”

Eren stated that Turks recognized their compatriots in Bulgaria for their hard work and determination, adding: “The world got to know the Turks through Naim. At just 10 years old, he shouted ‘freedom’ and became a symbolic figure for Turks everywhere.”

Eren also mentioned TİKA’s contribution to the restoration of Naim’s house in Mestanlı—now turned into a museum and set to open tomorrow: “As TİKA, we carry out development and welfare projects in all regions where our kin live. The Turkish people were very happy because of this project. Many shared their emotions with us. I know that many people will come here to see the Naim Süleymanoğlu Memorial House.”

“Naim inspired countless young people”

Turkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia, Uyanık, said that Süleymanoğlu had built a bridge of friendship between the Turkish and Bulgarian peoples, adding: “Naim Süleymanoğlu carried the friendship of the two nations on his shoulders and became one of the clearest symbols of the deep ties between the two countries.”

“Naim’s extraordinary achievements in weightlifting inspired countless young people,” Uyanık added, noting that Süleymanoğlu is not only a source of pride for Turkiye but for the entire Balkan region.

Kardzhali Mayor Mümün added: “Great Naim, despite his small stature, stood tall against oppression and strengthened relationships with his courage. Sadly, life took him from us far too soon.”

Memories shared with longing

Süleymanoğlu’s teammates shared memories at the event.

Bulgarian weightlifter Angel Genchev said: “It is not enough to remember Naim only as an athlete. With his achievements, he left an unforgettable mark and became a sacred idol for all Turks, all Bulgarians, and the whole world.”

“Naim carried an unbeatable light of heroism,” Genchev continued: “At this commemoration, I want to share a debt of conscience with you. The assimilation campaign (carried out by the former communist regime against Turks and Muslims in Bulgaria) deeply wounded someone as strong as Naim. As a Bulgarian, I want to apologize both to my friend Naim and to all of you for this inhumane practice.”

The program continued with the presentation of gifts and plaques to young athletes, followed by Eypio’s performance of the song “Naim” and an invitation to the opening of the Naim Süleymanoğlu Memorial House on November 18, 2025, the 8th anniversary of his passing.

After the ceremony, participants and guests toured a photo exhibition in the entrance hall, showcasing important moments from Naim’s life.