Türkiye Türkiye

Partner cities

Bağcılar Municipality

Bagcılar Municipality was established in 1992 and is a local government serving a population of 748,483. Bagcılar Municipality has developed and implemented its works on methods that facilitate human life since the day it was founded. It has built, realized and organized many service buildings, projects and events for women, children and young people in the district and it is continuing to perform such activities. Also, these groups have their own councils where they can represent themselves.

Konak Municipality

Izmir is the third biggest province of Turkey, with a population of 4.367.251. Located at the geographical centre of Izmir, Konak is also the economic, cultural and historical centre of the city. The district has an area of 24 square kilometres. According to the latest official data, 351.572 people live in the 112 neighbourhoods of Konak. However, due to its status as the transportation, business and entertainment hub, it is estimated that Konak hosts 1.5 million people every day. Konak Municipality was established as the “Central District Municipality” with “Metropolitan Municipalities Law” numbered 3030, published in Resmi Gazete (Official Gazette) on 9 July 1984. The name of Izmir Central District Municipality was changed to “Konak Municipality” on 4 July 1987. On 22 July 1988, Konak Municipality completed its organisation and became operational. Konak Municipality serves its citizens with its 31 directorates and over 2000 personnel working in various fields such as public works, women, children, sports and culture. Currently, Konak Municipality has 15 community centres: 1 centre for senior citizens, 10 sports centres and 4 culture centres.

Marmara Municipalities Union

Marmara Municipalities Union (MMU) is the first and the largest regional Local Government Association in Türkiye with 188 members from the Marmara Region which is the center of scientific, cultural and high-value-added activities as well as of commerce, finance and industry. Based in Istanbul, MMU operates across 11 provinces, 6 of which are metropolises (Balikesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Çanakkale, Edirne, Istanbul, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Tekirdağ and Yalova).The Marmara Region inhabits around 26 million residents, making up one third of the population of Türkiye. At the center of the region is the Sea of Marmara, which is an inland sea connecting Türkiye’s Asian and European parts. Since its foundation in 1975, MMU has played an important role in the formation of a culture of agreement and collaboration among mayors and council members elected from different political parties, the development of coordination and cooperation between municipalities, increasing the authority and resources of municipalities, and representing municipalities at the international arena. MMU carries on activities in areas such as environment, urbanization, migration and social cohesion, local diplomacy, local economic development, resilience, urban technology and innovation. On these areas, MMU’s activities include training, consulting, corporate capacity building, raising awareness, supporting scientific researches, advocating local democracy, and organizing events and meetings which gather relevant stakeholders. In this context, as national coordinating authority, MMU support municipalities for the implementation of ELDW activities.

Municipality of Buca

Buca district, where Izmir's history is most intense, has a unique identity as it witnesses the civilization dating back to 130 BC. Buca, the most populous district of Izmir, has a population of 517.963 compared to 2021. The society, which consists of Greek, English, French, Dutch, Italian and other Levantine families who came and settled in Izmir in the past, contributed significantly to the development and enrichment of Buca. Thus, Buca, which has hosted countless cultures and civilizations, has a universal mosaic structure. For this reason, it is very important to protect the existing identity and values of Buca, and to ensure the integration of individuals from different cultures into the city life and culture of the city. It determines local government strategies with the ideology of creating and implementing projects with the participation of all stakeholders in the design of creative and innovative services that add value to Buca in the district of Buca, and strengthening the participatory management approach by increasing the satisfaction of our people.

NILÜFER MUNICIPALITY

Nilüfer is a landlocked city located at the western center of Bursa Province, Marmara Region in Turkey. Nilüfer, home of more than 500.000 inhabitants, became a center of attraction with specialized industrial zones, extensive social facilites and a diverse selection of cultural events. Nilüfer distinguishes itself from other cities by offering a wide-range and quality controlled municipal services. Nilüfer incorporates 64 quarters into the city. Urban parts reflects modern and dynamic settlements , while rural ones possessing a rich heritage, extending from prehistoric settlements, Eastern Roman castles and Ottoman-era buildings.

Şişli Municipality

Şişli, one of the 39 districts of Istanbul is located on the European Side. With a central location and wide-ranging features, it is a district that almost every Istanbulite has seen, visited, or passed through at least once for different purposes. Şişli has a rich cultural heritage and is one of Istanbul's multicultural, colorful, sparkling, and unique districts. Once home to a sizeable population of minorities and immigrants who had taken refuge in Istanbul throughout history, Şişli, like many other city districts, attracted many migrants from other cities in the 20th century. Religious buildings representing different faiths form a part of the current diversified social fabric, idyllic gardens that you come across around busy streets, apartment buildings designed by well-known architects, and flavors blended with the cuisines of different minorities are among the factors that make it enjoyable and surprising to explore Şişli. Şişli, one of the districts where the first steps were taken as part of the Westernization drive, has played a vital role in Istanbul’s architectural history. Şişli Municipality is committed to the following goals: based on the rule of law, within the framework of strategy plans to develop municipal services using participative methods, to ensure their sustainability, to improve accessibility, to respect social equality in all its actions, and to improve the quality of life. Due to the municipal dedication to transparency, accessibility, and accountability. Our vision is a district where all our citizens feel free and secure on roads and in squares, where culture and art enrich life in all neighborhoods, where the cultural and ecological heritage is protected, and where all citizens participate in its administration.

Union of Municipalities of Turkey (UMT)

The Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB) was established in 1945 as a public interest association to operate in the field of municipalism and continued its municipal activities for 57 years as an association in order to protect the rights and interests of municipalities under one roof. The Union of Municipalities of Turkey gained the status of union of local administrations with the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 21 August 2002 in order to gather all municipalities in Turkey under one roof. In addition to the support we provide to our municipalities in various fields, we are in close relations with organizations and initiatives such as the Congress on Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. In this context, we support our municipalities as the national coordinating authority for the implementation of ELDW activities.

Zeytinburnu Municipality, Istanbul

Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul became a district in 1957. As of today, it is home to approximately 300,000 citizens. Our district, which aims at a structure in which every citizen is considered and their ideas can be implemented, sees civic participation as a reflection of local democracy. Our vision People are happy to live, feel safe, develop their abilities, and prepare their children for the world of the future; Zeytinburnu, the city of wisdom, art and commerce. Our Mission To families living in Zeytinburnu: To provide a peaceful city life that integrates with the history, culture and economy of Istanbul and shares its wealth and values.