The history of Ahmetbey dates back to the Thracians, the years between 600-700 BC. Ahmetbey, which was the host of the Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations, was in a state of condition related to the granary of the Lüleburgaz Episcopal Center in the third century AC. From the early 1800s until 1930, the Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish people lived together in the town of Ahmetbey. Ahmetbey has an important position in the center of the Marmara Region, is neighbouring Istanbul and is 120 kilometres away from Bulgaria and Greece, where the borders of the European Union begin. Ahmetbey Municipality adopts common universal values such as democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, equality between women and men, justice and respect for differences. We believe that the idea of “full solidarity” which is expressed by the founders of European idealism can be provided by “Pan-European” approach in all terms and spreading sense of unity in all dimensions of European continent. Democracy, freedom, human rights and respect for human dignity, solidarity, equal opportunities, gender equality and social justice are all our common values and we must protect these values.

Bayrakli is one of the 11 central districts of Izmir. Bayrakl? district is located between Izmir and Çanakkale. Ancient Smyrna is shown as the place where Izmir was founded in terms of the city. Bayrakl? history dates back to 5,000 years. According to the Law No. 5747 in Turkey, Bayrakli became a district of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality on 6 March 2008. In general, Bayrakl? is a residential-centred settlement. In addition to this, Bayrakl? has become a new attraction centre in Izmir. The density of the industry has been decreasing gradually in the district's economy. Bayrakl? has become the new centre of attraction of Izmir where the concentration of the courthouses, business centres, call centres and vertical settlements is increasing. In order to move Bayrakli to a better future, we have determined the following principles as our core values and we will carry out all our activities within the framework of these core values. • To take care of the benefit of children and youth • Citizen satisfaction • To take care of the benefit of women • Lawfulness • Participation • Transparency and accountability • Reliability • To take care of disadvantaged groups • Fair, fast and quality service delivery

Besiktas is located in the European side of the city of Istanbul, and geographically composed of coastal and interior settlements. Despite its small surface area and population, it is ideally located at the junction of arterial roads of Istanbul, and has a convenient location to world-class amenities. It has the access roads to the Bridges of Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet interconnecting the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul and even two continents. While the current population is approximately 190.000, it reaches approximately 2 million people in a day.

"More Modern Büyükçekmece, Happier People from Büyükçekmece." Büyükçekmece is well-known on account of its agricultural and tourist potential. It developed rapidly in the 1980s and its population grew day by day. From 1994 onwards great efforts were made in terms of urban planning (sewage network, decontamination facilities, parks, monitoring of the environment, overhead energy and telecommunication networks placed underground, lighting systems etc.). Büyükçekmece has thus become a modern district. Büyükçekmece Municipality has organised dazzling cultural activities and projects in co-operation with the European Union and other institutions.

The municipality of Edremit, in Türkiye, is located on the Aegean Coast. With its 34 kms of coastline covered with beaches and crystalline waters overlooking the stunning Gulf of Edremit, this precious center is included in the metropolitan city district of Balikesir. This area is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauties (Mount Ida), archaeological sites (Antandros settlement, necropolis) and Mediterranean typical gastronomy enriched with the renowned Edremit’s olive oil, the main ingredient of the exquisite regional cuisine. The several luxury thermal spas close to Mount Ida make this resort an excellent destination for tourist.

Ayd?n Province, located in the Aegean Region, is surrounded by Izmir and Manisa to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, Denizli to the east, Mugla to the south. The city, which is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, is rich in agriculture thanks to the Büyük Menderes River; cotton, olives, figs, chestnuts, tobacco, citrus fruits are among the main agricultural products. mechanization in agriculture has increased Ayd?n City has registered its place among the most important cities. Efeler Municipality, which is the only central district municipality of Ayd?n, which started to serve as of 01.04.2014, consists of 83 neighborhoods with the connection of 5 towns, 56 villages and central neighborhoods.

Kadiköy is very attractive for local and foreign population with its central location, long coastline and cosmopolitan structure. In addition to social, cultural and sports activities, Kadiköy offers a wide variety of urban activities such as entertainment, recreation and shopping. It is one of the basic principles of Kadiköy Municipality that these activities should be inclusive without excluding any different groups such as age, gender, nationality, disability, class, social status, etc. Special efforts are made for the more active participation of women, children and the elderly from all social strata in social life. The participation of these groups is encouraged in workshops, concerts, sports activities, festivals and excursions. It provides convenience for those who have difficulty in accessing services. Beyond producing inclusive policies, it is another principle of Kadıköy Municipality to develop participatory approaches in the decision-making processes of these policies. During the 5-year Strategic Plan preparation process, neighborhood-based discussions were carried out and planning was made by taking into account the ideas of every segment living, working or socializing in Kadıköy. In this process, the website called Tell Kadıköy was activated and the monitoring/evaluation process of the planned activities became possible. Apart from this, periodic meetings in Talking Kadıköy are held to bring together the municipality administration and the residents of the neighborhood.

Kad?köy is a large, populous, and cosmopolitan district of Istanbul, Turkey on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara, facing the historic city centre on the European side of the Bosporus. Kad?köy is also the name of the most prominent neighbourhood of the district, a residential and commercial area that, with its numerous bars, cinemas and bookshops, is the cultural centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul.

Kirklareli enjoys a strategic position between the Balkans and Anatolia. The city is the shining star of Turkiye with its rich culture and history. Its motto is "the city of happy people". Kirklareli was founded in 1870 and named on 20 December 1924. If you follow the street that runs upwards from Hizirbey Mosque, which can be considered as the city center in Kirklareli, road will take you to Yayla Square and Ali Riza Efendi Culture House will be opened on 20 December 2017. For several years, the city was home to Greek, Bulgarian, Turkish, and Jewish populations. As a result, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro decided to build a room with their names to represent their cultures in a culture house which calls  Ali Riza Efendi Culture House, that has a name in Greek in a room, a Bulgarian and a Montenegrin. The house has been visited by 275.000 people since its establishment in order to represent the common culture.  Kirklareli Atatürk House, also in the city, opened to the public on January 17, 2018. Kirklareli Atatürk House was founded in the municipality with the help of Krklareli's charitable people whose hearts beat for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Kirklareli Atatürk House and Kirklareli people will be delighted and proud to welcome their visitors in the future, just as they have done in the past. There have been activities organized by the Women's Solidarity and Education Center (KADAM). Concerning the theme "Every Color is Free in Krklareli," NGOs and women entrepreneurs assist students there. In the scope of Bulgaria - Turkiye IPA Cross Boarder Cooperation Program, a cultural center was built. A project of ours was selected as “Best Practices” at the meeting held on 13 October 2015 in Sofia / Bulgaria.

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.

The total population of Lüleburgaz is based on the exact population determination results of 2018 (147,325). This (115.000) is in the district center and (31.660) is in the towns and villages. This population (51%) is females (49%). The population growth rate is well above the country average and the increase is mainly due to intensive migration from other regions and from the villages.

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.

Located at the north of Izmir, Çigli is one of the biggest ditricts of Izmir with a 133,55 kilometer square area. Surrounded by Menemen from the north, the Gulf of Izmir from the south and the west and Karsiyaka from the east, Çigli is 27 kilometers from the Izmir city center, 18 kilometers from Menemen and 7 kilometers from Karsiyaka. The most important locations of the district are Izmir Bird Paradise, Izmir Wildlife Park and Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone, Çamalti Salt Marsh and Çigli Air Base.

Edirne is located in European part of Turkey in the border of Bulgaria and Greece. The city has a huge historical heritage from the ancient times to present. Remainings of Old Thrace, Roman and Byzantium Eras are still existed and the marvelous architectural pieces of Ottoman Era are the jeweleries of the city panaroma. Selimiye Mosque and Its Complex is described in UNESCO World Heritage in 2011. In the other hand, Historical K?rkp?nar Oil Wrestling Festival is one of the most important historical sport events around the country and the world. Economically; agriculture, tourism, trade and education are the main sectors. Many foreign students continue their higher education in Edirne. The geaography where the city is located, provides many opportunity to create a unique mix culture of the east and west. This location feeds the city culturally, economically and touristically through all the history. With all these elements, Edirne is an important attraction center in the region and well-known destination. Citizens of Edirne participates in the local cultural activities of the city. The Folkloric NGO's take part in the festivals. Woman NGO's are actively working for increasing the role of women in the city. As well Environment activities are important and generally carried by municipal activities, where public participations also important.

Muratpasa is a cental district in Antalya, Turkey. With its population of more than 510 thousand, hospitals, schools and other public institutions and organizations, business and shopping centers, historical and tourist points such as Kaleici, Muratpasa is the heart of Antalya. The district has an area of 92 square kilometers. With 20 kilometers of coastline to the Mediterranean sea on its south, Muratpasa is surrounded with Kepez district in the north, Konyaalti district in the west and Aksu district in the east. According to 2019 the official data, Muratpasa has a population of 513 thousand 35, living in 55 neighborhoods. Muratpasa Municipality, which has built the circular economy model on the basis of ecological sensitivity, has built a model that creates equity for both the municipality and the residents of the district with its waste collection and recycling system, which is an example for the whole of Türkiye.

From 1924 onwards, Rize has been a province of the Republic of Turkey. Rize province is a province of north-east Turkey,on the eastern Black Sea Region Rize which lies on the northern side of the Black Sea mountain ranges has uneven and mountainous terrain. It has got a very narrow coastal strip, alluvial plains, and landfills, which has a significant place in Rize’s topography.The Population of Rize is 331.048. The economic structure of Rize is agriculturally based on tea production and tea industry.Fishery and forestry products also contribute to its ecomomy. Rize is famous for anchovy, Tea and Rize fabric which is made of linseed (flax).

Beykoz is one of the municipalities of Istanbul Metropolitan City and it was established in 1984. It is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul and northern end of the Bosporus. It has coasts from Bosporus to the Black Sea. The name Beykoz is derived from “BEY”, in which the meaning prince, lord or gentleman, and “KOZ” that is a word for a type of walnut (and Beykoz is famous for its walnuts as well). Beykoz consists of 45 neighborhoods. The surface area of Beykoz is 310,36 km2. The total number of Beykoz population is 246.700. From past to the present days, Beykoz becomes an important place for various cultures. The signs of Thracians, Bithynians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Genoeses, Byzantines and finally Turks can be seen. In addition to its historical significance, Beykoz has unique natural beauties either. It has long coastal road and large forested places.

Tekirda? Metropolitan Municipality is situated in the northern cost of the sea of Marmara, 135 km west of Istanbul. The picturesque bay of Tekirda? is enclosed by the great promontory of the mountain which gives its name to the city, Tekir Da?? (ancient Combos), a spur about 2000 ft. that rises into the hilly plateau to the north. Between Tekirda? and ?arköy is another mountain, Ganos Da??. Tekirda? has an area of 6,313 km2 and is surrounded by; Istanbul on the East, K?rklareli on the North, Edirne on the west, Çanakkale on the South-East and Marmara sea on the South. Tekirda?, the biggest establishment in North part of Ergene Basin, is established on the a wide gulf bank at Marmara sea. Tekirda? is situated within a developed network of transportation, with access to three major highways, a large international trading harbor and connected to Istanbul and Europa with European-Istanbul railway line. Tekirda? Province has 11 districts, 257 Villages and 33 Municipalities. 31% of the population lives in rural areas and 69% of the population lives in urban areas. Demographic characteristics Tekirda? has a population of 1.005.463 people according to the 2017 figures. When Tekirda? has reached to Greater Municipality status, every resident within the Tekirda? was registered to the province or district levels. Süleymanpa?a, which is the city centre of Tekirda? has a population of 196,031. The population density is 143/km2 and with this figure it is higher than the average number of Turkey (100/km2). The most populated districts are Çorlu, Çerkezköy and Süleymanpa?a. The lowest population is at Marmara Ere?lisi. Tekirda? is the 23. most crowded province among 81 provinces. Tekirda? consists of 11 districts including Süleymanpa?a. Population fluctuation differs from district to district. It is observed that the population in rural areas is decreasing in time. The highest urban population is in Çorlu District (260.437) where the least urban population is in M. Ere?lisi (24.598). 48.5% of the population is female and 51.5% of the population is male. Social and Economical Aspects Among the Gross National Product of Tekirda?, Industry is the leading sector with 43.5% of the total GNP, while the agriculture is second with 12.5%, transportation and communication is third with 12.3, followed by 10.7% commerce, 7.1% governmental services and 5.9% construction. The main sector switched from agriculture to industry in 70’s. The main industrial facilities are located in Çerkezköy, Çorlu and Tekirda? Centre. 3 facilities within Turkey top 100 and 15 facilities within Turkey top 500 are located in Tekirda? Province. Metal works and Machinery sector is developed. Being close to Istanbul and having access to major transportation routes playes an important role in the development of the industry. In total there are 13 small estates, which 7 of them are operational with 1,714 facilities. Within Tekirda? there are 11 industrial zones and 1 European industrial zone. The leading sector in industry is textile followed by leather, food, machine and metal, metal tools, agricultural tools and energy. Tekirda? is one of the provinces with the highest ratio of cultivated area to total area. Soil area appropriate for cultivating is 80% of the total area. Although it is possible to cultivate a wide range of products, the most common products are sunflower, wheat, onion, watermelon, cherry and grape. In total 400,000 hectare area is cultivated. Wheat production (185,065 hectare with 998,955 tons) represents %5 of Turkey’s production and 33% for sunflower (151,290 hectare with 356,750 tons). Climate Tekirda? has a borderline Mediterranean/humid subtropical (Köppen Climate Classification: Csa/Cfa). Summers are long, hot and humid whilst winters are cool and wet. Snowfall is quite common between the months December and March, snowing for a week or two. Most of the water falling to the soil is in the form of rainfall. The temperate climate makes agricultural relatively easy. This is due to the fact that north of Tekirda? is covered with Tekir Mountain formed parallel to the seaside. The section in between Tekirda? Marmara Ere?lisi-Sultanköy are open to northern winds in winter time and therefore lower temperatures could be observed. Inland of Tekirda? shows more terrestrial climate properties. Winters show a similar characteristic of northern Europe countries. The summers are dry and hot. The hot summer seasons last with rainfalls. Winters become dry and extreme cold when Syberian high-pressure area reaches to Tekirda?. The inlands are not affected by the softening affects of Marmara zone. July and August are the hottest months while January and February are the coldest months of the year. Rivers are scarce and insufficient. The main rivers are Hayrabolu Creek and Ergene River. The rainfall and soil condition and quality are ideal for agriculture. Environmental issues Specifically during winter times, air pollution is recorded at city center depending on meteorological conditions. The main reasons for the air pollution is due to burning low efficient fossil fuels for heating and use of inefficient burners. However, an increase in the air quality is also observed due to the use of more clean fuels (such as natural gas) and efficient burners since 1990. Energy production There is a 255,000 m3 Liquid Natural Gas terminal, which belongs to BOTA? (Petroleum Pipeline Corporation) within Tekirda?, Marmara Ere?lisi District. The terminal is connected to the national NG grid system via a 23 km pipeline . Natural gas is consumed significantly in the industry. There are in total 33 electricity power plants with a total installed capacity of 1173 MW. This corresponds to 1.66% of the total installed capacity of the electricity system in Turkey. The consumption rate of Tekirda? compared to Turkey is 3.13%. Approximately, 7,997 GWh electrical energy is generated in Tekirda?. List of Power Plants connected to the electricity system is as follows: The majority of the power plants utilize natural gas. 92.4% of the installed capacity of Tekirda? is based on natural gas while %7.6 is based on renewable energy, which is mostly wind energy . The share of wind energy in Tekirda? is higher than the average of Turkey, which is approximately 2%. Turkish electricity system is interconnected with no isolated or separate grid systems and power plants within the connected electricity system can be dispatched without significant transmission constraints. Although there are power plants within Tekirda?, which produce electrical energy, the generated energy is either imported to the grid or serves as dedicated power plants for specific industrial facility. Therefore, the local emission factor for electrical energy used/consumed by the buildings is identical to the national emission factor. Vision and Mission: To increase the quality of life of those living in Tekirdag by providing contemporary municipal services in coordination with district municipalities within the framework of a human-oriented and participatory management approach, which has created the awareness of urbanity that respects environmental values. To create a livable, safe and happy Tekirdag that has completed its environment-friendly urbanization with its strong industry, agriculture and livestock, logistics investments, tourism and university.

Central Anatolia Municipalities Union is a public organisation. Republic of Turkey Central Anatolia Municipalities Union is established upon the document of Ministery of Interior Affairs with the date 15.01.1991 and number 15053 and the permission date 25.01.1991 and number 91/1427 of the Council of Ministers. Central Anatolia Municipalities Union service centers’ property is on the Union.

Turkey in the framework of the Council of Europe on 21 May 1980 the Spanish border cooperation between the opened local communities and governments for signature in Madrid after the signing of the European Framework Convention for the 4 in Strasbourg France in February 1998 on February 1, 2000 with the diplomatic relations of this agreement Turkey in terms of cooperation countries will be established with local authorities and only private administrations in Turkey, municipalities, villages and applies to recording with 4517 No. approved and 4 February 2000 the Official Gazette published and enforced by placing international initiatives and the title of the law in Turkey, the local government association, Union of Municipalities of Thrace It constitutes the movement mechanism of the Union. Union of Municipalities of Thrace is the Union of Municipalities that carries out Cross-Border Cooperation activities. Union of Municipalities of Thrace; Based on the Council of Europe Convention adopted by Law No. 4517 and with the positive opinion received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the coordination of this Ministry, it cooperates with the Local Authorities of the States that are parties to the Council of Europe Convention. Union of Municipalities of Thrace, enumerated in the European Framework Agreement on Cross-Border Cooperation between Local Communities and Authorities of the Council of Europe, * Environmental, Agriculture and Spatial Planning * Tourism * Culture Education and Research * Transport, Transport * Economy and Employment * Border Population, Health, Social Services * Solidarity in disaster and emergency situations works on issues. The Union of Municipalities of Thrace is responsible for the sustainability of our project and the transfer of information to the municipalities in the Thrace Region.