Türkiye Türkiye

Partner cities

Ahmetbey Municipality

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.

Büyükçekmece

"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.

Edremit

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.

Kadiköy Municipality

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.

KIRKLARELI MUNICIPALITY

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.

Kocasinan Mahallesi Muhtarlığı

Lüleburgaz Kocasinan Neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood of Lüleburgaz, the largest settlement in Kırklareli Province. There are 7000 people living in Kocasinan Neighborhood. Emrullah Efendi Elementary School, the oldest educational institution of Lüleburgaz District, Kocasinan Elementary School and Lüleburgaz Anatolian Imam Hatip High School are located within the boundaries of the neighborhood. The most important historical sites in Lüleburgaz are located within the boundaries of the Kocasinan Neighborhood. These historical buildings are Mimar Sinan Mosque and Complex, Sibyan Mektebi, Historical Fountain, Mimar Sinan Bridge and Kadi Ali Mosque, which were built by the most important architect of the Ottoman Empire. The basis of democracy is choice. The elections held in the neighborhoods ensure the development and dissemination of the idea of democracy to the smallest administrative units. Besides continuing its efforts for the spread and development of the idea of democracy, the Kocasinan Neighborhood Mukhtar is the smallest administrative unit that has adopted common universal values such as democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, equality between men and women, justice and respect for differences. In addition, the Headman of the Kocasinan Neighborhood is a woman. The fact that there is a female headman who came to work by election shows the importance that people living in the neighborhood attach to gender equality. Socio-Economically, Socio-Politically and culturally, Kocasinan Neighborhood is defined as the most developed neighborhood of Lüleburgaz District. Kocasinan Neighborhood is trying to realize the main theme of ELDW for 2023 : "Local communities: putting democratic resilience at the forefront".

Lüleburgaz

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.

Municipality of Buca (Buca Belediyesi)

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.

Municipality of Cigli

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.

Zeytinburnu district, 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.