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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.

BAYRAKLI MUNICIPALITY

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 Municipality

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.

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.

Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality

The largest city in Eastern Anatolia, Erzurum was founded around 4900 BC. The region, which includes Erzurum, has been ruled by various tribes and nations throughout history, such as Urartians, Cimmerians, Scythians, Medes, Persians, Parfts, Romans, Sassanids, Arabs, Seljuks, Byzantines, Sassanids, Mongols, Ilkhanids and Sfavids. The Ottomans, who conquered the city and its surroundings, ruled these lands until 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was established. Our city, where approximately 767,000 citizens live, stands out with its winter tourism. Our city, which attaches great importance to local participation, aims to be a part of ELDW and encourage civic participation.

Gaziosmanpa?a district, Istanbul

With the rapid increase in population, Ta?l?tarla (the old name for calling Gaziosmanpa?a) became the district center in 1963 and after that it started to be called Gaziosmanpa?a. In 1985, Gaziosmanpa?a, which was home to 5 percent of the population of 291,715 people, had 1,790 people per square kilometer. In 1990, the population of the district increased to 393,667 and the population density increased to 2,415 people/km2. Gaziosmanpa?a is one of the leading districts of Istanbul in terms of population growth rate. VISION: Being the Most Preferred Center of Istanbul, Developing with a Sustainable Management Approach by Building a Living City. MISSION: Gaziosmanpa?a keeps the expectations of the citizens at the center of the service with an approach of "Transformation in the City" and the aim of reaching a perfect and strong district structure.

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.

KAVAK BELED?YE BA?KANLI?I

Our town of Kavak, located in the south of Samsun on the Samsun-Ankara highway, is 50 km from the city center. Located at an important junction connecting the Black Sea to Central Anatolia, southern and western Anatolia, Kavak has great advantages in terms of transportation. Being located on the Samsun - Ankara - Istanbul main highway, passing through the railway line, being close to the Samsun port, and short distance to Samsun airport are important attractions for investment and promise great hope for the future of the district. We aim for a district where we touch the citizens and strengthen the dialogue through various projects and the human structure of our district of Kavak.

Kinik Belediyesi

The name of the town comes from the K?n?k tribe, one of the 24 Oghuz tribes. The first settlement dates back to two centuries ago. After the people were given the right to own private property during the reign of Sultan Mahmut II, some of the villagers migrated from Mudasun (Gökdere) village of Koyulhisar, some from Hubyar Village and others from Be?dün Village of Sivas. In a book prepared by the District Governor of Almus about the settlements of the district, it is stated that K?n?k Town was founded in the 1700s. K?n?k town is in the east of Tokat province, 45 km from Tokat. It is located in the south of the town of Almus and 11 km. away. There are Kap?c? and Karadere villages in the east, Cevreli (Muhat) town in the west, Almus dam in the north, and Çal Mountain with the hight of 1900 meters, which is connected to the Dumanl? mountain range in the South. The town was established on the northern skirts of the Çal? Mountain. K?n?k Town consists of 5 neighborhoods. K?n?k Municipality adopts common universal morals such as democracy, pluralism, rule of law, human rights and freedoms, equality of men and women, justice and respect for differences. The idea of "full solidarity" expressed by the founders of European idealism can be achieved by the "Pan-European" approach in every sense and thorough spreading the sense of unity to all dimensions of the European continent. Democracy, freedom, respect for human rights and human dignity, solidarity, equality opportunity, gender equality and social justice are our common values and we must protect these them.

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.

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.

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 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.

Muratpasa Municipality

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.

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.

Rize Municipality

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).

TC Beykoz Belediye Baskanligi (TC Beykoz municipality)

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.

Union of Central Anatolian Municipalities Statutes

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.

Union of Municipalities of Türkiye

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.