Community Meetings Have Begun in Keçiören, Ankara

Dr. Mesut Özarslan, Mayor of Keçiören, Ankara, met with residents to listen to their concerns firsthand, took note of their requests, and worked with them to find solutions. The event, which took place at the Ufuktepe Market Area, was also attended by CHP Ankara Representative Semra Dinçer, city council members, neighborhood leaders, and Recep Ayhan, President of the Ankara Market Vendors’ Association.

THIS IS THE PEOPLE’S SQUARE; WE WILL SHARE YOUR CONCERNS

Stating that these meetings serve as an example of participatory democracy and that giving citizens a voice is important, Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan said, “Our MP is here with us today. She came herself to listen to our concerns. Thankfully, she is supporting us. Our goal is to listen to your concerns today. We’ll come up with solutions minute by minute. Whatever we can’t solve right away, we’ll resolve as soon as possible. We’ll spend these People’s Days together like this throughout the summer. In the winter, God willing, we’ll continue to serve you either at specific locations or by once again opening the doors of our municipality to you. This is the people’s square. This is the truth itself. Please don’t hesitate—tell us exactly what you need. We will serve you to the best of our ability, within the limits of our current resources. We will share your concerns. We will resolve your problems, if any, and seek solutions,” he said.

YOU ARE VERY LUCKY—KEÇİÖREN HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED

CHP Ankara Deputy Semra Dinçer, in her speech, said, “You are truly very fortunate. Do you know why? I was born in Keçiören, I grew up in Keçiören, and I still live in Keçiören, on Sanatoryum Street. But I’ve never heard of a mayor gathering neighborhood residents and asking, ‘What’s your problem, my friend? How can I find a solution?’ That’s why you’re so lucky to have a mayor like Mesut Özarslan. Our mayor listens to people’s concerns and will find solutions to them. As a resident of Keçiören, I know that even in just a year and a half, Keçiören’s face has changed; services have come to Keçiören, and cleanliness has come to Keçiören. Keçiören’s atmosphere has changed; its character has changed. The people of Keçiören have seen what it means to live with more dignity and have received the services they deserve.”

THANKS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS

Dilek Sari Kılıç, the neighborhood head of Ufuktepe, thanked Mayor Özarslan for addressing each of their neighborhood’s issues individually, while Arzu Adıgüzel, the neighborhood head of Kanuni, conveyed her gratitude on behalf of the residents and expressed her satisfaction with the meeting. Mustafa Binbir, the Neighborhood Head of Osmangazi, emphasized the importance of giving citizens a voice and expressed his satisfaction that their requests and concerns were heard in person.

REQUESTS WERE VOICED

Citizens, who showed great interest in the meeting, had the opportunity to directly convey their personal requests and expectations regarding their neighborhoods to Mayor Özarslan and municipal officials. At the meeting, which was also attended by the mayor’s deputies and department directors, citizens of all ages—from seven to seventy—voiced their requests and concerns. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Özarslan presented soccer balls to the children. The citizens also expressed their appreciation for being given the chance to speak and thanked Özarslan.