Bornova and Dura Become Sister Cities

Bornova Municipality has signed a Sister City Protocol with the Municipality of Dura, a Palestinian city of approximately 120,000 residents located in the southern West Bank. During the historic signing ceremony, the two municipalities committed to developing joint projects in urban services, digital municipal governance, and cultural exchange. Particular emphasis was placed on providing educational and logistical support for Palestinian students studying at Ege University.

Bornova Municipality continues to strengthen its international solidarity and expand its network of cooperation with local governments around the world. Diplomatic efforts coordinated by the Municipality’s Directorate of Foreign Affairs over the past year have now been formalized. Following the signing of a letter of intent in October 2025, reciprocal municipal council approvals, and official authorization from Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Sister City Protocol between Bornova Municipality and the Municipality of Dura was officially signed.

The ceremony, organized to enhance institutional capacity, exchange municipal expertise, and establish lasting ties of friendship between the two communities, was attended by the Palestinian delegation consisting of Dura Mayor Mohannad Amro, Director of Foreign Affairs Abdel Majeed Dasseh, and Municipal Council Member Basem Doudin.

Mayor Eşki: “Palestinian Students Are Entrusted to Us”

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said it was an honor to host the Palestinian delegation in Bornova. He noted that the humanitarian crisis in the region is being followed with deep concern, expressing particular sorrow for the hardships endured by children and young people. Wishing for peace and improved conditions as soon as possible, Mayor Eşki highlighted the municipality’s investments in youth services and stated:

“At our Gülşah Durbay Youth Center, we provide university students with daily hot meals, comfortable study spaces, and free internet access. Beyond that, we support innovation by offering 3D printers as well as audio and video production studios. Palestinian students currently studying at Ege University—or those who will come to our city in the future—are now our own children and our responsibility. Our doors are always open to them, and they will be able to benefit from all of these technological and logistical facilities free of charge.”

Mayor Mohannad Amro: “We Take Inspiration from Bornova’s Innovative Municipal Model”

Dura Mayor Mohannad Amro expressed his admiration for Bornova Municipality’s visionary projects for women and young people, as well as its smart city initiatives, and thanked the municipality for its warm hospitality.

Despite the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, Amro emphasized their resilience and determination, adding that they aim to make the voice of Palestine heard around the world. Although Dura has a smaller population than Bornova, he said they hope to implement similar social and technological projects in their own city.

“Our institutional partnership with Bornova Municipality is of great value to us. We hope this historic cooperation will go beyond a signed document and continue through regular communication and dedicated joint committees. Our shared priority is the Palestinian cause, and it is important that we continue to advocate for this just cause together on every platform. We are proud of Palestinian students who excel around the world. Just two days ago, many of our high school graduates achieved a remarkable 99% success rate in the national graduation examinations. We hope this protocol will also pave the way for academic cooperation. Enabling these talented young people to study at Ege University and organizing continuous events and exchange visits for Palestinian students already studying here will further strengthen the bond between our communities. We are especially interested in receiving Bornova’s technical support in e-services and digital municipal governance.”

Digital Twin Presentation and Meaningful Site Visits

Following the signing ceremony, the Palestinian delegation visited Bornova Municipality’s Smart City and Urban Information Systems Department, where they received a detailed technical presentation on the municipality’s Digital Twin platform and other smart city technologies that support efficient municipal governance.

As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the historic Sarnıç Masjid al-Aqsa and Abide-i Hürriyet Square, concluding a program dedicated to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and knowledge sharing between the two municipalities.