Mayor Ömer Eşki: “We are fortunate to have had Şaban Acarbay in Bornova”

A ceremony uniting people from all walks of life was filled with pride and gratitude.

Bornova Municipality has named the Semi-Olympic Indoor Swimming Pool in Çamdibi after Dr. Şaban Acarbay, who devoted many years of service to sports in İzmir and Turkey. The ceremony, attended by figures from the worlds of art, politics, and sports, was marked by a strong sense of appreciation for Dr. Acarbay’s contributions. Mayor Ömer Eşki, calling this period a “time of gratitude,” announced that a similar tribute would soon honor Selami Cihanel. The event was emotional, with Dr. Acarbay’s name becoming immortalized in Bornova.

Bornova Municipality bestowed the name of Dr. Şaban Acarbay — a physician, educator, and community volunteer who has served sports in İzmir and Turkey for over 50 years — on the Semi-Olympic Indoor Swimming Pool in Çamdibi. The event turned into a meaningful gathering of people from the arts, politics, sports, and business communities, where feelings of gratitude took center stage.

“This is a historic day for me”

In his opening speech, Dr. Şaban Acarbay expressed his deep emotions about receiving this honor:

“It is a great source of pride to see my name live on in such a facility on the very soil where I once worked as a child to earn pocket money. I thank our Mayor, Mr. Ömer Eşki, and the Municipal Council for this gesture of gratitude, which they unanimously approved. Gratitude is one of the most important traits of honorable people. Seeing so many people here who embody this spirit is a great reward for me.”

“We are proud that Çamdibi raised such a person”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki shared his respect for Dr. Acarbay’s life and work, saying:

“The idea to name this facility came up during a conversation in Çamdibi. Today, I can see from the smiles on everyone’s faces that it was the right decision. It is a great joy for all of us to honor someone who has lived such a virtuous life. We are fortunate to have had Şaban Acarbay in Bornova. If I was able to contribute to this act of gratitude, I consider myself lucky.”

Mayor Eşki also stated that he wished for this period to be remembered as a “time of gratitude” and announced preparations to name a park after the late Selami Cihanel, another valued figure from Çamdibi.

“Children here will contribute to Turkish sports”

Former Bornova Mayor Olgun Atilla added:

“This beautiful facility, bearing the name of our esteemed elder, will help raise many athletes. It will be a source of pride to see children from here contribute to Turkish sports.”

“This name is now immortalized here”

Former CHP İzmir MP Atilla Sertel emphasized the significance of Dr. Acarbay:

“Dr. Acarbay is a valuable figure as a physician, an athlete, and a mentor to young people. With this facility, his name has been immortalized here. As champion athletes emerge from this place, his name and those who contributed will be remembered. I especially thank Mayor Eşki for this great act of gratitude.”

“This community stands together without distinction”

Former CHP Secretary General and İzmir MP Prof. Dr. Kamil Okyay Sındır highlighted Dr. Acarbay’s unifying nature:

“There is no political or ethnic distinction at this ceremony. We are all here for someone who holds a place in everyone’s heart. This is the achievement of Brother Şaban. Our society needs more people like him.”

“He touched my life too”

Former İzmir MP İlhan Kaya shared his personal experience:

“Şaban Acarbay touched my life. He extended his hand to me, and I became a member of parliament. I sincerely thank our Mayor Ömer Eşki for realizing such an example of gratitude at such a young age.”

The Spirit of Gratitude Felt Throughout the Ceremony

At the end of the ceremony, the Bornova Industrialists and Businesspeople Platform, the Köprülüler Association, residents of Pınar Neighborhood, and TÜFAD İzmir Branch President Hasan Aral presented plaques and gifts to Mayor Eşki. TÜFAD Denizli Branch President Bülent Fil presented a gift to Dr. Şaban Acarbay.

After the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Eşki and protocol members toured the facility. Dr. Acarbay blew the starting whistle for the young athletes training in the pool, marking the beginning of a new chapter.