Generations Come Together Through Mobility

Bornova Municipality’s environmental, sports and awareness events held as part of European Mobility Week attracted great interest. A total of 24 different events were held across the district throughout the week. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said, “As we build bridges between generations with the participation of citizens from 7 to 70, we once again highlighted our vision of an accessible Bornova through our empathy course. We will continue working for a cleaner and more accessible city.”

Bornova Municipality transformed the city into a veritable festival area as part of European Mobility Week, celebrated from September 16 to 22. Throughout the week, dozens of activities were organized, ranging from sports tournaments and environmental workshops to nature excursions and intergenerational digital and physical activities. Bornova’s green spaces, historic sites and squares were filled with the energy of residents of all ages.

Mayor Eşki: “We Are Building a Greener, More Accessible and Sustainable Bornova”

Evaluating the week’s activities, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the foundation of sustainable urban living lies in mobility and environmental awareness. Mayor Eşki said:

“Throughout European Mobility Week, our goal in Bornova was not only to promote sports and physical activity, but also to bring people closer to nature, reduce our carbon footprint and, most importantly, strengthen bridges between generations. The scenes of children and older adults taking penalty kicks together, planting seedlings side by side and sharing their experiences are among the finest examples of the Bornova we envision as a city of solidarity. Through the awareness courses we established, we once again highlighted our vision of an accessible Bornova. We will continue our work without slowing down for a cleaner environment, a more active lifestyle and a Bornova that is accessible to everyone.”

Nature Breathed, Waste Gave Life Back to the Soil

During the first days of the week, residents of Bornova connected with the soil at the Yakaköy Solidarity Garden Harvest Festival and learned about sustainable agriculture and waste recycling at the Compost Workshop held at Büyükpark. Environmental awareness was encouraged among children through fun street games and waste-sorting activities, while participants’ carbon footprints were also measured to raise awareness about the climate crisis.

Intergenerational Solidarity with “Digital Grandchildren” and “Zumba-Dancing Grandmothers”

The most colorful moments of the week took place during the intergenerational interaction activities. In Gökdere Village, university students and residents aged 65 and over brought together games from the past and present and shared their memories. Yeşilova Mound hosted a series of remarkable activities; during the “Digital Grandchild Workshop,” children shared their technology skills with older adults, while the “Grandfather-Grandchild Penalty Shootout Tournament” and “Grandmother-Grandchild Zumba” activities turned physical exercise into fun.

Bornova’s Natural and Historical Heritage Rediscovered

Alongside sports and environmental activities, Bornova’s rich cultural and natural heritage was also highlighted. During the Biodiversity Observation and Nature Discovery excursion in Homeros Valley, nature enthusiasts observed the area’s diversity of plants and wildlife firsthand. The “Bornova Heritage Levantine Route” tours between Bornova Metro Station and Dramalılar Mansion took participants on a journey through the city’s rich historical past. The week concluded in a festive atmosphere with folk dance performances, performances by women’s rhythm groups and the distribution of 500 lavender seedlings to residents at Büyükpark.

Empathy and Awareness Course for an Accessible Bornova

One of the most meaningful and notable final events of the week was held at Bornova Büyükpark. At the Awareness Course organized by the Directorate of Services for People with Disabilities and Older Adults, municipal council members, neighborhood heads and numerous residents came together.

Participants completed the course using wheelchairs, portable ramps, white canes and blindfolds, experiencing firsthand some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives. The event, which attracted extensive participation, sent a strong message toward increasing awareness of accessibility across the city.