Incident Identified to Involve Children – Mayor Eşki Calls for Common Sense

Municipal construction vehicles used in asphalt works in Bornova’s Çamkule Neighborhood were damaged by unidentified children. Following the incident, the neighborhood headman issued an apology to the municipality, while Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of protecting and guiding children. A similar act of vandalism had previously occurred in the İnönü Neighborhood.

As part of Bornova Municipality’s ongoing road construction projects, work vehicles operated by the Directorate of Public Works were vandalized in Çamkule. The vehicles had been parked in the yard of Çimentaş Middle School after working hours. Security footage from the school revealed that the perpetrators were children.

Damage included broken parts of the asphalt paving machine, areas that appeared to have been hit with a hammer, and the removal of the fuel cap. After technical repairs, work resumed without interruption.

Apology from the Neighborhood Headman: “We demand investment, yet we sabotage it”

Çamkule Neighborhood Headman Nesim Yaşar stated after the incident:

“We complain that no investment has been made in our neighborhood for 50 years, and then something this disgraceful happens. Our young Mayor Ömer Eşki is carrying out important projects in our area. This situation is truly shameful.”

He apologized to Bornova Municipality on behalf of the neighborhood and called on local families to take greater responsibility for their children.

Mayor Eşki: “We must protect our children before we lose them”

Mayor Ömer Eşki stressed the seriousness of the issue in his statement:

“Our municipality’s goal is to serve neighborhoods and improve quality of life. A 25-person team is working tirelessly under the scorching summer sun. It’s very disappointing to see such efforts harmed by events like this. From the footage, it's clear that children were involved. At this point, punishment should not be the focus — education and awareness are what truly matter. We must all come together to reach these children, guide them, and not lose the youth who are our future. Municipal vehicles can be repaired, but a child’s conscience and future are far more valuable.”

Mayor Eşki added that the municipality is working in coordination with the neighborhood headman and school administration and will be contacting families involved.

A Similar Incident in İnönü Neighborhood

About a month ago, public property in the İnönü Neighborhood was also targeted. The marketplace, opened by Bornova Municipality in 2019, was vandalized by unknown individuals. Windows in the toilets and administrative offices were smashed, property was damaged, ceilings were torn down, and graffiti was written on the walls. That incident also sparked renewed discussion about the importance of protecting public spaces.