A model collaboration for participatory and inclusive governance
“We are shaping Bornova’s future together”

The opening meeting of the Bornova Muhtars’ Academy, implemented in cooperation with Bornova Municipality, Bornova District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Bornova Muhtars Association, was held with broad participation. As part of the project, 45 neighborhood muhtars will receive six months of comprehensive training ranging from digital literacy to effective communication. Mayor Ömer Eşki and District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner emphasized that the project strengthens institutional coordination and improves the quality of public service delivered to citizens.

The “Participatory/Inclusive Governance Approach and Communication Training Project for the Muhtars of Bornova District (Bornova Muhtars’ Academy),” submitted by the Bornova Muhtars Association to the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate General of Civil Society Relations and awarded grant support, officially launched with a ceremony. The project, carried out jointly by the Bornova District Governorship, Bornova Municipality, and Yaşar University, was presented to the public at an opening and introductory meeting held at Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center and Wedding Hall.

The meeting was attended by Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, Bornova District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner, Yaşar University Rector Prof. Dr. Levent Kandiller, muhtar associations, NGO representatives, district officials, academics, and students.

District Governor Şahiner: “Cooperation and harmony between institutions in Bornova sets an example”

District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner emphasized the significance of the project for the district, stating:
“We are honored to be a pillar of such a valuable project. This program, which will strengthen our muhtars' communication skills, is an important step toward increasing the quality of public service. We all have shortcomings in communication; establishing correct communication with citizens is one of the most essential components of effective service. For this reason, I attach great importance to our muhtars’ participation in this project.”

He also emphasized that the institutional cooperation in Bornova sets an example for Türkiye:
“Our municipality, district governorship, and university all serve the same purpose like the fingers of one hand. With this harmony, there is nothing we cannot achieve in our district. For instance, the area of schools demolished due to earthquake risk will be reorganized as parking lots by our municipality—this alone demonstrates the strength of our coordination. I thank all stakeholders who contributed to this project.”

Mayor Eşki: “We are transforming the muhtarlık institution into a digital, strong, and academically grounded structure”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted that this is one of Türkiye’s most comprehensive training programs for the muhtarlık institution, saying:
“I believe we are doing something very important. Because today, no institution without an academic foundation or completed digital transformation can operate sustainably. Buildings that remain standing after an earthquake do so because they are based on engineering and scientific principles. The same applies to institutions: those that digitalize, develop institutional memory, and strengthen their identity survive.”

Mayor Eşki emphasized that the ultimate aim is to improve the service delivered to citizens:
“We want our muhtarlık offices, municipalities, district governorship, and governorship to operate on the same ground, with the same level of knowledge and communication quality. Ensuring that citizens benefit from public services through correct, rational, and scientific methods is our top priority. The Bornova Muhtars’ Academy is an important step in achieving this. I truly believe projects like this will bring meaningful benefits to our society. Together, we will build a participatory, inclusive, and digitalized local governance model in Bornova. My thanks to everyone who contributed.”

Rector Kandiller: “Our focus is participation, inclusiveness, and sustainability”

Yaşar University Rector Prof. Dr. Levent Kandiller expressed their satisfaction in taking part in the educational component of the project, saying:
“This project brings together central administration, local governments, civil society, and academia. When designing our education model, participation, inclusiveness, and sustainability guided us. Our muhtars are the representatives who always stand by us and protect our neighborhoods. Supporting their management and communication competencies is very meaningful for us.”

Turgay Esen: “Public service becomes more professional with this project”

İzmir Provincial Director of Civil Society Relations, Turgay Esen, highlighted the importance of the muhtarlık institution, the first link in public service:
“This is an excellent project. For the first time in Türkiye, such a comprehensive program is being implemented for muhtars, and the university’s academic support plays a major role in institutionalizing this effort. Public service becomes more professional through this project.”

Zeki Güler: “A model to be implemented in our district for the first time in Türkiye”

Bornova Muhtars Association President Zeki Güler expressed his gratitude for the support given to the project, stating:
“We are proud that such a comprehensive project—one that will bring a new vision to the muhtarlık institution—is being implemented in Bornova as a first in Türkiye. We thank all our stakeholders.”

Six-month academic training program begins

A presentation introducing the project was given by Bornova Municipality Directorate of Muhtarlık Affairs Manager Şahin Doğan, followed by a talk by Yaşar University Faculty of Law Assistant Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Kaplan titled “The Legal Role of Neighborhood Muhtars in Terms of Inclusive/Participatory Governance.”

During the six-month academic program, 45 muhtars will receive training in the following areas:

• Digital Literacy

• Basic Computer and Internet Use

• Effective Social Media Management and Digital Communication

• Online Meetings and Data Security

• Public Speaking, Listening, and Note-taking Techniques

• Effective Meeting and Time Management

• Public Relations and Effective Communication

• Diction, Oratory, and Persuasion Skills

The project aims to strengthen muhtars’ individual, professional, and institutional communication abilities, enabling them to communicate more effectively with citizens, public institutions, and local government.