Mayor Eşki: “Local democracy grows stronger with empowered mukhtars”

The Bornova Mukhtars Academy project, initiated by Bornova Municipality in cooperation with the District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Mukhtars Association, has begun with cultural–historical tours and training programs for mukhtars. The first training session was held at the Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center. The project will continue for six months with various trainings and activities.

As the first step of the Bornova Mukhtars Academy, a cultural and historical tour was organized for the mukhtars of Bornova’s 45 neighborhoods. Accompanied by guides, the mukhtars visited the Abide-i Hürriyet Square in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, where monuments and symbols depicting the history of Turkish states and the constitutional period are located. They then toured the Yeşilova Mound—evidence of settlement in İzmir dating back 8,500 years—and the Visitor Center established by Bornova Municipality next to the excavation area.

First training: Diction, public speaking, and persuasion skills

The first training session within the scope of the project took place at the Bornova Municipality Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center. Communication Specialist Turgut Onarır provided mukhtars with comprehensive training on the topics of “Diction, Public Speaking, and Persuasion Skills.” The Mukhtars Academy will continue for six months with thematic trainings, workshops, and field practices.

Mayor Eşki: “Empowering our mukhtars strengthens Bornova”

Emphasizing the significance of the project, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated:
“Mukhtars are the heartbeat of the neighborhood and the first point of contact in local democracy. Enhancing their capacities means a more effective and stronger Bornova. Through this project, we are supporting their knowledge and skills while expanding the principle of collective decision-making in urban governance.”

Mayor Eşki noted that such initiatives, which reinforce Bornova’s participatory governance approach, will continue to grow.