Yalova’s First Community Garden Opens with Bornova’s Guidance

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki attended the opening of Yalova’s first Community Garden as an honorary guest, as the city adopted the “Community Garden” project pioneered by Bornova Municipality and promoted across Türkiye. Yalova Mayor Mehmet Gürel stated that they had taken Bornova Municipality as their model in implementing the project, emphasizing that Mayor Ömer Eşki is the leader who popularized the concept across Türkiye and introduced its best practices.

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, recognized as the mayor who has opened the highest number of community gardens in Türkiye, attended the opening ceremony of Yalova Municipality’s first Community Garden. Yalova Mayor Mehmet Gürel openly acknowledged that they had followed Bornova’s example, saying, “Ömer Eşki is the leader who has integrated the concept of community gardens into social life and implemented the best practices. We have drawn inspiration from him.”

Mayor Eşki: “Community Gardens Are Becoming Places Where Women Shape the Urban Agenda”

Warmly welcomed at the ceremony, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the project’s power to drive social transformation. Beginning his speech by recalling Atatürk’s affection for Yalova, Mayor Eşki emphasized that community gardens are not merely agricultural spaces but also centers where women have a say in decision-making and management. Eşki said:

“We are in Yalova, a city Atatürk loved dearly and whose urban plan he drew with his own hands. We have come from İzmir, a place he also loved very much. Community gardens have become an obsession for us. This is becoming a place where women shape the city’s agenda. Instead of men’s conversations in coffeehouses, the decisions women make here will increasingly take effect. In Bornova, we have started putting up signs on doors saying, ‘Men with moustaches are not allowed.’ I believe women will soon take the lead here, too. This really is an addictive project.

“I would like to thank the Mayor of Yalova. I believe he has launched a wonderful service. But this project will not stop here; it will go far beyond what was initially planned and chart its own course. Every aspect of production is wonderful, but the best of all is the Community Garden. I would like to thank the Mayor once again for this vision. I believe this will be the initiative that brings him the greatest happiness, delivers the most rewarding results, and allows him to connect with people the most.”

Praise for Bornova from Yalova Mayor: “We Took Mayor Ömer as Our Model”

Yalova Mayor Mehmet Gürel proudly stated that they had benefited from Bornova Municipality’s experience and guidance in developing this important vision project for the city. Thanking Mayor Eşki, Gürel explained the inspiration behind the project:

“This was an initiative we had been planning for a long time. Bornova was already one of the cities we looked to as a model. The mayor who has integrated the concept of community gardens into social life, made it popular, and implemented the best practices is Mr. Ömer. Drawing inspiration from him and benefiting from his example and support, we have opened our first community garden in Yalova. The experience, ideas, and guidance of the Mayor of Bornova are extremely valuable to us. Hopefully, together, we will lead the way in bringing this initiative to the whole of Türkiye.”

Meaningful Gift Exchange Between Sister Cities

The opening ceremony also featured a meaningful exchange of gifts between the mayors. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki presented Yalova Mayor Mehmet Gürel with a model of the symbolic monument located in Bornova’s Abide-i Hürriyet Square, representing the trio of Atatürk, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and Hector. In return, Yalova Mayor Gürel presented Mayor Eşki with a certificate of appreciation for his support and guidance.