The Name of Manisa’s First Female Mayor Meets Young People

The name of Gülşah Durbay, Manisa’s first female mayor, will be commemorated through the Youth Center to be opened by Bornova Municipality in Ergene Neighborhood. The center, set to open on February 27, will meet young people’s educational and social needs with study areas, production workshops, and social spaces. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the center will serve as a space of production and solidarity for youth.

Gülşah Durbay, Mayor of Şehzadeler and Manisa’s first female mayor, who passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 37, will have her name honored in Bornova. The Gülşah Durbay Youth Center, established by Bornova Municipality, will officially open on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM with a ceremony.

A New Living Space for Young People at the Entrance of the Historic Bazaar

Located at Ergene Neighborhood, 545 Street No: 2/A, at the entrance of the Historic Bornova Bazaar, the center consists of three floors with a total indoor area of 250 square meters. Designed to address educational, productive, and social needs together, the facility includes:

• A cafeteria

• Meeting areas

• A free laundry service

• A 3D printer production workshop

• A green screen studio

• Quiet and collaborative study areas

The center is set to become a new meeting point in Bornova, contributing to both the academic and social development of young people.

“We Will Keep Gülşah’s Dreams Alive with Young People”

Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the center is not merely a building but a symbol of a vision:

“Despite her young age, Gülşah Durbay inspired us all with her courage, productivity, and her strong contribution to women’s representation in politics. Keeping her name alive in a center where young people will produce, stand in solidarity, and build the future together is a great responsibility for us. This center will be a place where Gülşah’s unfinished dreams will grow through the energy of young people.”

Eşki added that Bornova will continue to expand youth-friendly projects and emphasized that the center will serve as a significant support hub, particularly for university students.

Prominent Figures to Attend the Opening

The opening ceremony on February 27 is expected to be attended by Ali Mahir Başarır, Deputy Chair of the CHP Parliamentary Group; CHP Deputy Chair Gökçe Gökçen; members of parliament from İzmir and Manisa; metropolitan and district mayors; and numerous provincial and district party representatives, among other invited guests.