A tour of Bornova following the traces of history, production and technology

A journey from 8,500 years of heritage to the vision of a smart city

This month’s gathering of mayors’ spouses, coordinated by Öznur Tugay, wife of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, took place in Bornova. Hosted by Beste Eşki, wife of Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, the spouses of district mayors explored Bornova’s investments in history, culture, agriculture and technology. Throughout the program, projects connecting the city’s past with its future were introduced, while participants also met with local women producers.

A journey through 8,500 years of history

The first stop of the tour was Yeşilova Mound, which holds an important place in world archaeology thanks to excavations dating İzmir’s urban history back approximately 8,500 years. Accompanied by archaeologists, the guests received detailed information about the ongoing excavation works.

At the Visitor Center, established by Bornova Municipality next to the mound site, participants explored exhibitions and interactive spaces presenting İzmir’s prehistoric culture and lifestyle. The center, which highlights the region’s historical memory, received great appreciation from visitors.

Mayor Eşki personally introduced Abide-i Hürriyet Square

The second stop of the program was Abide-i Hürriyet Square, which was brought to the city by Bornova Municipality last year. Personally guiding the guests through the square, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki explained that the area was designed to preserve and promote the values of democracy, freedom and the Republic.

The delegation showed great interest in the square’s architecture, landscaping and public spaces, while also evaluating the fresh social dynamic it has brought to Bornova.

The spirit of solidarity through production at the urban garden

The group later visited the Evka-4 Urban Garden, one of the most important examples of Bornova Municipality’s vision for urban agriculture and sustainable production. During the guided tour led by an agricultural engineer, participants were informed about the production model, natural farming methods and community solidarity initiatives implemented at the garden.

The mayors’ spouses also spoke with women producers working in the garden and listened to their experiences. It was emphasized that urban gardens are not only production areas but also important social spaces that strengthen solidarity and promote healthy living.

Final stop: Bornova’s digital twin

In the final part of the program, the delegation visited the Smart City and Innovation Center, the hub of Bornova Municipality’s technology and innovation investments. Guests received information from department officials and closely examined smart city projects, especially Bornova’s “digital twin” application.

The center attracted attention with projects considered exemplary for the future of municipal governance, contributing to data-driven urban planning, disaster management, environmental analysis and sustainable urban development.

History, production and technology met on the same route in Bornova

The gathering in Bornova received great appreciation from participants with its broad content ranging from history and agriculture to cultural heritage and smart city applications. Throughout the program, Bornova Municipality’s human-centered, sustainable and contemporary urban vision stood out prominently.