The Bornova Mukhtars Academy, implemented through the cooperation of Bornova Municipality, the Bornova District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Bornova Mukhtars Association, continues with strong interest from neighborhood heads (mukhtars). The latest training session of the academy, which began last November, was attended not only by mukhtars from Bornova but also by participants from across İzmir.

Training on effective time and meeting management

As part of the academy, a training session titled “Effective Time and Meeting Management” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ferah Onat, a faculty member of Yaşar University’s Faculty of Communication. Held at the Bornova Municipality Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center, the training combined academic knowledge with practical, field-oriented examples, providing an applied learning experience that directly contributes to the mukhtars’ daily work.

Mukhtars shared their experiences

The “Inter-Mukhtar Experience Sharing” session held prior to the training turned into a valuable exchange of experience. During the session, Zeki Güler—President of the İzmir Mukhtars Federation and Buca Mukhtars Association, and President of the Bornova Mukhtars Association—along with Zafer Çam, President of the Konak Mukhtars Association and Mukhtar of Muratreis Neighborhood; Sedat Erşahin, Mukhtar of Buca Atatürk Neighborhood; and Seval Emir, Mukhtar of Narlı Neighborhood in Narlıdere, shared the projects they have carried out, their neighborhood-level experiences, and their solution-oriented approaches.

A comprehensive six-month training program

At the Bornova Mukhtars Academy, which will include a total of 45 neighborhood mukhtars, training will be provided over six months on the following topics:

• 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

Mayor Eşki: “Our mukhtars are the cornerstone of local democracy”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of the Mukhtars Academy in strengthening local democracy, stating:
“Our mukhtars are the most fundamental pillars of local democracy, serving as a bridge between citizens and the state in our neighborhoods. Strengthening their communication, digital competencies, and management skills will directly enhance the quality of services in Bornova. We view the Mukhtars Academy not merely as a training program, but as a model that reinforces collective wisdom and solidarity. The strong interest shown by mukhtars from all across İzmir is the clearest indication that we are on the right path.”

Goal: Stronger communication, more effective service

Through the Bornova Mukhtars Academy, the aim is to enhance mukhtars’ individual, professional, and institutional communication skills, enabling them to establish stronger, more effective, and solution-oriented communication with citizens, public institutions, and local government.