Mayor Eşki Offers Advice to Students and Makes a Public Call Ahead of the YKS Exam

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki offered encouragement to students before the national university entrance exam (YKS), emphasizing that the exam is neither the end nor the beginning of life. While voicing criticism of the education system, Eşki called on Bornova residents to maintain silence on the night before and the day of the exam. The municipality’s teams will be on duty throughout the exam to help ensure a quiet environment.

“This Exam Is Neither an End Nor a Definite Beginning”

Addressing students in a statement, Mayor Ömer Eşki said:

“Dear students, after a long and intense period of preparation, you will take the university entrance exam tomorrow. This is neither the end nor a definitive beginning. Years ago, when I was preparing for my university exam, I had a completely different department and university in mind. I had imagined a very different life. But I ended up getting into the Textile Engineering Department at Dokuz Eylül University — something I hadn’t even considered. Today, I am the Mayor of one of the most beautiful districts in Turkey, Bornova.”

“Love Doesn’t Change; the System Must”

Mayor Eşki continued:

“Whatever your exam result may be, your future will be shaped by your resilience in life. Remember this: Even if things don’t go well, your family will never stop loving you. And even if you achieve excellent results, your life will not automatically become easier unless the current state of the country and its education system changes. I hope for a future where children in Turkey are no longer trained like racehorses for exams, and where university graduates no longer face the fear of unemployment.”

“Bornova Embraces Silence”

Mayor Eşki concluded his message with a call to action for residents:

“Dear Bornova residents, please let’s be quiet on the night before the exam (Saturday, June 21) and during the exam itself (Sunday, June 22). Let’s avoid honking, suspend construction or renovation work, and refrain from playing loud music. Our municipal police teams will be on the streets both the night before and during the exam to ensure silence. I wish all students taking the exam the best of luck in advance.”