Neighborhood heads and NGOs come together at the same table

A joint step toward participatory governance

Following the completion of the training phase of the project titled “Participatory/Inclusive Governance Approach and Communication Training for Neighborhood Heads of Bornova District (Mukhtars Academy),” carried out in cooperation with the Bornova District Governorship, Yaşar University, and the Bornova Mukhtars Association, an important gathering was held. Within this scope, the “Mukhtar/NGO Meeting” took place during the April session of the Tülay Aktaş Volunteer Organizations Solidarity Platform—comprising nearly 300 civil society organizations—at the İzmir City Council Building.

Emphasis on the challenges of local leadership and cooperation

The meeting began with an opening speech by Term Spokesperson Fatoş Dayıoğlu. Speaking afterward, Bornova Mukhtars Association President Zeki Güler highlighted the responsibilities of being a mukhtar and emphasized the sensitivity required in managing people.

Güler underlined the importance of cooperation between local administrations and civil society organizations, stating that social projects carried out in collaboration with mukhtars would yield more effective and sustainable results.

Bornova’s dynamic structure and the Mukhtars Academy

Bornova Municipality Head of Mukhtar Affairs Şahin Doğan addressed the district’s demographic, socio-economic, and cultural structure in his speech.
Noting that mukhtars serve approximately 452,000 residents across 45 neighborhoods, Doğan emphasized that they address diverse segments of society.

He stated that through the training programs organized within the scope of the Mukhtars Academy, mukhtars’ communication, management, and institutional skills have been strengthened. These efforts aim to facilitate healthier communication between citizens and public institutions as well as local administrations.

Voices from the neighborhoods

One of the most notable parts of the meeting was when mukhtars from Bornova took the floor to share insights about their neighborhoods.

They provided information on demographic structures, social and educational conditions, and discussed ongoing work, challenges, and the need for social projects. The strong participation of women mukhtars was particularly noteworthy.

NGO projects meet with mukhtars

During the meeting, civil society organizations that presented projects under the 2025 Non-Profit Service Awards were also given the floor.

NGO representatives shared their projects with the mukhtars, and the presentations were evaluated interactively through a Q&A session. It was emphasized that this meeting created an important foundation for implementing joint projects at the neighborhood level.

Symbolic gift and meaningful closing

At the end of the meeting, Şahin Doğan presented a statue of Homer—one of Bornova’s symbols—to Term Spokesperson Fatoş Dayıoğlu. Dayıoğlu, in turn, presented commemorative gifts to the speakers.

The program concluded with a group photo of all participants.