Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay participated in a series of events in the district on the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the visit of the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Bergama. Mayor Tugay's program began with the traditional charity dinner held in the Ferizler Neighborhood. Addressing the people of Bergama, Mayor Tugay promised to embrace the Republic founded by Atatürk and its legacy and to provide more visible services for Bergama in the next four years.
“We have taken over the flag, we will do what is necessary”
Speaking at the charity dinner in Ferizler Neighborhood, which was attended by Neighborhood Headman Gökhan Koç, political party representatives, members of the assembly and many citizens, President Dr. Cemil Tugay expressed his pleasure in being together with his fellow citizens. Referring to the importance of village charities, Tugay stated that the prayers made and the food shared here were a means to come together to look to the future with hope.
President Tugay, who reminded that Atatürk visited Bergama 91 years ago and emphasized the importance of the Republic, said, “Our Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who visited Bergama 91 years ago, founded the Republic so that Turkey would be a great and prosperous country and entrusted it to us. Our duty is to love and respect our homeland and nation and to fight for the rights of our people. We are carrying the flag this term. Other friends will carry it after us.”
“The coming years will be the years when our services will be much more visible”
Expressing his desire to see Türkiye in a better future, Mayor Tugay emphasized that they are struggling to ensure that children and young people live in prosperity, peace and justice. Stating that they are not just mayors, but are aware of everything that has been entrusted to them, Tugay said, “The first condition for this is to be with you in such environments, to be able to look you in the eye, to stroke the hair of our children, to kiss the hands of our elders. To be able to share this beautiful moment.”
Drawing attention to the rich history of Bergama, President Tugay stated that they are working in harmony with Bergama Mayor Prof. Dr. Tanju Çelik and said, “We will have another wonderful 4 years together. The previous year was a year when the difficulties were a bit too much. But the coming years will be years when our services will be much more visible. As long as you are with us. As long as we continue to feel your moral support at all times.”
Thank You for Supporting Visits to Historical Sites and Excavations
After the charity dinner, Mayor Tugay and his delegation visited the historical Acropolis of Bergama, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After the tour, which was guided by Bergama Excavation Director Prof. Dr. Felix Pirson, they went to the German Excavation Institute. Mayor Tugay also visited the Red Courtyard and received information from Future Heritage Excavation Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sezgin. Prof. Dr. Sezgin thanked Mayor Tugay for the valuable support provided by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to the excavation works.
Emphasis on Unity and Solidarity
Later in the program, President Tugay also came together for a dinner attended by Republican People's Party (CHP) District President İsmail Durmaz and his wife, district administrators, municipal council members and their wives. President Tugay, who emphasized the historical and cultural richness of Bergama in his speech here, said, “I see that you are really making an effort to contribute to Bergama. I am trying to be with you as much as I can. We are in a difficult period. We all have special duties. Times like these have to be a period when human values come to the forefront and we all take responsibility for the establishment of rights, law and justice. We attach more importance to unity and togetherness during this period. We have to do this. Because we are part of the ideal of the Republic of Turkey. This brings us the responsibility of protecting the values of the Republic in the most difficult and troublesome days. We will overcome these difficult days by fighting.”
The commemoration events in Bergama ended with Turkish Folk Music and Turkish Classical Music concerts held at the Bergama Cultural Center. Before the Bergama program, Mayor Tugay went to Dikili and paid a condolence visit to Gülses Çağlayan, the deceased mother of Dikili Mayor Adil Kırgöz's wife Nesrin Kırgöz.
