Cittaslow Turkey Network Convened Under the Chairmanship of Geyikçi

The Cittaslow Turkey National Network meeting was held in the Seferihisar district of İzmir. The meeting, attended by representatives of Cittaslow member cities, candidate members, the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, the Healthy Cities Association, and the Cittaslow TRNC National Network, was chaired by the Mayor of Finike, Mustafa Geyikçi, who attended as the Acting Coordinator of Cittaslow Turkey.

Speaking at the closing of the meeting, Cittaslow Turkey Acting Coordinator Mustafa Geyikçi said, "We gathered here within the scope of the Cittaslow Turkey National Network. Our Cittaslow cities presented their good practices, works, and presentations. We discussed our joint cooperation projects and potential collaborative efforts that can be developed." 

There are many 'Slow Cities' in Turkey

Expressing that they, as the Turkey National Network, have carried out numerous efforts to expand the reach of Cittaslow in our country, Mustafa Geyikçi stated, "We want many deserving cities in Turkey to achieve the title of 'Slow City'. In this regard, whether through our existing Cittaslow cities or our national network, we are ready to provide all kinds of consultation and solidarity to cities wishing to receive it. Cittaslow provides significant support in many areas such as sustainable urbanization, local development, combating climate change, and supporting local production. Therefore, the Cittaslow philosophy should be viewed not merely as a title, but as a nature-respecting, human-oriented, and sustainable way of life." 

Geyikçi expresses gratitude to host Yetişkin

Noting that they, as Finike Municipality, have also implemented best practice examples and Cittaslow project works, Cittaslow Turkey Network Acting Coordinator Mustafa Geyikçi stated, "At this meeting, we both shared the work carried out by our municipality and gained insights from other studies. This solidarity fostered by the Cittaslow Network opens doors to diverse collaborations and project partnerships for us. On behalf of the Cittaslow Turkey Network, I would like to express my gratitude primarily to our host, the Mayor of Seferihisar, İsmail Yetişkin, and to all the guests who attended and contributed to this meeting." 

The meetings continued with study visits regarding Seferihisar Municipality's Cittaslow practices, Cittaslow Turkey coordinatorship presentations, best practice examples, and sustainable gastro-route projects.