Kahramanmaraş Promotion Days Officially Open in Istanbul
Istanbul, April 10 – The Kahramanmaraş Promotion Days have officially commenced at Istanbul Atatürk Airport National Garden. This four-day event aims to showcase the rich culture, diverse gastronomy, profound history, and significant economic potential of Kahramanmaraş. The opening ceremony saw the participation of prominent figures, including Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fırat Görgel, Kahramanmaraş Deputy Vahit Kirişçi, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, and numerous other distinguished guests.
Minister Bolat Highlights Post-Earthquake Recovery Efforts
During his address at the ceremony, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat emphasized the remarkable recovery of the region following the devastating earthquakes three years prior. “Today, we are gathered in Istanbul on a beautiful day for the Kahramanmaraş Provincial Promotion Days program, and we are holding the official opening. Three years ago, Kahramanmaraş, the center of the Anadolu geography, experienced the most severe and impactful earthquakes, affecting 11 provinces. However, what even the most developed countries in the world claimed would take eight to ten years to rebuild, our country, under the leadership of our President, managed to restore in two and a half years. Brand new, beautiful cities have been established. We pray for mercy for our 53,565 martyrs. May Allah grant them heaven, God willing. Although these were difficult days for those who remained, we united as a nation, state, and government, and we quickly rebuilt all affected cities, especially Kahramanmaraş. This is a great success in the world, a success that serves as an example,” Bolat stated.
Minister Bolat further elaborated on the speed of the reconstruction efforts, noting the astonishment of international counterparts. “When we speak with our counterparts and colleagues abroad and tell them that 455,000 residences, workplaces, and village houses were delivered in two and a half years, they are amazed and ask for our contractors to build in their countries as well. Just two days ago, I was in Portugal, and they were inviting Turkish contracting firms. 123,000 social housing units are to be built for infrastructure projects over approximately five years, and they are calling for Turkish contractors to come and do these in their country,” he added.
Istanbul Governor Gül Praises Inter-City Unity
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also spoke at the opening program, highlighting Istanbul’s role as a melting pot of Turkish cities. “Every week, we witness the promotion days of a different city. Therefore, with Chairman Abdullah, Anadolu, in a sense, passes before our eyes. The richness of Anadolu, the spirit of brotherhood among its people, just like in Kahramanmaraş, meets our fellow citizens in Istanbul once again every week. The efforts of our associations, foundations, and federations here, in preserving this culture from tradition to future, serve as a school. This organization, which started during the time of our late Mayor Kadir Topbaş and reached very good places, was interrupted for a period. Hopefully, next year we will host our fellow citizens under better conditions. Currently, its awareness has increased, and indeed, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, many of our fellow citizens in Istanbul have started to visit here. Istanbul is the union of 81 provinces. Therefore, the camaraderie among our fellow citizens here significantly contributes to the brotherhood, peace, and tolerance of our Istanbul,” Gül expressed.
The Kahramanmaraş Promotion Days are expected to draw a large number of visitors, providing a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and economic opportunities. The event underscores the resilience and rich heritage of Kahramanmaraş, while also strengthening the bonds between different regions of Turkey.
