The Fatma Şahin Wind in London: Strong Messages from Culture to Climate Vision

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin met with citizens living abroad at a programme organised in London under the hosting of UID UK. Şahin delivered remarkable messages on many issues ranging from the preservation of cultural heritage to people-centred governance, from the climate crisis to the cities of the future.

The special gathering held at Kervan Banqueting London became the scene of a meaningful programme where the strong bond of affection, cultural solidarity and shared values between Türkiye and citizens living abroad were once again highlighted.

The event was attended by UID United Kingdom Regional President Halil Erdoğan, UID Women’s Branch representatives, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in London Oğuzhan Gönültaş, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Ahmet Ertürk, USIKAD UK President Dr Belma Uysal, Co-Chair of the Turkish British Journalists Association Hülya Özkoyuncu, Olay Gazete, investor businesspeople, representatives of civil society organisations and many citizens.

The opening speeches were delivered by journalist Özgür Özkaya. Özkaya greeted the participants, drawing attention to the meaning and importance of the day.

 

UID President Halil Erdoğan:

“We are here to build bridges of hearts”

In his speech, UID President Halil Erdoğan stated that citizens living abroad are strong representatives of both Türkiye and their own cultural values in the countries where they live. Erdoğan said:

“We are working to live a peaceful life here as individuals who respect the laws, are in harmony with the society we live in, and have equal rights; while preserving our culture, our language and our values and passing them on to future generations.”

Stating that they carry out activities contributing to Türkiye’s image and the future of its people, Erdoğan said, “UID is an organisation that unites hearts and turns dreams into reality.”

Drawing attention to Fatma Şahin’s understanding of city management, her people-centred work and successful projects she has implemented, Erdoğan stated that the gathering in London strengthened the spirit of unity and solidarity, and thanked Mayor Şahin.

Following the speeches, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Ahmet Ertürk delivered a presentation on the future of cities, technology and tourism vision.

A digital vision from Gaziantep to the cities of the future

Ertürk said, “A smart city needs smart tourism,” and explained that digital transformation has opened the doors to a new era in the promotion of cities and visitor experiences.

Stating that Gaziantep’s historical heritage, gastronomy, cultural values and geographically indicated products have come together on a single digital platform through the artificial intelligence-supported “Visit Gaziantep” application, Ertürk explained that the application provides an accessible and personalised experience for international visitors.

Noting that visitors can create customised travel routes for themselves thanks to the artificial intelligence-supported guidance system, Ertürk said that the system is one of the pioneering examples worldwide in the field of AI-supported digital travel cards.

Important messages from Fatma Şahin

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin addressed citizens living abroad in her speech at the gathering in London and made remarkable evaluations on expatriation, homeland, cultural heritage, human values and the cities of the future.

Starting her speech with examples from her own life journey, Şahin recalled the first periods when she appeared before the public as a Member of Parliament approximately 25 years ago. Saying, “Our founding district chairman gave me my first lesson. He told me to take a notebook and a pen in my hand. I tried to be a good student,” Şahin stated that behind the positions she holds today are the support and prayers of the people.

“If I became a minister today, if I became a mayor, the people living in this city have rights over me. Nurdağı has a right over me, Sakçagözü has a right over me, Gaziantep, Şahinbey and Şehitkamil have rights over me,” said Şahin, emphasising her responsibility towards citizens and stating that the foundation of her understanding of public service is serving the people and establishing bonds of the heart.

“Expatriation is not distance, it is the place where the bond of hearts is tested”

Şahin evaluated the concepts of expatriation and homeland within the perspective of civilisation.

“Sıla is brotherhood, sıla is homeland, sıla is the call to prayer,” said Şahin, stating that expatriation does not only mean geographical distance.

Reminding that throughout history songs, stories and memories have been written about being away from home, Şahin said:

“Expatriation means being a stranger, being distant and being seen as unfamiliar. However, you have changed this. You came with a single suitcase, and with your labour, your hard work and your culture, you added value to the countries where you live.”

Stating that citizens living abroad are building a strong future between two cultures, Şahin noted that children are individuals who both preserve their own values and learn the language of the societies they live in, bringing light to the future.

“A person is another person’s homeland”

Referring to the teachings of Hazrat Mevlana, Yunus Emre, Hacı Bektaş Veli and Şeyh Edebali in her speech, Şahin said that at the centre of our civilisation lies an understanding based on the human being.

Recalling Hazrat Mevlana’s advice that a person must first change themselves, Şahin stated that the improvement of societies begins with correcting one’s own inner world.

Remembering Yunus Emre’s words, “I did not come for conflict; my purpose is for love,” Şahin drew attention to the importance of building hearts and bringing people together.

Emphasising that the understanding of “A person is another person’s homeland” is one of the values most needed by today’s world, Şahin stated that the true measure of humanity is being able to feel not only one’s own pain but also the pain of others.

“Keep people alive so that the state may live”

Mayor Şahin stated that people are at the centre of her understanding of governance and said, “Our civilisation is based on keeping people alive. The principle of ‘Keep people alive so that the state may live’ is one of our fundamental values.”

Saying that one should not remain indifferent to the suffering experienced in different parts of the world, Şahin emphasised that technology must serve humanity.

“Science and technology must be used for the benefit of humanity. We must not lose our humanity, our compassion and our conscience,” said Şahin, adding that civilisation will rise not only through advanced tools, but also through strong moral values.

Climate crisis and the cities of the future

In her speech, Şahin also touched upon the future of cities and climate change, sharing her contacts from the EBRD Green Cities meeting in London.

Stating that the climate crisis is no longer a matter of the future but a reality of today, Şahin said that rising temperatures and extreme weather events create an important challenge for city administrations.

Expressing that the cities of the future should be cities that live in harmony with nature, use their resources efficiently and are prepared for crises, Şahin said, “It is necessary to take precautions first. Taking precautions is a responsibility of human beings. The rest is reliance on God.”

Stating that local administrations have important responsibilities in the fight against climate change, Şahin conveyed the message that action must be taken today in order to protect the future of cities.

A message from London to the world: A society that keeps its culture alive builds its future

The common message throughout the programme was that citizens living abroad are not only the carriers of the past, but also cultural ambassadors of the future.

The gathering, held around bonds of affection, solidarity and shared values, created a strong bridge between Türkiye and citizens living in different parts of the world.

Fatma Şahin, who closely engaged with the citizens attending the programme, chatted with all guests from seven to seventy, listened to their views and took commemorative photographs with the participants.

Local baklava and traditional delicacies were served to the guests.