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GIFT FROM ARSUZ MUNICIPALITY TO BODRUM

29.08.2023

INAUGURATION OF THE HATAY ARSUZ FRIENDSHIP MONUMENT

The inauguration of the Hatay Arsuz Friendship Monument took place in Bodrum Municipality Square.

The inauguration of the Hatay Arsuz Friendship Monument was held with the participation of Ahmet Aras, the Mayor of Bodrum and Asaf Güven, the Mayor of Arsuz (Hatay). The monument, bestowed by Arsuz Municipality as a gesture of gratitude to Bodrum Municipality for its significant contributions following the major disaster affecting 11 provinces on February 6, was revealed amidst a large gathering.

The event was attended by former CHP Hatay Deputy A. Aziz Yazar, Bodrum Mayor Ahmet Aras, Arsuz Mayor Asaf Güven, representative of NGOs, search & rescue teams that were actively involved in the earthquake response, representatives from the Türkiye Combat Veterans Association - Bodrum Branch, CHP Bodrum District Chairman Tuna Işın and his executive team, Bodrum Municipality deputy mayors, department heads, employees, and members of the press.

"Our Brotherhood Shall Endure"

The program commenced with a moment of silence followed by the national anthem, after which a message from Hasan Gökpınar, the District Governor of Arsuz was read. In his speech, Asaf Güven, the Mayor of Arsuz extended gratitude to Bodrum Municipality, Mayor Aras and the broader Bodrum community for their generous support during the earthquake, stating:

"On February 6, we faced a major catastrophe. The magnitude of this disaster is beyond words and sentences. One of the first external supports came from Bodrum. They came to our aid. Leading this effort was the esteemed Mayor and his extensive team. Among those who were actively involved in the initial search & rescue operations was a group from Arsuz. Of course, alongside the municipality and its teams, there were also volunteers and NGOs. First, there were tents, then a container city and now one of the most beautiful container cities in Arsuz. A livable container city. We are still managing this initiative jointly with Bodrum Municipality and Arsuz District Governorship. We have initiated sister city relationship with Arsuz Municipality. Our fraternal bond shall continue; we will continue to collaborate and support each other in various ways in the future."

"Enduring Friendship Between Bodrum & Arsuz"

Mayor Aras, in his speech, emphasized that they responded promptly from the first day of the earthquake, coordinating efforts to deliver aid effectively. He discussed the actions taken in the earthquake-stricken area as well as the establishment of a container city. Mayor Aras thanked all institutions, organizations and volunteers who provided assistance from the beginning of the earthquake. He underlined that the friendship between Bodrum and Arsuz shall endure:

"This major earthquake provided us with a profound lesson. Above all, the well-being of our citizens is a priority. The precautions should have been taken prior to the earthquake's occurrence, which would have mitigated, at the very least, the extent of suffering. Especially as municipal entities, we will exercise meticulous care in our inspections and new permits, ensuring that our citizens are not exposed to hazards posed by substandard or dilapidated structures."

Continuing his speech, Mayor Aras underscored the collective efforts of various teams, highlighting how volunteers, search and rescue units, and the municipality unified their strengths. He conveyed, "The attitudes and actions of our friends who journeyed from Bodrum, their warm smiles and sincere behaviors, laid the foundation for this monument here. All my comrades, municipal staff, volunteers, and residents of Bodrum accomplished this feat there. Once again, I extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to the entire Bodrum community."

Subsequent to the opening addresses, the monument was unveiled, and a photography session ensued with all participating teams.

Following the ceremony, lokma (a traditional Turkish sweet) was served in memory of the citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake.