Gebze’s New Attraction Center Pelitli Bayraktepe was put into service

Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area, which was implemented under the leadership of Zinnur Büyükgöz, was opened to the service of citizens. Bringing together nature, technology, sports and spiritual values, the giant project will bring a new breath to Gebze’s social life.

Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area, built on a total area of ​​126 thousand square meters; It attracts attention with its smart infrastructure systems, social reinforcement areas, natural life elements and adrenaline tracks. Within the scope of the project, 113 thousand 500 square meters of area rented from the forest and 12 thousand 500 square meters of green area belonging to the municipality were integrated, while 60 thousand new plants were added to the region. A thousand fruit trees, lavenders and wildflowers were planted along the walking paths.

ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH WITH SMART SYSTEMS

Gebze Municipality gave priority to environmentally friendly practices in the project. While an automatic irrigation system that stores and reuses rainwater in landscape areas was put into operation, smart lighting systems with solar panels and working according to intensity were installed.

Recycling practices also came to the fore in the project. It was stated that the grass used in sports fields was obtained from recycling materials removed from Alaettin Kurt Stadium, while tree trunks damaged during storms in the region were used for wooden production.

EMPHASIS ON HISTORY AND MORAL VALUES

Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area also attracts attention with the symbols it carries. Three large flag figures at the entrance of the area; While it represents “Past, Today and Tomorrow”, it also symbolizes the understanding of “Homeland, Nation and State”.

The suspension bridges in the recreation area were given names that left their mark on Ottoman history. Bridges over natural streams; It bears the names Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Yavuz Sultan Selim and Osman Gazi. At the center of the event areas are Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Mimar Sinan squares.

MAYOR BÜYÜKGÖZ: “IT WILL ADD VALUE TO OUR GEBZE”

Making a statement about the opening of the recreation area, Gebze Mayor Zinnur Büyükgöz stated that the project is not just a green area and made the following evaluation:

“Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area has become an important living space that protects the nature, history and future of Gebze. We have prioritized the environment and savings in every detail, from smart irrigation systems to recycling practices. We are happy to bring another important project to Gebze, where our citizens will spend time with their families in peace and our youth will meet with sports and adrenaline.”

GIANT SLIDE AND WATERFALL SYSTEM ATTRACTS ATTENTION

Special areas were also created for adventure lovers in the project. The adrenaline slide, which is 207 meters long and has a level difference of 45 meters, located in the recreation area, will give visitors exciting moments. The slide, which has a Eurogap safety certificate, also attracts attention with its colorful design.

On the other hand, the 212-meter-long stream and waterfall system, created with natural rocks brought from different regions of Gebze, contributes to the natural atmosphere of the area by circulating 100 tons of water per hour.

ALL CITIZENS’ NEEDS WERE CONSIDERED

Many social facilities have been created in Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area for the comfort of citizens. The facility includes smoke-free picnic areas with a seating capacity of 1,750 people, a roasted coffee and samovar tea house, a viewing lodge and natural product sales points.

In addition, a fully automatic car park with a capacity of 500 vehicles with HGS system, 2 separate prayer rooms, sink areas at 4 different points, asphalt ring road and security camera and announcement systems were also put into service for the citizens. Pelitli Bayraktepe Recreation Area is expected to become one of the important attraction centers of Gebze in a short time.

#ilan.gov.tr ​​Press Number: ILN02475545

In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the release of Yotopulos, the leader of the November 17 terrorist organization in Greece,

“Aleksandros Yotopulos, the leader of the November 17 terrorist organization, who was sentenced to 17 life imprisonment and 25 years of hard prison for being the instigator of the murder of Çetin Görgü, the Press Attaché of our Embassy in Athens in 1991, the assassination attempt against Deniz Bölükbaşı, the Undersecretary of our Embassy in Athens in the same year, and the murder of Haluk Sipahioğlu, the Undersecretary of our Embassy in Athens in 1994, was sentenced to 21 years of imprisonment. “We condemn his release in the strongest terms in May 2026. The tolerance shown to this treacherous terrorist, who is the instigator of the assassinations and attacks targeting our diplomats who have honorably represented our country abroad, is a great disrespect for the memory of our martyred diplomats and their families, and is unacceptable. We call on the Greek authorities to avoid steps that will disrupt the fight against terrorism and to fulfill their obligations regarding the punishment of convicted terrorists.”

In his speech at the “Strong Family Happy Future Project” Closing Program held at Altınbaş University’s Mahmutbey Campus, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said that an environment dominated by love, trust and responsibility within the family both strengthens the lives of individuals and shapes the future of children.

“THE BEHAVIOR AT HOME LEAVES A MARK”

Stating that as the support within the family increases, the ability of a person to hold on to life increases, Göktaş said, “When we look at it from the perspective of children, the importance of the family environment becomes more evident. A child grows up healthier in a home where he feels safe. A child who sees that his parents listen to each other, solve problems by talking, and respect each other is better prepared for life. The language established in the family is the basis of the life the child will build. The words he hears at home and the behavior he sees at home leave a mark on his personality. Therefore, strengthening the family means strengthening the future of our children.” he said.

Stating that they have strengthened the services that focus on the family, Göktaş said that they see the family institution as a strategic value in line with the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Minister Göktaş said, “With this belief, we address the family institution with multifaceted perspectives and approaches. We are determinedly carrying the ideal of a strong Türkiye with strong families to the future.” he said.

Pointing out that they have carried out important studies within the scope of the “Vision Document and Action Plan for the Protection and Strengthening of the Family”, Göktaş noted that they have further strengthened their institutional structure with the action plan covering the period 2024-2028, which is a first in terms of focusing on the family, that they have addressed the policies regarding the demographic structure of the country with a strategic vision with the Population Policies Board, and that they have carried out policy-producing studies that analyze the transformation in the family structure and social trends with the Family Institute.

Göktaş stated that 2025 was declared the “Year of the Family” and the period 2026-2035 was declared the “Decade of Family and Population”, and said that they increased the visibility of services that support the family in many issues, from family communication to digital security.

“WE INCREASED MATERNITY LEAVE FROM 16 WEEKS TO 24 WEEKS”

Stating that they have taken steps to ease the financial burden of young couples, Göktaş stated that marriage-supporting mechanisms, including marriage loans, have been implemented.

Göktaş said the following regarding the new regulations for civil servants:

“With the regulation we have implemented, we have enabled civil servants to benefit from the right to work part-time. Both male and female civil servants will be able to benefit from this right until their children reach primary school age. In addition, we have taken steps to expand nurseries and child care centers in public institutions and organizations. Most recently, we increased maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. In addition, we increased paternity leave to 2 weeks. This move allows both mothers and fathers to spend more time with their children in the postpartum period. “We provided it.”

Emphasizing that they will continue policies that strengthen the family and demographic structure in the future, Göktaş underlined that practices that support mothers and fathers will continue.

Minister Göktaş said, “This project, the results of which we are evaluating today, is important in that it shows how our family-centered service approach can produce strong results locally. In this respect, the project is a valuable work that directly focuses on the needs coming from the field.” he said.

Pointing out the importance of communication and counseling mechanisms within the family, Göktaş continued as follows:

“Differences of opinion may occur from time to time in family life. Sharing the same house, making joint decisions and carrying the burden of life together naturally requires effort, patience and understanding. The important thing here is to be able to talk about the issues before they escalate, to seek solutions without hurting each other, and to maintain the love and respect within the family in all situations. This project focuses on exactly this point. We should not wait for major crises to strengthen the family. We must plant the seeds necessary to strengthen the family today. Sometimes a timely conversation, correct support and appropriate counseling can change the path of a family.”

Stating that a strong family structure strengthens social peace, Göktaş said, “We believe that if the family becomes stronger, society becomes stronger. If peace increases at home, trust increases on the street. If our children grow up with love, our future will be more beautiful and bright.” he said.

Göktaş, who also celebrated the National Family Week, wished that the upcoming Eid al-Adha would bring abundance and brotherhood to households.

At the Dowry House, all the needs of young couples in need, from kitchenware to textile products, will be met free of charge. Bağcılar Municipality, which stands out among local governments with its family-centered work, is carrying out important works. One of these was the Dowry House project, which was implemented to support those preparing for marriage.

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Bağcılar District Governor Abdullah Uçgun, Bağcılar Mayor Yasin Yıldız and citizens attended the opening ceremony of the facility, which was completed and filled with dowry items.

“IT IS VERY VALUABLE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR YOUTH”

Stating that supporting young people to establish a home is a part of our culture, Minister Göktaş said, “Dowry preparation is also included in this tradition. It has a special place that carries the efforts of families, the prayers of elders and the spirit of solidarity of the society. For this reason, it is very valuable to take care of our young people who are on the marriage journey. I would like to thank our Bağcılar municipality and our esteemed mayor for implementing these works. We hope that our Dowry House will be beneficial. We also support our Bağcılar municipality with our work.” “Our Mayor has very valuable work. Bağcılar is a municipality that implements very valuable work and visionary projects that focus on the family,” he said.

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND BY OUR COUPLES”

Adding that, as the Ministry, they have taken many steps for families to establish healthy homes, Göktaş said, “We are taking very important steps for our young people who want to establish a home within the scope of the action plan to protect and strengthen the family. In line with the vision of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we act with an understanding that puts the family at the center. Dowry House is a work that we attach particular importance to in this sense. It is a project where our young people who meet the marriage loan criteria can directly apply here and receive dowry support. This beautiful work that we opened today is also “Our policies, which focus on the family, are one of our best efforts to support our young people in their journey to establish a home. We have updated our work within the scope of the Family Year. Every mother who gives birth deserves support from the moment they apply to us. Here, we will continue to support our couples who protect their families and strengthen their children,” he said.

Within the scope of the decision published in the Official Gazette, the operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University, for which a trustee was appointed to its foundation, was revoked. In the decision published in the Official Gazette, it was stated that “It has been decided to revoke the operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University, for which a trustee was appointed to its founding foundation, in accordance with the additional article 11 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547.”

STATEMENT FROM YÖK: NO OPPORTUNITY WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY VICTIMIZATION

The Council of Higher Education also made a statement about Bilgi University. In the written statement made by YÖK, “”The Presidential Decision regarding the cancellation of the operating permit obtained in accordance with the additional Article 11 of Law No. 2547 upon the appointment of a trustee by the court to the founding foundation of Istanbul Bilgi University was published in today’s Official Gazette. The Council of Higher Education takes the necessary measures immediately to ensure that our students do not experience any victimization and that educational activities are carried out without disruption. Necessary actions will be taken without causing any grievance to our students, as well as to the administrative and academic staff working at our university. Detailed explanations on the subject will be made in the coming days, and we kindly request our valued students, their families and the higher education community to follow accurate and up-to-date information about the process only through the official communication channels of the Council of Higher Education.”

“KILIÇDAROĞLU WILL GO TO CHP HEADQUARTERS”

Atakan Sönmez, Press Advisor of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as CHP Chairman by the court, answered the questions of members of the press in front of Kılıçdaroğlu’s office.

Thanking Kılıçdaroğlu for appointing him as press advisor, Sönmez said, “He continues to work intensively. The official assignment and notification was made to him. Currently, he continues to have intensive meetings both face to face and over the phone with both MPs, party council members, mayors, current mayors, current MPs, former MPs and many provincial and district organization managers, and continues his work.” he said.

Stating that Kılıçdaroğlu was never divisive, Sönmez said:

“He is a Chairman who has determinedly pursued a policy of embracing not only the party but also the society in general for 13 years. In the next period, he talked about a strong march to power to embrace and stand up for the Republican People’s Party as soon as possible and to solve the problems of the country. He has full confidence in himself for this march to power, he has full confidence in his teammates and his friends have full confidence in him. As Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has often emphasized in his 70 years of life, he has no motto other than clean politics and politics for the society. And it has never had a priority other than that, and you know that it will not happen again, and so does the valuable public.”

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING RIGHT NOW”

Stating that some disinformation is circulating on social media, Sönmez said, “It seems that it has been written that an appointment has been made in the Central Executive Board. There is no such thing at the moment. In other words, such an Central Executive Board has not been appointed from within the Party Assembly, nor is there any list of names or anything related to it. Anyway, when such a thing happens, it is officially announced. Do not worry at all. We can easily say that there is no such appointment at the moment.” he said.

On questions about whether Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will make a statement, Sönmez said, “He has been working very hard for two days, Mr. Chairman. He used a serum, there is something about his voice. If his voice has recovered a little by the end of the day, when he is done with his work, there is really no other reason for this. We hope that he can make a short statement at the exit as soon as possible.” he said.

Upon questions about when Kılıçdaroğlu will go to CHP Headquarters, Sönmez gave the following answer:

“Wherever the Chairman of the Republican People’s Party is, that is the Headquarters. But of course, Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will go to the Headquarters of the Republican People’s Party. So, do not doubt that. In fact, the duties of Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the Party Assembly and all other bodies did not start with the previous notification. His duties have already started from the moment yesterday’s court decision became final. Today’s action is a necessary action to complete the official procedure. From the moment the court decision is made, the duty of Mr. Chairman is also the same. “The Party Assembly determined by the 37th Congress and all committees elected there have officially started their duties as of yesterday.”

“MR. CHAIRMAN HAS NEVER BEEN A PARTY TO THE TENSION”

Sönmez stated that Kılıçdaroğlu continued his consultations with all his friends, including the deputies, and said, “What is wanted here is not to create tension. Mr. Chairman has never been a party to tension, and will never be a party to it. He will not be a party to a step that will cause tension. The next process will proceed smoothly, calmly and maturely, exactly in accordance with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s policies. You can all be sure of this.” made his assessment.

Answering the questions about whether Kılıçdaroğlu had a meeting with Özgür Özel and whether he would meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, Sönmez said, “These are not things that can be attributed with extraordinary meanings. I am not saying this because there is such a meeting schedule right now. But when an allegation is made, we all know how to read the subtext behind this claim, as we all come from the journalism profession. Both with Mr. President, with Mr. Devlet Bahçeli and the other six.” “We already know that a politician who has set the table, the Halil İbrahim Table, cannot address or meet with other politicians, but there is no such planned, programmed meeting schedule at the moment.” he said.

On the questions of whether there was any meeting traffic with Özgür Özel, Sönmez said, “There is only one Republican People’s Party. Being a Republican People’s Party cannot be defined as being close to Özgür Özel, far from Özgün Özel, or close to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and far from Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. As of now, the Chairman of the Republican People’s Party is Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. All Republican People’s Party members are close to Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. I can say this much.” he replied.