Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Zengin Elected President of Sakarya City Council

Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Zengin has been elected as the President of the Sakarya City Council. The 5th Ordinary General Assembly of the Sakarya City Council—one of the key platforms for participatory governance and collective decision-making—was held with broad participation at the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Council Hall.

Sakarya City Council 5th Ordinary General Assembly

The meeting attracted significant interest from public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and various stakeholders. During the assembly, the roadmap for the new term was discussed, and the council’s governing bodies were determined.

Sakarya City Council

Following the elections, Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Zengin was appointed as President of the Sakarya City Council. The executive board that will guide the council’s activities in the new term was also formed. Sevgi Faydalı was elected as the President of the Women’s Council, while Atakan Erebilir assumed the role of President of the Youth Council.

In his opening speech, Head of the Department of Culture, Arts and Social Affairs of

Alpay Şirin, Head of the Culture, Arts and Social Affairs Department of Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality

Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, Alpay Şirin, emphasized the importance of city councils, stating:

“Today, cities are shaped not only by the decisions of administrators but also by the contributions of their residents. City councils are among the most concrete and powerful platforms for such participation. Through this structure, which acts as a bridge between citizens and governance, ideas are heard, needs become visible, and solutions are developed collectively.”

Sakarya Deputy Governor Dr. İsmail Altan Demirayak

Sakarya Deputy Governor Dr. İsmail Altan Demirayak highlighted the strategic importance of city councils, saying:

“We see city councils as strategic platforms where urban issues are discussed with all stakeholders and comprehensive evaluations are made. The role of this structure—bringing together NGOs, professional chambers, public institutions, and local government representatives—is highly valuable in generating joint solutions, developing a city vision, and preparing concrete action plans.”

Dr. İlhan Yılmaz, Deputy Secretary General of Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality

Deputy Secretary General of Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, Dr. İlhan Yılmaz, noted:

“Decisions taken here are also evaluated and finalized in the Metropolitan Municipal Council. Therefore, this connection is extremely valuable. As the Metropolitan Municipality, we aim to handle all decisions of the City Council transparently and through a consultative approach with all political representatives.”

Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Zengin

Newly elected President Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Zengin stated:

“As the City Council, we will work to contribute to our city’s shared future and shape it together. Our goal is to leave a more livable, stronger, and higher-quality Sakarya for future generations. In fulfilling this duty, we will adopt an inclusive, constructive, and consultative approach without excluding anyone. Our aim is not only to address today’s needs but to leave lasting and impactful projects for the Sakarya of tomorrow.”