News: Nurgül Yılmaz
On April 12, 2025, the prestigious Kent & Mayors Awards (Kent & Başkan Ödülleri) brought together a wide array of municipal leaders, state officials, and civic stakeholders in Kayseri to celebrate outstanding achievements in local governance.
Organized by Kent & Başkan Magazine, the ceremony honored mayors from across Turkey who emerged victorious through a nationwide online voting process open to the public.
The event took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kayseri and was broadcast live on Worldturk TV, Kent & Başkan’s official YouTube channel, Medya Ankara, Haberler.com, and Sondakika.com—bridging distances and political differences to unite voices from all over the country.
A Full House: A Gathering of Leaders and Stakeholders
Among the notable attendees were Mahmut Arıkan, Kayseri Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Felicity Party (Saadet Partisi); Kayseri MP Şaban Çopuroğlu; Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek; and Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç. Members of the Turkish Internet Journalists Association (TİGAD), numerous mayors from metropolitan, provincial, district, and town municipalities, media representatives, and a large number of invited guests also joined the celebration.
Okan Geçgel: “Our Jury Is the People”
In his opening speech, Okan Geçgel, Editor-in-Chief of Kent & Başkan Magazine, emphasized the democratic foundation of the awards:
“Today, our mayors who serve our cities with dedication and integrity are being honored. These awards were determined solely by the votes of the public—making them a true reflection of the people’s appreciation. There is no editorial jury. The only jury is our citizens.”
Geçgel expressed pride in continuing the magazine’s tradition of hosting this impactful event annually and noted the unique value of the awards as a symbol of public trust and recognition.
Main Sponsor’s Remarks
Adnan Arıkan, General Manager of Kayseri Park Shopping Mall, delivered remarks on behalf of Serhan Çetinsaya, Vice Chairman of Artaş Holding—the main sponsor of the 2025 awards. He expressed his gratitude and delight for being part of such a meaningful national event.
Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç: “Cities Compete, Mayors Compete”
Welcoming guests to his home city, Kayseri Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç praised the organizers and highlighted the spirit of cooperation and service:
“We believe in the power of us, not me. I wholeheartedly thank everyone who has contributed to the past and present of our beloved city. Kayseri, with its deep-rooted history and development, deserves to be recognized and emulated. I sincerely congratulate all winning mayors. As Mr. Okan stated, having the people as the jury gives this award a special meaning.”
Şaban Çopuroğlu: “Vision Shapes the Future of Cities”
Kayseri MP Şaban Çopuroğlu acknowledged the hard work of municipal leaders across Turkey:
“The fact that you’re here today is evidence that you are doing great work in your cities. The future of a city is directly proportional to the vision of its mayor. May God make your path easier.”
Mahmut Arıkan: “A Platform for Inspiration and Shared Experience”
Mahmut Arıkan, Kayseri MP and Chairman of the Felicity Party, emphasized the civilizational value of cities and local governance:
“Cities are synonymous with civilization and virtue. They are about coexistence and tolerance. Today, cities must be dynamic—renewing themselves constantly across sectors like agriculture, economy, industry, and tourism. With the right leadership, our municipalities can become models not only in Turkey but across Europe.”
He outlined key principles for ideal city governance: humility, competence, accountability, transparency, cultural preservation, and compassionate leadership.
“These awards matter because they recognize excellence, provide inspiration, and create space for valuable exchange among leaders.”
Governor Gökmen Çiçek: “A Symbol of Unity Befitting Turkey”
Governor Gökmen Çiçek praised the unity displayed during the event, noting the inclusive representation from all political backgrounds:
“We’re proud to serve Kayseri hand in hand with our mayors. Events like these remind us of the central role municipalities play in urban development. We thank Kent & Başkan Magazine and its leadership for hosting this significant gathering in our city.”
Award Ceremony: A Moment of Pride
The award ceremony was hosted by renowned Kanal 7 news anchor Meryem Nas Mercan and marked the culmination of a vibrant, engaging, and emotional evening. One by one, mayors took to the stage to receive their awards—each one a testament to public trust and a recognition of service excellence. From large metropolitan areas to small towns, mayors of every scale were honored for their outstanding commitment to community development, sustainability, innovation, and inclusive governance.
Kent & Mayors: Shaping the Future of Local Governance
As Turkey continues to evolve its model of municipal leadership, the Kent & Mayors Awards stand out as an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when vision, service, and public trust come together. More than just an award ceremony, this event has become a movement—one that strengthens local democracy and puts the spotlight on those who lead with purpose.
"Here is the list of municipalities and mayors who received the City & Mayor 2025 Awards."
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