The B40 Balkan Mayors Summit, which brings together mayors of 24 cities from 11 countries, started today (November 29) at the İstanbul Congress Center.
Giving a speech at the summit, İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "For years, the word 'Balkanization' has been used to describe ethnic divisions, border disputes and conflicts. Nevertheless, we are here today to make a fresh start for our region. We have met for stronger cooperation and to build a better future together.
"Vital issues we face as local governments, such as environmental and climate problems, the refugee crisis, energy management and the aspirations of a progressive democracy are global topics that transcend local borders.
"... Within this framework, we are taking the first step towards developing the B40 Balkan Cities Network together with you."
The goal of the network is to create better cooperation between local governments and contribute to regional development, said the mayor.
"Just as it is a simple fact that the sun rises from the east, it is also obvious that Europe started from İstanbul and the Balkans.
"The multinational, multi-identity and pluralistic democracy model represented by the European Union is an ideal for all of us. Human rights, the rule of law, the culture of consensus and freedoms are a common goal for millions of people who live in our cities. These common goals are the foundation of the B40 network."
Being aware of the potential that sustainable development and peace present for the cities in our region,
With a shared vision for a European future,
Aspiring to establish a fruitful cooperation in areas of common interest,
Knowing that climate change and other global challenges we face requires working together towards common solutions at local, regional and global level,
Recognizing that good governance requires a resilient, democratic, transparent, and inclusive local governance, based on data, science and shared wisdom for future cities,
Emphasizing the critical importance of the localization of the New Urban Agenda and other international agreements and plans, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals,
Under the framework of the B40 – Balkan Cities Network, established at the Istanbul Summit, in line with the abovementioned common values, we declare to;
Work together through this Network to strengthen the dialogue among our cities,
Cooperate in the fields of economy, culture, innovation, sustainability, and solidarity.
Develop new areas of cooperation focusing on reversing the effects of the climate change, and strengthening local democracy and good neighborly relations in our region,
Evaluate the difficulties encountered at the local and regional levels within the framework of reciprocity and dialogue in common platforms by sharing solutions and good practices with the parties,
Contribute to the recommendation development processes for decision makers at all levels,
Assist in the planning of the Network meetings and the specification of the meeting agendas in line with the annual priorities to be determined by the Network members and participating in the meetings with Mayors and technical personnel,
Host and participate in the Network meetings,
Encourage participation of local communities through participatory activities.
Hatay after earthquakes: Changing priorities and problems
As Hatay continues its reconstruction process after the devastating losses of the February 6 earthquakes, housing, education, healthcare, and economic struggles persist alongside new emerging issues.
Saray Street in Antakya town center. (Vecih Cuzdan/bianet)
In Hatay, the province that suffered the most devastation and lost over 24,000 lives in the February 6 and 20 earthquakes, ongoing problems continue to shift priorities.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, urgent needs such as tents, food, and drinking water took precedence. As time passed, housing became the primary concern. Tents were replaced by container shelters, and 228,000 people still live in them. However, fundamental issues like healthcare, education, and access to clean water persist. To address the housing crisis, the government has implemented TOKİ housing projects, designated reserve areas, and on-site reconstruction models.
Housing projects and reserve area challenges
Infrastructure and clean water shortages are prominent issues in areas where TOKİ housing projects are being built. Additionally, because these projects are far from city centers, many earthquake survivors are reluctant to move into TOKİ residences unless absolutely necessary.
Those opting for the on-site reconstruction model face a different set of challenges. Due to the high cost of construction in Hatay, the financial support provided by the government—750,000 liras in grants, 750,000 liras in loans, and 40,000 liras for architectural project expenses, totaling 1,540,000 TL—is insufficient to rebuild homes. As a result, homeowners must take on an additional 790,000 liras in debt, along with extra costs ranging from 300,000 liras to 1.5 million liras.
Taking advantage of this situation, some contractors are drafting legal agreements that reflect lower costs on paper, potentially misleading homeowners. Many fail to thoroughly review contract details, which is expected to lead to increasing disputes and lawsuits in the future. If the government or relevant institutions do not intervene, contractor fraud—seen in previous construction projects—may become widespread in the earthquake zone, further exacerbating the hardships of survivors.
Defne Armutlu Neighborhood construction site, Feb 5, 2025. (bianet)
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change’s Urban Transformation Directorate has announced that those who fail to obtain construction permits by June 30 will no longer be eligible for grants and loans. This puts pressure on earthquake survivors to quickly sign contracts with contractors, increasing the likelihood of problematic agreements.
Meanwhile, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality’s approved 1/1000 zoning plans are still in the public objection phase, which, if contested, could extend the process into April. Since obtaining construction permits takes two to three months, the June 30 deadline appears unrealistic. Forcing earthquake survivors into such a tight timeline risks depriving them of their housing rights or pushing them into legally questionable, high-cost agreements with contractors.
Education challenges
In districts like Antakya, Defne, Samandağ, and Kırıkhan, some school buildings are still being used by other public institutions. As a result, students are forced to study under worse conditions than before the earthquake. They are expected to be at a disadvantage in upcoming exams, likely performing worse than their peers.
According to Eğitim-Sen’s report, "The State of Students and Education Workers in the Earthquake Zone on the Second Anniversary of the February 6 Earthquakes," school enrollment rates in Hatay have dropped significantly, with the number of students decreasing by 65,248. Ministry of National Education (MEB) data also shows that 6,343 teachers in the region are still living in container shelters.
Frequent power and water outages negatively affect the learning environment. Due to the shift-based education system, students must leave for school in the early hours of the morning while it is still dark and return home late in the evening. Moreover, the cancellation of free school meals for preschoolers—even in the earthquake zone—has worsened the problem of malnutrition among children.
The report underscores the urgent need for the Ministry of National Education to implement policies that reduce educational inequality and swiftly address infrastructure issues.
Cemalettin Tınaztepe Middle School amid rubble in Antakya, Feb 3, 2025. (bianet)
Health issues
Health problems in the earthquake zone remain unresolved. Unregulated demolitions and reconstruction efforts have worsened air pollution, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. Reports indicate a rise in infant and child mortality, while mental health issues in the region have reached a critical level.
According to the "February 2023 Earthquakes: 2nd Year Report" by the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Health and Social Service Workers’ Union (SES), the uncertainty surrounding the future and life in container settlements have severely impacted the community’s mental well-being. The report highlights widespread psychological distress due to uncertainty, hopelessness, and insecurity about the future. It also points out that critical Community Mental Health Centers—essential for monitoring chronic psychiatric illnesses—are still absent in Hatay’s central districts, Defne and Antakya.
A commemoration event in İskenderun, 2025. (AA)
Small businesses and economic hardships
Small business owners in the earthquake-affected areas are facing severe challenges. The temporary prefabricated markets set up for shopkeepers are expected to be relocated to reserve areas or other locations in the future, forcing business owners to keep changing addresses. This instability risks driving away their customer base and further reducing their income. Many shopkeepers have already left for other cities, while those who remain are becoming increasingly financially vulnerable.
A major uncertainty for local businesses is whether the Ministry of Treasury and Finance will extend the "force majeure" status, initially declared in December 2022 for businesses with an annual revenue of up to 2.5 million TL. Large corporations are less affected by this issue, but if the "force majeure" designation is lifted, small businesses will bear the brunt, leading to significant financial strain and broader socio-psychological consequences.
Antakya town center. (bianet)
Traffic and other urban problems
Following the February 6 earthquakes, certain districts in Hatay experienced a major influx of new residents. Population growth in Erzin, Dörtyol, Payas, Belen, and Arsuz, particularly in İskenderun, has led to new urban challenges. In İskenderun, the daytime population has nearly doubled, making traffic one of the most pressing issues.
Beyond basic needs, the overall emotional state of the population has also been severely impacted. Observers note that people walking in the streets appear visibly unhappy, with expressions of distress. This widespread sense of unhappiness has begun affecting personal relationships and the community’s overall mental health. (AB/VC/VK)
İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been formally indicted over his recent remarks on the province's chief public prosecutor.
The İstanbul 14th Heavy Penal court accepted the indictment today, scheduling the first hearing for Apr 14. The mayor faces a prison sentence from 2 years and 8 months to 7 years and 4 months and a ban from politics for "insulting a public official due to their duty," "threat" and "marking a counterterrorism official as a targe for terro groups."
The case stems from comments İmamoğlu made during a speech last month, where he said, addressing Akın Gürlek, the chief prosecutor, that "we'll erase the mentality that guides you from this country."
Gürlek, who previously acted as the deputy justice minister and the presiding judge in several politically charged cases, has been strongly criticized by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) for allegedly acting in line with the government's political agenda. CHP politicians, including İmamoğlu, have also held Gürlek responsible for a series of recent investigations targeting İstanbul district municipalities run by the party.
The indictment, which cites Gürlek as the victim, İmamoğlu’s statements were an attempt to "pressure the judiciary" and "influence court decisions" by using his political status.
The prosecutors also argued that Gürlek was known to be a target for "terrorist orgnizations" due to his previous duties, and İmamoğlu marked him as a target for such groups in his speech, in addition to threatening the chief prosecutor. İmamoğlu’s remarks "included elements that could put Gürlek and his family at risk," according to the indictment.
Legal challenges against CHP and İmamoğlu
İmamoğlu and other CHP local governors have faced several investigations and cases in recent months, ranging from terrorism-related offenses to alleged irregularities in public tenders.
Mayors of the Esenyurt and Beşiktaş districts were remanded in custody in October and January, respectively, and replaced by government-appointed trustees.
During raids targeting 9 İstanbul district municipalities yesterday, several municipal councilors and two deputy district mayors were detained as part of a "terrorism" investigation.
İmamoğlu himself faces another investigation for "attempting to influence the judiciary" for his revelation that the same expert witness was involved in multiple investigations targeting CHP-run municipalities, including Beşiktaş and Esenyurt.
Since defeating the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in İstanbul’s 2019 municipal elections, ending the AKP and its predecessors’ 25-year control of the city, İmamoğlu has emerged as a prominent opposition figure and a potential rival to Erdoğan in future presidential elections.
In Dec 2022, a court sentenced İmamoğlu to two years in prison and a five-year political ban over allegedly insulting members of the Supreme Election Council in a 2019 speech. The opposition claimed his remarks were taken out of context. The verdict is currently under appeal. (VK)