Hatay, a city that has faced the brunt of a devastating disaster, is now being honored for its resilient efforts by awarding the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, with an honorary citizenship certificate. Following his visit to Hatay amidst earthquake zone inspections, Minister Kurum was bestowed with the citizenship certificate at a ceremony held at the Atatürk Conference Hall at Mustafa Kemal University.
In his address, Minister Kurum highlighted the severe devastation that Hatay faced during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, emphasizing that although the epicenter was in Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık, the most extensive destruction occurred in Hatay. He recounted the grim statistics that one out of every three buildings in the earthquake zone that collapsed was in Hatay. Despite these dark days, a promise was made in the rubble of Hatay, reassuring the people that the city would become the center of reconstruction, reclaiming its illustrious place in history.
The Minister shared updates on the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Hatay, mentioning that 722 businesses in Hatay’s Uzun Çarşı were being rebuilt in three phases, along with 123 establishments and 69 homes on Kurtuluş Avenue, and a lottery had been drawn for 394 shops on Kemalpaşa Avenue and its surroundings.
Standing Strong Together
Emphasizing the unity and solidarity among the people of Hatay, Minister Kurum reiterated that Hatay belonged not only to the residents but to the entire nation and humanity. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and presence in Hatay during challenging times, declaring that the city had witnessed a resurgence due to the goodwill sown in the past.
Reiterating the commitment to not leave a single family displaced, unemployed, or unhappy in Hatay, Minister Kurum highlighted that over 46,000 homes had been handed over to the residents so far, with plans to deliver a total of 153,000 independent units by the end of 2025.
Preserving Heritage and Culture
Beyond constructing new buildings, Minister Kurum stressed the significance of preserving Hatay’s essence by safeguarding its history, culture, and future. He detailed the meticulous efforts to restore and enhance the city’s heritage sites, ensuring that the authenticity and charm of Hatay remained intact.
Promising to elevate Hatay to new heights in tourism, urban planning, and cultural prominence, Minister Kurum affirmed his dedication to making Hatay a shining star in the region.
In conclusion, Minister Kurum underscored the importance of service-oriented politics, praising those who dedicated themselves to building a better future for Hatay rather than engaging in empty promises. He urged a focus on unity and progress, leaving behind the distractions of self-serving interests in politics.
During the ceremony, Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı commended the symbolic gesture of the honorary citizenship certificate, highlighting that it represented not only a formal document but a token of gratitude and loyalty from the 1.686 million residents of Hatay.
Hatay Mayor Mehmet Öntürk echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the decision to award the citizenship certificate was a unanimous choice, symbolizing the collective commitment to the city’s revival and prosperity.
During his visit to Hatay, Minister Kurum presided over a coordination meeting and received updates on the reconstruction and revitalization efforts from local officials, reaffirming his support and dedication to Hatay’s future.
