Melikgazi Municipality, which has achieved great success with its projects and visionary work, was awarded the "Kazim Award for Social Cohesion" at the European Social Services Awards (ESSA). With its "Karabekir Neighborhood Urban Transformation Project," it surpassed many institutions and made it to the finals.

Melikgazi Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. stated that harmonious teamwork and a visionary and institutional structure influence success. Mustafa Palancıoğlu said, “The European Social Services Awards, organized by the European Network of Social Services, are held annually to reward and disseminate successful new approaches in the field of social services. This award aims to highlight the innovative projects of service providers and practitioners working in the field of social services. Many relevant organizations from Europe and Turkey apply for this award. As Melikgazi Municipality, we made it to the finals with the “Kazim Karabekir Neighborhood Urban Transformation Project for Social Cohesion.” As a municipality guided by the principle of “People First” in our work and projects, reaching the finals in Europe made us very proud. Our European final placement is the most concrete demonstration that Melikgazi Municipality’s vision of social cohesion is being recognized internationally. We transformed a neighborhood in need of social integration into an inclusive living space with safe housing and social support mechanisms focused on education and employment. This project is not only physical but also strengthens social ties and raises hopes.” It stands out as an exemplary model that fosters social cohesion, increases social participation, and strengthens the understanding of inclusive urbanism. Hopefully, if we win the award at the end of the finals, this success will give new momentum to our work and provide strength for our new projects. I would like to thank all my colleagues who contributed to this project. he spoke.

You can support the Melikgazi Municipality's project by voting in the European referendum by clicking the link https://mgazi.li/8b4736. After clicking the link, you can complete your vote by selecting the box at the top of the line that shows our project, Urban Transformation Project of Kazim Karabekir Neighborhood for Social Cohesion, under the category of the 9th Strengthening Communities and Social Inclusion Award. Then, click the Done button at the bottom of the page.