01.12.2025 09:40
The Uzunkavak neighborhood in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay has been connected to the Kumlu district following the referendum, as announced in the Official Gazette with decision number 10619. Mehmet Albrayrak, the headman of Uzunkavak neighborhood, stated that they have been connected to Kumlu after a process that lasted nearly 2 years, and he expressed their happiness, noting that the period of suffering is now behind them.
The residents of Uzunkavak Neighborhood, located in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay and 25 kilometers away from the district center, went to the polls to connect to the Kumlu district, which is 3 kilometers away. In Uzunkavak, where earthquake victims live, citizens preferred to connect to the Kumlu district, which is only 3 kilometers away, due to the 30 kilometers they had to travel for official business.
A REFERENDUM WAS EVEN HELD
After applications to the Hatay Governorship, a referendum was held in the neighborhood two years ago. In the neighborhood, which has a total of 780 voters, 510 people went to the polls to vote. As a result of the counts, it was decided that Uzunkavak Neighborhood would be connected to the Kumlu district with 480 "Yes" votes.
PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE
After the referendum, a vote was also held in the Kumlu Municipal Council for the inclusion of Uzunkavak, and the request for Uzunkavak to join Kumlu was accepted. With the decision numbered 10619, published in the Official Gazette on November 21, 2025, Uzunkavak Neighborhood was officially connected to the Kumlu district.
THE SIGNS WILL CHANGE
Uzunkavak Neighborhood Muhtar Mehmet Albrayrak, expressing that they have been connected to Kumlu after a two-year process, said, "We are now connected to the Kumlu district, and in the coming days, we will change the name on the sign from Reyhanlı district to Kumlu district."
"WE HAVE FINALLY SUCCEEDED"
Stating that the process of changing the district took about 2 years, Uzunkavak Neighborhood Muhtar Mehmet Albayrak noted that the residents have been relieved from serious troubles, saying, "Uzunkavak Neighborhood has been a village connected to Reyhanlı district since 1945. Although the Reyhanlı district center is 25 kilometers away from the village, being connected to the Kumlu district, which is right next to us, will definitely be good for us in every aspect. Because we cannot finish explaining the problems that being connected to Reyhanlı district has caused for the people of Uzunkavak Neighborhood. I believe that the best option for the people of Uzunkavak Neighborhood will be the Kumlu district. The fact that the entire Uzunkavak community voted 'yes' in the referendum we held 2 years ago is a testament to this. I noticed the difficulties seriously during my early days as the first muhtar in this process. I worked hard to bring this process to this point. We have completed this process, and I wish it to be beneficial for my neighborhood. We have finally succeeded. We are connected to the Kumlu district, and in the coming days, we will change the name on the sign from Reyhanlı district to Kumlu district. After that, there will be a more beautiful appearance. The citizens are very pleased with this situation. The support of the citizens from the very beginning of the process was a testament to this. I have put a lot of effort into this process, and I am happy that we are finally connected. Our efforts have finally reached success. I hope this blessed and happy day will be beneficial for the people of Uzunkavak and the Kumlu district," he expressed.