19.02.2026 09:50
One of the oldest districts in Turkey, Taşkent district of Konya, which is referred to as the gateway of Central Anatolia to the Mediterranean, has 70% of its population over the age of 60... In the district, 450 people are provided with two hot meals a day.
In the district of Taşkent, located on the Toros Mountains with a population of 7,000, municipal teams are serving hot meals to elderly residents in need. The district, which draws attention with its strategic location connecting Central Anatolia to the Mediterranean, stands out with its social municipal activities.
Taşkent, located 110 kilometers from Konya, offers a peaceful life with its steep cliffs, deep valleys, and roaring springs. The majority of the population consists of citizens aged 60 and above, and there is also a vocational school and a student dormitory affiliated with Selçuk University in the district. The residents, who make a living through gardening and livestock farming, lead a tranquil life in this high-altitude area.
"WE ARE THE THIRD GATE OF CENTRAL ANATOLIA OPENING TO THE MEDITERRANEAN"
Taşkent Mayor Mehmet Acar stated that the district is an important transit point connecting Central Anatolia to the Mediterranean, saying, "We are an important transit point opening to the Mediterranean after Seydişehir and Beyşehir. We are 100 kilometers away from Alanya from where we are. In fact, Alanya is closer to us than Konya city center," he said.
Acar mentioned that the district's population is around 7,000 and that the influx of Taşkent residents from outside the province increases during the summer months. Highlighting the peaceful environment in the district, Acar stated, "There are not many judicial incidents in our district. Incidents like injuries and animosities are not common. There might be minor land disputes. Other than that, there are not many judicial cases in our district," he said.
450 PEOPLE RECEIVING TWO MEALS DAILY
Stating that he has completed his third year in office, Acar said they are trying to touch hearts with social municipal services. He noted that 70% of the district's population is over 60 years old and mentioned that they established a soup kitchen after their inspections in 15 neighborhoods.
"70% of the people in our region are over 60 years old. We have citizens aged 80-90 who are in need, not due to poverty. A nation that does not take care of its elderly cannot rise to the top. We immediately established a soup kitchen. We provide services to elderly people who may have money but cannot get up and do it themselves. We do not look at the economic aspect," Acar stated, adding that they deliver two hot meals daily to 450 people.
Acar mentioned that the municipal teams deliver meals to the citizens' homes, saying, "We arrive at the citizen's home, set the table, and serve the meal," he expressed.
TOURISM GOALS ARE ALSO ON THE AGENDA
Acar stated that Taşkent Municipality has projects in the field of tourism and mentioned that they are planning a cable car line extending from the front of the municipal building to Kıble Rock. Acar said, "There is also a camping area belonging to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the region. If a cable car is built here, Taşkent will attract serious tourism," he said.
Acar added that they aim to grow Taşkent with both social projects and tourism investments.