17.12.2025 13:30
The Mayor of Bolu, Tanju Özcan, who returned from his Umrah visit, made a statement regarding the illness that caused him to lose 20 kilograms. Özcan stated that he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after experiencing pancreatitis twice, saying, "Due to my condition, I had quit alcohol and started praying. I plan to continue this way."
Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan made statements to reporters in his office after a week-long Umrah visit.
"THERE IS A WONDERFUL ENERGY, YOU SEE THE POWER OF THE CREATOR"
Özcan stated that he was greatly affected by the atmosphere in the holy lands and that everyone who has the opportunity should go there, saying, "There is a wonderful energy there. You see the power of the Creator. You are influenced by the people who come there in droves. People from all over the world have come. The energy of the Kaaba is already very different. It came to me differently than I expected. It was better for me. Therefore, may Allah grant everyone the opportunity to go to the holy lands. We prayed for both our colleagues and our Bolu. Hopefully, our prayers will be accepted," he said.
Özcan also expressed that they have started consultations to provide citizens with Hajj and Umrah services at more affordable prices through the Boluyuseviyorum (BOLSEV) Foundation, saying, "I think it would be nice if we can implement this."
"I LOST 20 KILOS"
Providing information about his recent physical changes and health status, Özcan stated that he had suffered from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) twice. He mentioned that Type 2 diabetes emerged as a result of this condition, saying, "Due to the effects of Type 2 diabetes, we reduced our food intake. Perhaps because of this, I lost about 20 kilos. Then I gained 3-4 kilos back. Of course, those who haven't seen me for a long time thought, 'Has he gotten a serious illness? Cancer?' Cancer is also an illness, but right now I am not a cancer patient. Just two days ago, I had my blood tests done, but I know that there are thousands of people praying for me in this regard. Thank you very much. Right now, I do not have any illness that would hinder or affect my work. I just need to be more careful, especially regarding nutrition," he said.
"I QUIT ALCOHOL, I STARTED PRAYING"
Özcan stated that he quit alcohol due to his illness and started praying, expressing that he plans to maintain this lifestyle, saying, "I plan to continue this way, but other than that, there will be no change in my political views. We will continue on the path we have walked so far as a politician who emphasizes Turkish nationalism, Atatürkism, and social democracy. We will continue to call a spade a spade and say right is right, wrong is wrong," he stated.