22.12.2025 13:11
The mother of Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay, who passed away due to multiple organ failure while receiving treatment for colon cancer in Manisa, Fatma Durbay, stated that her daughter's biggest dream was to open daycare centers for children. Durbay said, "She wanted both mothers to socialize and for children to be in a safe environment."
Şehzadeler Municipality Mayor Gülşah Durbay, who had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer for a while, applied to Manisa City Hospital for her routine treatment on December 1. Due to changes in her blood values, Durbay was placed in intensive care for monitoring and observation, and her condition worsened in the following days. Developing multiple organ failure, Durbay was intubated and connected to a ventilator. Despite all the interventions by doctors, Durbay passed away on December 14.
Gülşah Durbay's father, Osman Durbay, stated that his daughter left behind not a concrete will, but an understanding and stance. He expressed that his daughter's greatest ideal was the use of public resources for the people.
"SHE NEVER THOUGHT OF LEAVING BECAUSE SHE LOVED HER JOB SO MUCH"
Osman Durbay, expressing that his daughter's love for her job came before everything else, stated that she never thought of leaving her position for even a moment, saying, "She never detached from her duty because she loved her job so much. She was ready to do anything for the citizens. As her family, we accepted her choice as normal. We thank everyone, especially the people of Manisa, for the affection shown to us during this process, the prayers offered, and the condolences conveyed," he said.
"SHE EVEN WENT TO THE MUNICIPALITY WHILE RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY"
Fatma Durbay, stating that she always believed her daughter would get better during her illness and therefore never thought of being away from her job, mentioned that she continued her duties even during the periods she received chemotherapy, saying, "She always thought she would be fine. Even when she had to stay in the hospital after chemotherapy, she would come home first and go to the municipality the next day. In fact, she loved her job so much that she would go to the municipality with the chemotherapy pump and host her guests in her office while receiving IV fluids," she said.
Fatma Durbay also mentioned that her daughter sometimes neglected her health due to her dedication to her work, saying, "While she should have been resting at home, she was always running around. She would get sick during the election process, have fevers, and work in cold weather. I would say, 'At least rest for one day.' She had ulcerative colitis and sometimes neglected her doctor appointments," she said.
"SHE WANTED TO OPEN NURSERIES FOR CHILDREN"
Fatma Durbay emphasized that Gülşah Durbay had a special sensitivity towards women and children, stating that her daughter's biggest dream was to open nurseries for children, saying, "She wanted both mothers to socialize and children to be in a safe environment. In her speech on November 10, she said, 'Being a republic means coming out of the neighborhood or village of Manisa and becoming the mayor, being the first female mayor.' She said she was very weak that day and ended her speech," she expressed.
Stating that they have not yet planned a foundation or permanent work in memory of Gülşah Durbay, Durbay expressed that they will definitely do something in the future, saying, "We experienced a great pain. We plan to carry out such a work in the future. My daughter made herself so loved that seeing this made us happy. We thank the people of Manisa, all of Turkey, and everyone who stood by us," she said.