02.11.2026 15:02
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli’s inclusion of Kozan in his statement listing 19 districts that could become provinces brought the expectation of becoming a province in Adana’s Kozan district back onto the agenda. Kozan Mayor Mustafa Atlı, recalling that the district was a province in the past, said they expected the right to become a province to be restored and thanked Bahçeli. Local tradespeople in the district also stated that they want Kozan to become a province.
In the Kozan district of Adana, which has a population of 132,000, citizens want the demand to become a province, voiced for years, to come true. Bahçeli’s statement within the scope of the “100 Provinces, 1000 Districts” project was welcomed with satisfaction in the district.
“SUCH A DETAILED STATEMENT WAS MADE FOR THE FIRST TIME”
Kozan Mayor Mustafa Atlı stated that Bahçeli’s statement created great excitement and satisfaction in the district. Atlı said, “Our Chairman has made statements in this direction many times. The statement of 100 provinces and 1000 districts on the 100th anniversary of our Republic had also come to the agenda in past periods. However, such a detailed statement, with district names expressed one by one from our chairman’s mouth, was made for the first time.”
Expressing that a serious excitement and satisfaction also occurred in Kozan, Atlı said, “On behalf of our Kozan district and our municipality, I consider it a debt to thank our wise leader Devlet Bahçeli once again.”
“WE EXPECT OUR RIGHT TO BECOME A PROVINCE TO BE RESTORED TO US”
Recalling that Kozan was a province in the past, Atlı said they see the expectation of becoming a province as a matter of prestige. Atlı used the expressions, “We hope that, together with the local governments law, our right to become a province will be given back to us and a restoration of prestige will be made.”
“DISTANCE FROM ADANA CENTER IS A PROBLEM”
Arguing that Kozan meets the criteria for becoming a province not only with its population but also with being a regional center serving neighboring districts, Atlı explained that there are difficulties in some services due to its distance from Adana center.
Atlı said, “Kozan, Feke, Saimbeyli, Tufanbeyli and the districts around us are seriously far from Adana center. We have difficulty meeting even our needs such as cemetery service, wastewater treatment plant, and replacement of asbestos pipes, which we must receive from the metropolitan municipality. Kozan already has the identity of being a center with its courthouse, prison and administrative structure.”
“WE CAN SEND A DEPUTY TO PARLIAMENT”
Claiming that if Kozan becomes a province it will achieve significant gains in terms of public investments, employment and economic activity, Atlı stated that they experience a representation problem. Atlı used the expressions, “We are in a leading position in many products in Turkey, but we have difficulty making ourselves heard in Ankara. We have a representation problem. I think that with Kozan becoming a province, its attaining a structure in which we can send a deputy to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey will be one of the greatest advantages.”
“IT WILL BECOME A CENTER THAT RECEIVES MIGRATION, NOT ONE THAT SENDS MIGRATION”
Stating that if it becomes a province, Kozan could also be reevaluated within the incentive system, Atlı spoke as follows:
“We foresee that, together with public investments, tax advantages, electricity and social security incentives, Kozan will turn into an important investment platform. Our district can become a center that receives migration, not one that sends migration. Our economy will revive. With the establishment of the provincial special administration, a structure will be formed in which services can be delivered more easily.”
SHOPKEEPERS: KOZAN DESERVES THIS
District shopkeepers also shared their views on the expectation of becoming a province. Shopkeeper Durmuş Ersin said, “We are very happy that Kozan is shown among the districts that could become a province. We thank Devlet Bahçeli for this statement. Kozan deserves this.”
Shopkeeper Hatice İleri, on the other hand, stated that the expectation is important especially for the future of children, and used the expressions, “As a woman, this statement excited us very much for the future of our children. Kozan has a population of 132,000. With its production and urbanization, it is ready to become a province.”