04.03.2026 14:21
During the opening of the Terkos Yusuf Ziya Ortaç Drinking Water Treatment Plant, CHP leader Özgür Özel recounted the dialogue he had with İBB Deputy Chairman Nuri Aslan, in which he said, "I am fasting."
The opening of the Terkos Yusuf Ziya Ortaç Drinking Water Treatment Plant of the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) drew attention with a dialogue shared by the CHP Chairman Özgür Özel during his speech.
"YOU WILL DRINK THE FIRST GLASS OF THAT WATER"
Özel emphasized that the water coming from the facility is of drinking water quality and shared a conversation he had with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan. Özel stated that he asked about the quality of the water before the opening, saying, "I asked, 'What quality of water is it?' He said, 'It is of drinking water quality.' Then I said, 'Mr. Mayor, if we are providing drinking water quality to the people of Istanbul, you will drink the first glass of that water.'
"I AM FASTING, SIR"
Özel recounted the dialogue that ensued when Aslan said he could not drink the water: "He said, 'I can't drink it, sir.' I said, 'If you can't drink it, this won't work.' He said, 'I can't drink it, sir.' I said, 'If you can't drink it, why can the people of Istanbul drink it?' He said, 'I am fasting, sir.' We agreed with Nuri Aslan. Now we will take a bottle of water from here. He will break his fast with it tonight."
ATTACKS BY THE US AND ISRAEL ON IRAN
In his speech, Özel also touched on developments in foreign policy, criticizing the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Özel noted that the tension in the region has also affected Turkey economically, stating that the increase in oil prices could lead to fuel price hikes. Calling on the government, Özel argued that potential price increases would trigger inflation and that the previously implemented "escalation mobilization" system should be reinstated. He evaluated the non-implementation of the expected fuel price hike last night as "a correct decision."