07.08.2026 20:01
In Bilecik, the mayor's residential address became a topic of debate. Responding to claims and criticisms that she lives in Eskişehir, Mayor Melek Mızrak Subaşı defended her decision by saying, 'Before my mayoralty, there is motherhood.'
It was claimed that Bilecik Mayor Melek Mızrak Subaşı resides in Eskişehir, approximately 83 kilometers away from the city she governs. Responding to this claim and the criticism it sparked in public opinion at a municipal council meeting, Subaşı said her decision was based entirely on family reasons.
Bilecik Mayor Melek Mızrak Subaşı's residence in Eskişehir instead of the city she serves has caused debates in the city. While some citizens argued that the mayor should reside in the city she governs, Subaşı responded to criticism by citing her daughter's education and family arrangements as justification.
"MY PRIORITY IS MY DAUGHTER"
Speaking at the municipal council, Subaşı stated that her daughter's education continues in Eskişehir and expressed that motherhood comes before mayorship for her.
Subaşı used the following statements:
"Everyone knows that I enrolled my child in a foundation school in Eskişehir. My child finished the 4th grade of primary school and will start middle school. She is very happy, a ski racer. This was the case when I became a mayoral candidate, and it is still the case today. I am a woman, a mother. Motherhood comes before my mayorship. Neither my architecture profession nor my mayorship can come before my motherhood. Therefore, my priority is my daughter."
"I PREPARE BREAKFAST AND RETURN TO WORK"
Subaşı, who said her family's routine is in Eskişehir, noted that she continues her duties in Bilecik for most of the week and tries to be with her family whenever she finds the opportunity.
In her statement on the matter, she included the following words:
"Four to five days a week, they come and go, and I try to be there for one or two days. My child is 10 years old, and my husband's entire work setup is there. I stay with my child so that I can prepare her breakfast in the morning, then I return to work. If you say, 'Madam Mayor, you are making an effort to preserve family unity, but you are neglecting your duties here,' you might be saying something very true. That is the issue, I think; please, let the matter be closed now."
DEBATE CONTINUES
Subaşı's statements did not end the debates. Some factions arguing that the mayor should reside in the city she governs expressed that the mayor's constant presence in the city is important for the effective execution of services in local governments.
On the other hand, Subaşı continued to respond to criticism by stating that she does not neglect her duties and tries to manage her family life and mayoral responsibilities together.