19.12.2025 20:20
Thanks to the initiatives of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, the initial implementation works for a large recreational area to be realized within the scope of the 2nd Phase Urban Transformation Project, covering the Hızmalı and Atatürk neighborhoods of the Haliliye district, have begun. Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, who started the demolition works using an excavator, stated, "We are no longer taking steps that only address the present; we are preparing the city for the future."
The Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, has launched an important transformation project that will change the face of the Haliliye district.
Within the scope of the "2nd Phase Urban Transformation and Development Project Area," which is implemented in areas that threaten life and property safety, are physically worn out and need socio-economic transformation, a massive recreation project covering the Hızmalı and Atatürk neighborhoods has been initiated. The project, which involves the expropriation of 85 buildings and 250 independent units, will be fully funded by the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality with a budget of 350 million TL.
A LARGE NUMBER OF NAMES ATTENDED
The initial implementation works of the project covering the Hızmalı and Atatürk neighborhoods were attended by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, Eyyübiye Deputy Mayor Necmettin Sağlam, Şanlıurfa Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Director Şelal Ufuk Ergeldi, Acting Provincial Director of Agriculture İsmail Şeyhanlı, MHP Provincial Chairman Mahmut Güneş, İYİ Party Provincial Chairman Ali Eroğlu, President of the Şanlıurfa Martyrs' Families Association Mehmet Yavuz, President of the Combat Veterans Association Hasan Aslan, council members, muhtars, and NGO representatives.
In the program, Mayor Gülpınar emphasized that the project is not just a park project, stating, "This project is part of a vision for urbanization that secures the future of Şanlıurfa."
Stating that they are deeply connected to Şanlıurfa, Mayor Gülpınar said that this love brings the responsibility to do better every day. He noted that the Hızmalı Recreation Project is a concrete reflection of this understanding, saying, "We are no longer taking steps that just save the day; we are preparing the city for the future. We are planning for 10 years and 20 years from now. Because the fate of a city can only change with long-term, determined, and human-centered projects."
MAYOR GÜLPINAR: "A NEW LIVING SPACE WILL BE CREATED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY"
Mayor Gülpınar stated that the project area is located right in the heart of the city and expressed that the region will transform into a special attraction center where history, culture, and modern life will be felt together. He said, "The future of Şanlıurfa will now be greener, safer, and more aesthetic," reminding that the Hızmalı and Atatürk neighborhoods have been experiencing serious problems in terms of building safety and quality of life for years.
Emphasizing that the burden of dilapidated and risky buildings in the area has now been lifted, Mayor Gülpınar stated, "The peace and safety of our citizens are more valuable to us than anything else."
85 BUILDINGS EXPROPRIATED, 27 THOUSAND SQUARE METERS OF AREA TRANSFORMING
Sharing the technical details of the project, Mayor Gülpınar announced that there are a total of 85 buildings and 250 independent units in the area, all of which are evaluated within the scope of expropriation. He stated that work is being carried out on approximately 18 thousand square meters of property area and noted that the total project area is 27 thousand 380 square meters.
Mayor Gülpınar expressed that the new recreation area will include green spaces, walking paths, children's play areas, and resting areas, saying, "A new breathing space will emerge where families can spend time with peace of mind."
350 MILLION TL INVESTMENT FROM THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY
Mayor Gülpınar announced that the cost of the expropriation process is 350 million TL, emphasizing that this entire budget is covered by the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, stating, "We see investing in this city not as a duty but as a matter of loyalty."
He noted that to the south of the project is the Karakoyun Stream, and to the north is the Oral and Dental Health Center, stating that the area is located on the important historical fabric between the historical Hızmalı Bridge and the Justinyen Aqueduct. He stated that all the works are meticulously planned without harming the historical heritage and in a way that meets the needs of the city.
"A CITY IS DEFINED BY ITS PEOPLE"
Emphasizing that the city is not just made up of buildings, Mayor Gülpınar stated, "A city is defined by its people, its memories, and its breath."
He said, "Our aim is to build a Şanlıurfa that centers on people, is in harmony with its history, is at peace with nature, and is aesthetic."
Gülpınar, who hopes that this transformation initiated in Haliliye will serve as an example for other regions of the city, stated that the process is being carried out in consultation with the citizens and without allowing anyone to be victimized.
President Gülpınar concluded his speech by thanking those who contributed and said, "I wholeheartedly believe that together we will build a stronger, more peaceful, and more livable Şanlıurfa. Şanlıurfa will grow, strengthen, and beautify together."
President Gülpınar then inspected the area where the project will be implemented. After the inspections, President Gülpınar took the seat of the excavator operator and started the work by striking the first shovel for the building demolitions.