38 Children from Nusaybin Met the Sea for the First Time in Their Lives in Kuşadası

Within the scope of the brotherhood and solidarity project implemented by Kuşadası Belediyesi as part of its social municipality understanding, 38 children coming from the Nusaybin district of Mardin had an unforgettable experience in the holiday resort. These students, aged between 7 and 14, managed to reach the Kuşadası district of Aydın after a long journey of approximately one thousand 500 kilometers. The children, who receive education at the summer schools of Nusaybin Çocuk Gelişim Merkezi, had the opportunity to see the sea for the first time in their lives thanks to this visit. This meaningful tradition, held for the ninth time, aims to culturally unite children living in different cities and to establish bonds of friendship with each other. The students participating in the program carefully prepared by the municipality are having fun and broadening their horizons by making new discoveries.

The children's first day in Kuşadası was spent exploring the historical and cultural riches of the city. Accompanied by Project Coordinator Şehmus Ak, the students visited Kuşadası Belediyesi in the first hours of the day and attended an official welcoming ceremony. The guest children, who were sincerely welcomed by Deputy Mayor Çağlayan Erdem, Deputy Mayor Yusush Atak, and City Council Member Mehmet Sarıdedeoğlu, were presented with various gifts. After the visit, the cultural tour route specially prepared for the children included important spots such as İstasyon Kuşadası, Çalıkuşu Kültür Evi, Mineral ve Fosil Müzesi, and Mikro Minyatür Müzesi. In addition, the group, which also visited SEYAKMER and Kent Lokantası, had the opportunity to closely observe the history and social life of the region.

Following the cultural events that lasted throughout the day, the most emotional and meaningful moment of the program was experienced at Marina Plajı in Türkmen Mahallesi. Forgetting the fatigue of a long road trip, the children experienced the indescribable excitement of meeting that huge blue water they saw and smelled for the first time. On this special day intertwined with the sea, sand, and sun, the children thoroughly participated in various fun activities organized by Kuşadası Belediyesi. These moments, which were the first beach experience for many children, did not hide the happiness and astonishment on their faces. Authorities state that this event is not just a holiday, but also of great importance for the psychological and social development of the children.

The children who had this unique experience frequently expressed their satisfaction and excitement in their words. 14-year-old Rojat Kaçmaz shared the great astonishment and joy created by entering the sea for the first time, stating that he did not expect the sea to be this big. 13-year-old Rızgar Oruç stated that he felt the pride of seeing the sea for the first time in this resort town he reached from his village. Oruç conveyed his sincere thanks to Kuşadası Belediyesi and the architect of the project, Mayor Ömer Günel, for making them experience this happiness. 12-year-old Hikmet Oral also stated that he would never forget this first sea experience of his life, saying that he would carry the memory of this day in his heart for a lifetime.

Nusaybin Çocuk Gelişim Merkezi Project Coordinator Şehmus Ak emphasized the importance of these social responsibility projects, which they carry out regularly every year in July. Ak stated that they feel deep gratitude towards Kuşadası Belediyesi for their years of beautiful hospitality and support. Thanks to this project, it is aimed for children living in different cities to gain cultural experiences and strengthen their bonds of brotherhood between the East and the West. The authorities announced that social municipality practices will continue with such concrete and touching steps. Ultimately, these events make a small but meaningful contribution to reinforcing the spirit of solidarity across the country and raising generations who look to the future with hope.