People from the Western Black Sea region meet in Istanbul! Haydar Çolakoğlu: "Being from the Western Black Sea is a set of values"

The program, held during the month of Ramadan, brought together representatives from politics, bureaucracy, the business world, and civil society at the same table. The program was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, former Minister of the Interior Murat Başesgioğlu, former President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, former Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Dr. Faruk Özlü, the mayors of Kastamonu, Karabük, and Düzce, as well as numerous members of parliament, bureaucrats, business people, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

The program, which began with a telegram from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulating the unity and solidarity of the Western Black Sea region, continued with an enthusiastic spirit of camaraderie. The protocol speeches particularly touched upon the unity and solidarity of the nation.

Haydar Çolakoğlu, President of the Western Black Sea Council Istanbul Branch and President of the Kastamonu People's Platform, who hosted the program, emphasized in his speech that the month of Ramadan is a special time that strengthens the spirit of sharing, solidarity, and brotherhood.

Stating that fellow citizens from the Western Black Sea have created a strong culture of solidarity in Istanbul, Çolakoğlu expressed that this unity is one of the most important guarantees not only for today but also for the future. Pointing out that 42 percent of the electorate in Istanbul is of Western Black Sea origin and that Kastamonu natives make up 12 percent of this large group, Çolakoğlu stated that this stance, exhibited shoulder to shoulder in the metropolis, is also the greatest guarantee for Istanbul.

Stating that the vision of "Two cities, one heart" expressed in the past has now grown even further to reach the point of "Istanbul and the Western Black Sea are one heart," Çolakoğlu emphasized the existence of a deep-rooted Western Black Sea connection extending as far as Üsküdar.

In his speech, Çolakoğlu pointed out that the Western Black Sea is not just a geographical region, but a strong set of values kneaded with patriotism, diligence, and a culture of solidarity, and stated that Kastamonu is a city that has stood out throughout history for its loyalty to its state and nation.

Expressing that Kastamonu, which was one of the provinces that gave the most martyrs in proportion to its population during the War of Independence, acts as the cement of Turkey in this respect, Çolakoğlu emphasized that the region's historical heritage is kept alive today with the same consciousness. Detailing this heritage, Çolakoğlu mentioned the heroism of İnebolu, the only district to hold an Independence Medal, and reminded that those living in those lands rushed to the front without hesitation for the defense of the homeland. He also added that the Western Black Sea has raised many important figures who always took their place when the state and nation were in distress, from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han to Enver Pasha, and from Martyr Şerife Bacı to Halime Çavuş.

Touching upon the anniversary of the adoption of the National Anthem, Çolakoğlu stated that Mehmet Akif Ersoy's verses, which begin with the cry of "Fear not," represent the nation's will for independence and its common values.

Addressing the goals of the Kastamonu People's Platform and the Western Black Sea Council, Çolakoğlu said that they aim to strengthen solidarity among fellow citizens, contribute to the social and economic development of the region, and leave a stronger Western Black Sea to future generations. He emphasized that the dynamism of the youth and the vision of women are an important source of strength in this process.

The iftar program, which saw a high turnout exceeding one thousand people, ended with powerful messages reflecting the spirit of unity and brotherhood of the month of Ramadan. The common message given at the program was that the Western Black Sea will continue to contribute to Turkey's future with the strength it draws from its deep-rooted values.

News Source: 12punto