Farewell letter to Hilmi Türkmen from Üsküdar District Director of National Education: 'All of Turkey has lost'

Semih Durmuş, the Üsküdar District Director of National Education, commented "All of Turkey has lost" under a post on X by AKP's Hilmi Türkmen, who lost the district in the local elections held on March 31. Durmuş's post drew backlash.

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Farewell letter to Hilmi Türkmen from Üsküdar District Director of National Education: 'All of Turkey has lost'

In the March 31, 2024 local elections, CHP candidate Sinem Dedetaş became the new mayor of Üsküdar by receiving 49.9 percent of the votes.

The incumbent AKP mayor Hilmi Türkmen, who lost the election, stated in a post on his X account, "My dear fellow citizens, Üsküdar, which I hold dearer than my own life. As a Deputy Mayor for 2 terms and Mayor for 2 terms, we have experienced the honor, pride, and privilege of serving you in this cherished district."

Üsküdar District Director of National Education Semih Durmuş shared a message under Hilmi Türkmen's post expressing his sadness over the result.

"YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO DID NOT LOSE, MR. MAYOR"

Semih Durmuş's post is as follows:

"My esteemed Mayor, every person has important dates in their life that they cannot forget. March 31, 2024, is one of those dates I will never forget. On this date, not only Üsküdar, the youth of Üsküdar, and us, but all of Turkey has lost. We have all lost. You are the only one who did not lose, Mr. Mayor.

Because you did not just breathe in and breathe out for Üsküdar. From Edirne to Kars, from Hatay to Sinop, you touched everyone and ensured those places could breathe. You took from your own life and gave to this city, to this country.

You changed the philosophy of municipalism. You implemented hundreds of human-centered, education-focused, and youth-based projects. You left countless works to this city..

In your 20-year municipal career, you carried out all your work for the sake of God, without making future plans, and by placing the happiness of the people of this beautiful city at the center.

We are grateful for the services you provided to our Üsküdar and our educational community day and night with the understanding that 'those who work with love do not get tired.'

We are sure that you will continue to sign off on very beautiful and original works from now on.

There is good in what happens.

May God be your helper and supporter"