Neighborhood head bans picnics in cemeteries

Özcan Kayar, 58, who lives in the 7,000-population Sarıseki Neighborhood in Hatay's İskenderun district, became the new neighborhood head after defeating his closest rival by 97 votes.

Starting his initiatives without wasting time, Neighborhood Head Kayar had plastered the neighborhood with posters saying, "Food is not eaten at a house of mourning; food is brought to it."

Kayar's second act for his neighborhood was to ban picnics in the cemetery.

Neighborhood Head Kayar hung banners around the cemetery that read, "Cemeteries are not picnic areas; prayers are recited at graves, and those who have no respect for graves have no respect for anyone."

Kayar has earned the appreciation of neighborhood residents for his actions since the election.

''THEY EVEN CONSUMED ALCOHOL INSIDE THE CEMETERIES''

Neighborhood Head Özcan Kayar pointed out that barbecues were being held inside the cemeteries, stating, "This situation is very sad. They even consumed alcohol inside the cemeteries. As the neighborhood head, I had banners prepared. I hung banners that read, 'Cemeteries are not picnic areas; prayers are recited at graves. Those who have no respect for graves have no respect for anyone.' I wanted to expand on this. I hung this banner due to the consumption of alcohol, soft drinks, and the resulting disrespectful behavior in various parts of our cemeteries. By hanging this banner, I wanted to broaden the community's reflex."