Statement from Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay on her health status: She had announced she was a cancer patient

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay, who came to the agenda with allegations of having an affair with Gülşah Durbay, had stated that she was a cancer patient in October, when the allegations surfaced. Providing information about her health status on her social media account, Durbay stated that she would undergo surgery today (Friday, January 24) due to her illness. 

While noting that her illness is 'improving,' Durbay emphasized that she has not neglected her responsibilities to the residents of Şehzadeler so far.

On the other hand, the Şehzadeler Mayor added that she will be away from her duties for about 10 days due to the surgery she will undergo.

During the period when the affair allegations were brought up, Durbay had released a video on her social media account denying the claims and stating that she would initiate legal proceedings against those who slandered her.

Durbay had received support from CHP members and women's rights advocates. Those who supported Durbay argued that the Şehzadeler Mayor was being 'sacrificed' by those who wanted to plot against Özel.

Özel also reacted harshly to the allegations and filed a criminal complaint against those who slandered them.

During the time the affair allegations were on the agenda, some journalists and social media users had claimed that Durbay was 'lying about her illness to save herself.'

Durbay, X in the message she shared on her social media account, noted the following:

'I had shared with you about 5 months ago that I had been diagnosed with an illness and stated that I would recover with your support. Since then, my body has responded very positively to the ongoing treatment. My illness is regressing day by day, and I feel much better. During this time, I have worked with all my might without neglecting my responsibility to the people of Şehzadeler. I have put forth my best effort to solve the problems of our district. Seeing that the quality of the municipality's services has increased and solving our citizens' problems one by one makes me very happy. I feel much better with the happiness of serving you and making you smile.

My dear fellow citizens, today, in fact, in a little while, I will undergo an operation as part of my treatment. After the operation, I will need to rest for about 10 days. During this time, I may not have the chance to answer your calls personally. Our municipality's services will be carried out without any disruption by our Deputy Mayors, unit managers, and colleagues. 

After my rest is over, I will return to you and continue our work from where we left off, in a healthier state than before. 

I love you and serving you very much.

I look forward to your prayers and offer you all my respect and love.'

I had shared with you about 5 months ago that I had been diagnosed with an illness and stated that I would recover with your support. Since then, my body has responded very positively to the ongoing treatment. My illness is regressing day by day, and I feel much better. During this time... pic.twitter.com/yjkxsVXjPZ

— Gülşah Durbay (@GulsahDurbay) January 24, 2025