Actor Mehmet Esen, CHP candidate for Adalar Mayor: I will invest in people and nature

12punto.com.tr / Exclusive

General President of the DİSK-affiliated Sine-Sen and actor Mehmet Esen has become a candidate for the Adalar Mayoralty from the CHP in the local elections to be held on March 31, 2024.

Esen, who entered politics with a surprise decision, said, "As a citizen, I became a candidate following the requests of those living in the region as a result of the services I have provided to the Islands. Receiving the support of my artist friend Zülfü Livaneli was also very valuable. As someone who has lived in the Islands for 20 years, I know the troubles of this district.

If I am nominated and elected, I will work day and night for 5 years. As someone who sleeps 4 hours a day, I will solve all the problems with quick touches. I will invest in people and nature. The Islands will become an island of culture, art, and sports," he stated.

'IMPROVING THE COASTLINES IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE'

Discussing the problems and projects of the Islands, Mehmet Esen said, "The Islands are currently far from aesthetic in terms of appearance. The coastlines need to be improved and the problems of the tradespeople need to be listened to. Apart from this, I have a desire to open a veterinarian, a nursery, and special meeting places for the elderly on every island. We will also protect the rights of minorities together, and we will bring the cultures of these precious people to light," he added:

"Perhaps most importantly, I will invest in people and nature. Our citizens will be able to reach me whenever they want."

'IF ELECTED, I WILL PUT ACTING ON HOLD'

Stating that "even those who support different parties trust me and say they will support me," Esen said, "If I am nominated by the CHP and elected, I will put acting on hold. Because I would like to perform this duty properly throughout the 5-year term of office."

WHO IS MEHMET ESEN?

Mehmet Esen was born in Istanbul in 1958. Influenced by Münir Özkul, whom he watched on stage, and having started to take an interest in acting during his primary school years, Esen stepped into the world of theater with the play 'Bozkır Dirliği'.

During his student years, he received training at the Ankara Experimental Stage. Later, he joined the Revolutionary Ankara Art Theater (DAST).

He began performing as a 'meddah' (traditional storyteller) for the first time under the guidance of Haldun Taner as an apprentice to Münir Özkul.

He performed in the meddah plays 'Düş ve Gerçek', written by Erol Toy, and 'Kaşif-i Eyvah Nadir Efendi', written by Ahmet Önel, both directed by Münir Özkul.

He also took part in the Dostlar Theater for a period.

Mehmet Esen won the 'Best Actor' award at the 2022 Montreal Film Festival for his performance in the short film 'Kayıp', directed and written by Ekin Onat.

The master actor has also appeared in television series such as Şaşıfelek Çıkmazı, Arka Sokaklar, EDHO, Kış Güneşi, and Bir Delice Sevda.

News Source: 12punto