Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Emin Ay visited a local market in Bağlar district as part of the community meetings being held across the city to hear residents’ requests and suggestions directly on the ground. During the programme organised by the Department of Press, Publications and Public Relations, the Co-Mayors visited the neighbourhood market set up in Barış neighbourhood, meeting with market traders and residents doing their shopping.

They listened to market traders about their working conditions

The Co-Mayors, Serra Bucak and Emin Ay, visited the stalls one by one, asking traders about their working conditions and the problems they face. They also spoke with residents who had come to the market to shop, listening to their requests, suggestions and expectations.

The Co-Mayors received strong interest from both market traders and residents. They spoke to traders individually about their day-to-day working conditions, the current state of the market area and problems in the neighbourhood. Residents also had the opportunity to raise issues they face in the neighbourhood and across the city directly with the Co-Mayors.

Requests put to the Co-Mayors

During the visit, a wide range of issues were raised, from traders’ working conditions to problems faced by local residents in their daily lives. Particular emphasis was placed on requests for regular cleaning of market areas, higher hygiene standards and better organisation of stall spaces.

Market traders and residents stressed the importance of organising market areas in a way that meets the needs of both shoppers and traders, and called for cleaning and hygiene work to be carried out regularly.

Issues raised by residents with the Co-Mayors included public transport services, resurfacing roads in the Oğlaklı area, pest control, a five-a-side football pitch and cemetery plots. Residents also called for bus timetables to be revised to improve public transport services.

Measures requested to address pavement obstructions

Obstructions on pavements that make it difficult for pedestrians to get around were also raised during the discussions. Residents said that the use of pavements for purposes other than pedestrian access reduces the space available for people to walk, and called on the Co-Mayors to take the necessary measures.

Requests and suggestions noted

Throughout the market visit, Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Emin Ay listened to and noted the problems, requests and suggestions raised by traders and residents. They emphasised the importance they place on identifying the city’s needs directly on the ground and ensuring residents’ participation in decision-making and finding solutions.

The Co-Mayors said they aim to address problems in the city through local participation and a shared approach, and to develop solutions by assessing residents’ requests and suggestions together with the relevant municipal departments.