Gaziantep was deemed worthy of the 2025 European Prize awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The award given to the city is the result of sustainability, environmental, cultural and solidarity-based studies carried out by the Gaziantep Municipality.
Every year, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) awards one of the cities that most actively supports European ideals.
Thanks to the sustainability, environmental, cultural and solidarity-based studies carried out by the Gaziantep Municipality, Gaziantep received the European Prize 2025. In this context, an award ceremony was held at the Şehitkamil State Theater.
“THIS AWARD IS A SYMBOL OF THE SITUATION OF SOLIDARITY” Speaking at the award ceremony, Gaziantep Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin said that the 2025 European Prize awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe supports Gaziantep's understanding of brotherhood and solidarity.
Stating that Gaziantep was considered worthy of the European Award at the end of a long-term study, Şahin said, “We started this journey 11 years ago. First, we received the European Certificate, then the Flag of Honor, then the Honor Roll, and today we have the opportunity to receive the European Award, which is the highest stage.”
“GAZİANTEP DESERVES THIS AWARD WITH HIS PEOPLE” Miloš Konatar, Chairman of the European Prize Subcommittee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, stated that Gaziantep deserved this award due to the enthusiasm, productivity and hard work of its people.
Konatar said: “This award is here and you deserve it. This award belongs not only to Gaziantep, but to all Turkish people. Many years ago, I talked to a close friend of mine in Montenegro. He has visited more than 150 countries around the world. I asked him if there was any city he would like to return to again. He told me in just one word, 'Gaziantep'. When I asked why, he replied: 'Because of the people there'”. speak. Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament and Vice Chairman for the first term, also said that Gaziantep deserved to receive the European Award thanks to its understanding of brotherhood, solidarity and production. Emphasizing brotherhood and solidarity, Oktay said: “This city is a city of people who say 'I am here' when someone is in trouble. It is a city of solidarity, sharing and compassion. The Gaziantep model is an exemplary model that realizes the development of cities with a people-centered approach.” he said. After the speech, Miloš Konatar, Chairman of the European Prize Subcommittee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, awarded the European Prize to Fatma Şahin.
