THE 15-MINUTE CITIES CONSORTİUM MET IN BODRUM

The consortium members gathered in Bodrum as part of the TÜBİTAK International 15-Minute Cities Project, jointly conducted by the Bodrum Municipality Climate Change and Zero Waste Directorate and Gazi University with European Union grant support. A 17-member delegation from Bodrum Municipality, Gazi University, Bielefeld Municipality, Vision5, Lund University, Amsterdam University, Cracow University of Technology, and Braşov Municipality attended the meetings held on October 6-7. Sustainable Transportation and Pedestrianization Practices in Bodrum Were Discussed On the first day of the meetings hosted by Bodrum Municipality, mutual views were exchanged on current developments within the project framework and the pedestrianization practices of consortium partners in their own countries. Following the meeting, participants had the opportunity to get to know the city's historical and cultural heritage up close by visiting Bodrum Castle. On the second day of the program, Bodrum Municipality gave a presentation on the pedestrianization works carried out on Karcı Street in Bahçelievler Neighborhood, the pilot application area of the project. After the presentation, the delegation went to the Turgutreis area and inspected the arrangements made on Karcı Street together with Bahçelievler Neighborhood Head Fatma Akalan. Then, Turgutreis Atatürk Square, previously pedestrianized streets, and the renovated bicycle path were visited, and participants were given detailed information about Bodrum's sustainable transportation and pedestrianization practices. Throughout the meetings, consortium partners discussed potential disagreements regarding pedestrianization practices and new approaches to reducing these disagreements. The results of the pilot area implementations were also evaluated. The project's future goals and collaboration processes were also discussed. Mayor Mandalinci: “Our most important goal is to implement the project and spread it throughout the district.” Expressing his satisfaction with the steady progress of the Bodrum phase of the project, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci said: “Dear academics, the relevant department of our municipality, our district mayor, local businesses, and our community are all part of this project, and its implementation and widespread adoption throughout the district are among our most important goals. We continue our efforts to implement Bodrum's sustainable transportation and pedestrianization initiatives in suitable neighborhoods and on suitable streets and avenues.”