Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Emin Ay attended an event organised by the Department of Disability and Older Persons’ Services at the Sümerpark Older Persons’ Services Unit as part of the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October. The event aimed to support the participation of older residents in social life and strengthen their ties with society and sense of solidarity. Songs from the dengbêj tradition were also performed during the event.

Co-Mayor Ay highlights the importance of collective memory

Speaking individually with older residents and listening to their requests and suggestions, Co-Mayor Emin Ay said that older people are the memory of society and stressed that all necessary services should be provided, particularly in urban areas.

“We need their experience”

Saying that he believed Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality was carrying out more work in this field than any other institution in Türkiye, Co-Mayor Ay said:

“We need the experience of our older people. We should draw on their experience in our own lives and also record it, particularly in writing. Whatever responsibilities fall to us, we will fulfil them.”

The event was also attended by council members and relevant department heads.