Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality organises “Morning Exercise” sessions to help residents start their day feeling energised and lead healthier lives. Run by the Department of Youth and Sports Services, the programme takes place at Anıt Park, Koşuyolu Park, Tema Park and Kent Park under the guidance of professional instructors.

Held every weekday from 07.00 to 09.00, the sessions include exercises tailored to participants’ ages and physical condition. The programme features warm-up, flexibility, balance, coordination and strength exercises and remains open to residents of different ages and fitness levels.

‘Our Aim Is to Help People Start the Day Feeling More Energised’

Mine Avşar, who leads the sessions at Anıt Park in Yenişehir district, said the activities are designed to enable people of all ages to exercise at a level appropriate for them. Avşar said:
“We hold morning exercise sessions every weekday from 07.00 to 09.00. Our aim is to help residents start their day feeling more energised and full of energy. We do warm-up, flexibility, balance, coordination and strength exercises suited to their age and physical condition. We continue our sessions in a way that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making sure that everyone exercises at their own level.”
‘Our Sessions Continue Throughout the Year’

Avşar said they were also pleased to see residents taking part in the activities regularly, adding:
“One of the most important things for us is that residents are very happy with our sessions. Seeing them come here every morning with such enthusiasm and make morning exercise part of their daily routine makes us happy and motivates us as well. Our sessions continue throughout the year. Participation numbers are also quite high.”
‘Coming Here Lifts Our Spirits’

Selma Reşitoğlu, one of the residents taking part in the morning exercise sessions, said the activities benefited them both physically and socially. Reşitoğlu said:
“We are very happy to come here and exercise. We really enjoy exercising outdoors surrounded by greenery with our friends in an atmosphere of happiness, respect and affection. We learn so much here when it comes to family and friendships. When we don’t come here, we get bored. Coming here lifts our spirits and makes us feel more energetic.”
Reşitoğlu said they also went for walks after the exercise sessions, adding:
“We arrive at 07.00 in the morning and start exercising at 07.30. We also walk for two or three hours afterwards. We are very happy about this and hope it will always continue this way.”
‘It Makes Us Feel Better in Both Body and Mind’

Roza Bağca, who regularly takes part in the morning exercise sessions, said the activities were beneficial for both her physical and mental wellbeing. Bağca said:
“I come here regularly. The people here are lovely and our instructor is great. We exercise regularly. It makes us feel better in both body and mind; it is good for us. We are very happy with it and would like to thank everyone.”