Gümüşhane
The Presidential Couple paid a domestic visit to the county of Kelkit on their way to the city of Gümüşhane. They were welcomed by MP Feramuz Üstün, Provincial Governor Ozan Gazel, Mayor Muammer Duran and other officials upon their arrival in Kelkit.
The President, offering his thanks to the people of Kelkit for their great interest, pointed to the great achievements and development Turkey has attained and said this is his first visit to Kelkit as president.
Governorate
City Hall
Command
Pestil (Dried Fruit Roll-Up)
PATRIOTISM OF THE PEOPLE OF KELKİT AND GÜMÜŞHANE
“You my fellow citizens deserve all these public services of the state officials,” declared the President and said the patriotism of the people of Kelkit and Gümüşhane is known by the whole country, evincing his pleasure to be with them. President Gül later chatted with a 85-year-old man, who listened to the President’s speech on top of a tree.
GÜL’S VISIT TO GOVERNORATE OF GÜMÜŞHANE
President Gül and the First Lady afterwards proceeded to the city of Gümüşhane. Welcomed by Governor Yusuf Mayda, MPs, Mayor Mustafa Canlı and other officials in front of the governorate, the First Couple were given flowers by children. Chatting with the karate players waiting for him, President Gül was given a belt card of his son, Mehmet Emre, by Secretary General of the Turkish Karate Federation.
PRESIDENT GÜL WEARS KARATE UNIFORM
President Gül later wore a karate uniform which was given by the karate players who defeated the host country, Spain, during the international karate tournament. Noting that his son quit karate before he wore the black belt, President Gül said karate keeps one strong both physically and mentally, lauding the Turkish Karate National Team for their great success.
BEAUTIES OF GÜMÜŞHANE
President Gül, expressing his happiness to be visiting Gümüşhane as president, reiterated that the city has brought up many scholars, men of wisdom, politicians, and many other intellectuals, pointing to the natural beauties and underground treasures of the city.
Governor Mayda noted that they planted 1.750 saplings to mark the President’s visit to the city and said philanthropists granted 50 university students scholarships.
President Gül later visited the City Hall and addressed the citizens waiting for him in front of the municipality. Declaring that Gümüşhane is shining like silver as its name refers to [gümüş means silver]. Gümüşhane, he said, has natural beauties and underground treasures and mines. “The four corners of our country are full of beauties indeed. This land is our land. We are all proud of the strength, development and achievements of our country.”
GÜL ACCENTUATES UNION AND SOLIDARITY
Suggesting that everyone cherish this land, President Gül stressed that peace, stability, amity and union and solidarity bring development and progress in every way and stated that then, problems can be settled more easily. “The stability Turkey has reached in recent years have enabled it to advance at a faster pace. It is gradually overcoming its own long-neglected problems. Our objective is to raise even more the living standards of our people and to provide a far better future for our children. A rather brighter future is awaiting Turkey.”
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SERVICES OF MUNICIPALITIES
President Gül also visited the City Hall, in front of which he was welcomed with a performance of folk dancing and mehteran (janissary band). After addressing citizens waiting for him, President Gül was informed by Mayor Canlı about the services and activities of his office. Underscoring the importance of town planning and reconstructional works in cities, President Gül congratulated the mayor for the municipality’s successes in this regard.
The President later explored the stands of pestil and köme (dried fruit roll-up) and was surprised when he saw the 2-meter-long pestil on which his name was written.
President Gül also visited the Gendarmerie Command after his program at the municipality.
THE PRESIDENTIAL COUPLE MEET WITH CITIZENS AT LUNCH
President Gül and the First Lady afterwards had lunch with leading citizens, NGO representatives, war veterans and families of martyrs. Drawing attention to the fact that the last visit by a president to Gümüşhane was 19 years ago, President Gül said whichever city he pays a visit to, he enjoys great enthusiasm from citizens, sharing his happiness to have observed the same enthusiasm and interest in Gümüşhane. He further underscored the significance of union and solidarity among the people in the interest of the country no matter what different ideas they have.
HUGE INVESTMENTS IN THE REGION
The President then pointed to the huge investments made in the region and said he saw great tunnels, highways and other projects being implemented. He further stated that the university in the city is of great importance for the education of the youth.
The nation has always held its martyrs and war veterans and their families in high esteem, noted the President. “We have always cherished our martyrs and war veterans as they are the most honorable citizens of all.”
The First Couple after the dinner had a memoir photo taken with the students respresenting Gümüşhane in the 81 Stars from 81 Provinces Project, which is under the aegis of First Lady Hayrünnisa Gül.
PRESIDENT GÜL’S VISIT TO GÜMÜŞHANE UNIVERSITY
President Gül, as part of his program in the city of Gümüşhane, also visited Gümüşhane University and was informed by Rector Prof. Dr. İhsan Günaydın about the university’s activities. He also chatted with some students in front of the rector’s office.
The President later visited the facilities of the Koza Gold Operations.
President Gül afterwards left the city for Ankara.
THE FIRST LADY’S PROGRAM IN GÜMÜŞHANE
The First Lady, prior to the dinner, explored the Karaca Cave and later visited the Zümrüt Çocuk Evi children’s home where children under the state’s protection stay. Enjoying great interest of the residents of the neighborhood, Mrs. Gül had a memoir photo taken with the children.
