Ayşe Ünlüce “I see the European Diploma as the shared success of not only the municipality but of all the people of Eskişehir”
Taha Berat Özdenal
Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Atty. Ayşe Ünlüce made detailed evaluations regarding the “European Diploma” award given to Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality by the Council of Europe within the scope of Eskişehir’s harmonization relations with the European Union, and the importance of Eskişehir in Turkey’s harmonization process during its European Union accession phase.
Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and Head of the National Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Atty. Ayşe Ünlüce, expressed her great happiness in receiving the “European Diploma” award, granted by the Council of Europe in 2025, which Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality was deemed worthy to win. She emphasized that this award is a concrete appreciation of Eskişehir’s adoption of democratic values for many years and its internationally conducted works.
“I see the European Diploma as the shared success of not only the municipality but of all the people of Eskişehir.”
Cultural Urban and Democratic Diversity
Making evaluations about the cultural, urban, and democratic diversity of Eskişehir, which won the “European Diploma” award in 2025, Mayor Ünlüce stated that Eskişehir’s human-oriented structure brings along a multi-layered city identity together with its strong social life and cultural environment, and she said that they prioritize public spaces and a human-oriented urbanism approach. Regarding the “Democratic” diversity of Eskişehir, Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce stated that every segment of society takes part in the transparent management approach and decision-making processes, emphasizing that citizens have a say in the future of the city.
Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce said that Eskişehir is a strong city with its culture of common life, and that immigrants have a great share especially in the formation of the urban culture. Mayor Ünlüce stated that with this aspect of the city, it is a “City of Migrations.” Noting that this diversity offers the city’s residents the opportunity to live in a democratic environment, Mayor Ünlüce added the following:
“On the other hand, the fact that Eskişehir is a student city increases the diversity. Students coming not only from other cities but also from other countries of the world contribute to the dynamism of the city and feed the cultural diversity.”
Mayor Ünlüce emphasized with importance that when all these elements come together, Eskişehir becomes not only a livable city but also a city living with European values.
Eskişehir’s Role in Turkey’s EU Harmonization Process
Making evaluations about the importance of Eskişehir in the harmonization relations during Turkey’s accession process to the European Union (EU), Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Atty. Ayşe Ünlüce stated that as a municipality, they apply the principles of equality, sustainability, good governance, inclusiveness, and participation. She expressed that they work intensively to contribute to the European Union harmonization process with a development model she characterizes as balanced.
Mayor Ünlüce pointed out that her goal is for these contributions to set an example for other cities and, most importantly, that this approach should be implemented in many cities across Turkey.
Evaluating the characterization of Eskişehir as a “European City,” Mayor Ünlüce explained that Eskişehir’s reliable, contemporary, inclusive, and modern urbanism projects are the main reasons why the city is referred to as a “European City.” She noted that the dynamism brought to the city by universities, the intensity of culture and art events, social policies aimed at women, youth, and disadvantaged groups, and being open to international collaborations strengthen the positive perception towards the city.
Future Goals and New European Awards
Evaluating the future activities of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, which won the “European Diploma” award by the Council of Europe, in order to be able to receive other awards in the coming years, Mayor Ünlüce emphasized that in this direction, they aim to develop relations with cities she describes as sister cities, to increase international culture and youth programs, and to multiply joint projects with Europe through climate change and smart urbanism applications.
Stating that with 2026 being the “Year of Eskişehir,” the projects developed in this context will also provide support to qualify for other European awards, Mayor Ünlüce explained the planned events with these words:
“The Climate Policy Preparation Workshop, the International River Festival, the Eskişehir International Yunus Emre Literature Festival, and the International Young Eskişehir Ambassadors Program are just a few of the important events we have planned for 2026. Much more will continue both during the year and in the coming years.”
Eskisehir in Europe 