Dede Korkut Park usage sparks political debate in Eskişehir

Controversy has emerged regarding the use of Dede Korkut Park in Eskişehir for political events. Eskişehir Deputy İbrahim Arslan has questioned the legal and financial basis for the AK Party’s use of the public space, demanding transparency regarding permits and funding for large-scale religious and social organizations held at the park.

Arslan noted that while the Ministry of Interior stated parts of the park belong to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Health, no specific allocation for the AK Party’s activities was identified. He has called for an explanation of who covered the costs for equipment, catering, and logistics for events held during the 2025 Ramadan period.

In a separate context, AK Party Eskişehir Provincial Chairman Gürhan Albayrak held a religious program at the same park to mark Mevlit Kandili. During the event, Albayrak emphasized themes of national unity and addressed regional issues in the Islamic world, including the situations in Palestine and Myanmar, calling for peace and solidarity.