Konak mayor leads Roman Genocide remembrance, vows equal citizenship

On August 2, Konak district in Turkey held a ceremony to mark the Roman Genocide (Porajmos) remembrance day. The event was hosted by Konak Municipality and attended by Romani community representatives, local muhtars, İzmir MP Gökçe Gökçen (YENİ Party), regional leaders and municipal council members.

Mayor Nilüfer Çınarlı Mutlu addressed the gathering, declaring that discrimination against Romani people must end and promising a "fair city and equal citizenship." She highlighted the community’s challenges—poverty, lack of housing, health, education and work rights—and cited a recent encounter with a Romani child, Mert Ali, that reinforced her commitment to create projects and employment opportunities for the group.

The ceremony also featured discussions on concrete solutions to improve the social inclusion of Romani citizens in Turkey.