Mayor Ümit Uysal Receives Yörük Cultural Honor, Emphasizes Role in Turkey's Future

Antalya Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal was awarded the title “Toroslar Yörük Beyi” and a ceremonial diploma at a ceremony organized by the Antalya Serikliler ve Yörükler Derneği in Prof. Dr. Erdal İnönü Kent Park. Twelve Yörük associations participated, and the diploma was presented by the association’s president, Adnan Tezgel.

Uysal highlighted the Yörük‑Turkmen culture’s values of merit, solidarity, independence, productivity and problem‑solving, describing it as a core element that will guide Turkey’s future. He referenced a series of Yörük‑related workshops held since 2016, including past Yörük‑Turkmen conferences, the 2019 International Antalya Yörük Symposium, and upcoming events scheduled through 2026 covering music, cuisine, women’s issues, and youth. He stressed that despite modernization, the culture’s historic values continue to shape society.

The ceremony and Uysal’s remarks underline the local government’s support for preserving and promoting Yörük heritage as part of Turkey’s broader cultural identity.