Yavuzselim neighbourhood in Dulkadiroğlu, Turkey suffers park neglect

Residents of Yavuzselim Mahallesi in the Dulkadiroğlu district of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey have long complained that the local park is in a state of disrepair. They say the park, built about ten years ago, lacks lighting, water, electricity and seating, and after the 2023 earthquake the benches were removed and tents were erected. "Bu park, yıldır geride bırakıldı. Akşamları ailemizle oturabileceğimiz, çocuklarımızı oynatabileceğimiz alanımız yok," said resident Mehmet Şişman.

The neighbourhood also faces ongoing road works, broken sidewalks, frequent water cuts that last from early morning until evening, and dust from construction. Mihriban Şişman added that children have no safe play area and families are forced to travel to distant locations for recreation. Both residents have called on the Dulkadiroğlu municipality to restore the park, repair the infrastructure and provide a usable public space for families.