Shown as one of the important destinations of Turkey with its historical texture and natural beauties, Alanya also draws attention with its foreign population residing in the city.
According to the data of the Address Based Population Registration System (ADNKS), approximately 31,500 of the 312 thousand people living in the city are foreigners who came from different countries and settled in Alanya.
The increase in the number of foreigners in Alanya brings new regulations in municipal services. In this sense, the Alanya Foreigners Assembly, established within the municipality, is closely interested in the demands and problems of foreign nationals in the city. The problems raised in the 25-member assembly, which mainly consists of Russian, German, Polish and Scandinavian countries, are resolved by Alanya Municipality.
“foreigners became intertwined with the public”
Alanya Mayor Adem Murat Yücel, in his statement, said that Alanya, one of Turkey's favorite districts, stands out as a city where people enjoy living and where there are happy people.
Expressing that the city was a port city in the Ottoman Empire, the capital during the Seljuk period, and Turkey's window to tourism in the history of the Republic, Yücel said, “This is a city where religions, languages and civilizations live. As of today, we know that nearly 31,500 foreigners from 82 nationalities reside. We can say that he is very happy with the life in this district and is intertwined with the people.”
Yücel stated that the Alanya Foreigners' Council, which was established within the municipality, has been working for 15 years to solve the problems of the resident foreigners in the district, to enable them to keep their culture alive in their country and to integrate them with the local people.
Noting that the assembly convenes at least once a month, Yücel stated that as the local administration, they continue to support the foreigners in the city in all matters.
Noting that they do not see them as foreigners, Yücel emphasized that they are mobilizing all kinds of opportunities for the foreign residents, whom he describes as "New Alanyaians", to benefit from the blessings, social life and culture of Alanya.
THEY MAKE 10 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION
Explaining that their greatest aim is to serve the country, the public and them, Yücel said, “Today, the number of New Alanya residents living in our district corresponds to 10 percent of Alanya's population and is increasing day by day. With our population approaching 800 thousand – one million in summer, our district is bigger than many other cities.”
“ALANYA IS AN EXAMPLE CITY”
Chairman of Alanya Foreigners Assembly Abdullah Karaoğlu pointed out that Alanya is different from other cities in Turkey with its sea, culture, geography and foreign nationals residing in the city.
Expressing that foreigners living in Alanya live in peace with the local people of the city, Karaoğlu said: “Alanya is an exemplary city. With its democracy, integration and sharing, it is a city to live in safety and an exemplary model for the world. In this sense, we established the foreigners' council to serve them better. Free cemeteries were allocated for foreigners. The first cemetery was around 300 and it was full. Now, another 2 thousand square meters has been determined. Because people want to stay here after they die, and that's their right. In addition, with the Christmas market we have prepared, we generate income for both social activities for foreigners and aid for the disabled.”
Noting that there are also foreign companies and employees in Alanya, Karaoğlu stated that there are not only retired foreigners in the district.
“THAT IS MY HOME”
Anna Maria Bielecka, a Polish citizen who has lived in the district for 11 years, said that they left Alanya and Turkey with admiration when they came for a family vacation in 2004.
Explaining that she later decided to live here, Bielecka said, “I received training in 2007 and became a guide and started to work as a guide in Turkey. After graduating from university, I started to work as a lecturer at Alanya Hamdullah Emin Pasha (HEP) University.
Expressing that she does not feel like a stranger in Alanya, which she defines as an international city, Bielecka said, “My home, family and friends are here. There is nothing that I have difficulty with. On the contrary, we can live our own culture and religion here. I don't see myself anywhere other than Alanya. This is my home. I want to stay here both as a city and as a workplace. Of course, if he wants me in Alanya, I don't think I'll go anywhere.” he said.
Anastasia Petrova Çetinkaya, who has been living in Alanya for about 10 years and became a Turkish citizen 2 years ago, said that she loves Turkey very much and she shared videos on social media and conveyed it to her followers because she wanted to show everyone the beauties here.
“YOU CAN COME TO TURKEY WITHOUT FEAR”
Calling on Russian citizens who want to come to Turkey, Alanya, that they can come with peace of mind, Çetinkaya said, “The Russians are waiting with hope, they ask every day, 'When will the borders open, flights will begin'. I'm saying I don't know. It is said that it can be opened in mid-June, and we are waiting for it. Turkey is the only country that does not have health problems. There are no problems in hospitals, doctors, nurses, patients do not have any problems. Therefore, if you want to come to Turkey, you can have a holiday. Our state has done a lot of work on this issue so far and of course will continue to do so. Tourism is very important for Turkey. So those who live here, those who work in hotels will find the best results for the tourists who come here, I really believe that. That's why I say you can come here without any fear," he said.
“NOTHING TO FEAR”
Nina Yüksel (33), who has been living and working as a tradesman in Alanya for 10 years, stated that the right measures were taken regarding the coronavirus epidemic in Turkey and said: “Very good work has been done as the Ministry of Health and the state. The message I want to give to the tourists is do not be afraid, all situations are under control. We are waiting for tourists when the borders open. There is nothing to be afraid of.”
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