Migrants gather in Akhisar, Manisa
Members of the Serdivan Migrants Association, founded by the grandchildren of those who migrated from Drama to Serdivan District during the population exchange between Türkiye and Greece in 1924, met with migrants from the Akhisar area.
A convoy of around 400 people, including association members, arrived in Akhisar from Sakarya in four buses and numerous vehicles. They attended the opening of the association's representation in Kayalıoğlu Neighborhood.
The event also celebrated the 101st anniversary of the Republic and the October 29 Republic Day. A photo exhibition featuring families settled in the region during the exchange was organized by the Kayalıoğlu Migrants Culture Platform.
The event included folk dance performances, where migrants showcased the region's traditional dance, "Zigoş."
In his speech at the opening, Serdivan Migrants Association President Aydın Cıngır emphasized their aim to keep the memory of their ancestors' migration alive and to preserve their handicrafts, culture, and traditions. He stated, "Our association strives to be a truly civil society organization that continues to carry our cultural heritage into the future through the activities and studies we carry out with determination."
Cıngır highlighted that the association has no political ambitions or expectations, maintaining a neutral stance towards all political views. "We will continue our existence focused solely on cultural activities," he affirmed.
Hakan Taşçı, the association's representative in Akhisar, expressed happiness in bringing together nearly 400 guests from Sakarya, whom they see as "the other half of an apple," with the local migrants in Akhisar, marking the occasion of hosting about a thousand people in the 101st year of the Republic.
After the speeches, the opening of the Akhisar representative office was held, attended by Akhisar Mayor Besim Dutlulu and representatives from various political parties and civil society organizations.
