The first mayor of Turkish origin in the Netherlands

Huri Şahin, the first mayor of Turkish origin in the Netherlands, took an oath and officially started her duty.
Şahin, 47, originally from Adana and born in Deventer, the Netherlands, was appointed as the mayor of the city of Rijswijk.

Şahin took her oath at the ceremony held in Rijswijk Municipality and officially took office.

In her speech at the ceremony, Şahin stated that her father, who had recently passed away, came to the Netherlands as a worker in the 60s and said, "My father had never been to school, but he still managed to learn to write and improve himself, because he was very patient and determined. He dared to take steps in his life. That's inspiring to me." used the phrases.

"Vulnerable people should not be ignored. I know from my own experience that sometimes a letter from the municipality can make a very important difference in someone's life. I want to be a concerned mayor who listens to all the people living in the city of Rijswijk." made her assessment.

Stating that the word "respect" is a key for her, Şahin said, "I love dialogue, meeting and getting to know each other better. Only this way we can move forward." she said.

Speaking to AA, Şahin said that she is happy and proud to be the Mayor of Rijswijk and the first Turkish mayor in the country.

Şahin said, "I want to give great support to the municipality, to be a mayor who is very close to the people and citizens. I always want to be by their side in good and bad times." said.

Şahin has held different positions in her career, such as being a member of the municipal council, a member of the municipal committee, the President of the Child Rights Association, and the Deputy Secretary of the Dutch Council of State.

Mayors are elected by the King following certain procedures upon job application in the Netherlands.