A cooperation protocol was signed between the Gaziantep Governorship and the Support to Life Association in order to develop the economic, cultural and touristic potential of the Karkamış district.
The protocol aims to protect the cultural heritage of the region, revitalize tourism and support the active participation of the local people in the tourism sector, while also preserving the historical, cultural and touristic texture of Carchemish and passing it on to future generations.
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, Deputy Governor Bülent Uygur, Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Selçuk Korkmaz and Support to Life Association Operations Manager Rukiye Dalhan Çetin attended the protocol.
Governor Çeber: “Karkamış Will Reach the Place It Deserves in History and Tourism”
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, in his speech within the scope of the cooperation protocol signed with the Support to Life Association, emphasized the historical and touristic potential of the Karkamış district and stated that the region will gain the value it deserves. Çeber stated that Karkamış is of great importance due to being a border district and its historical riches and said, “We believe that Karkamış will come to the forefront in the fields of tourism and history with the developments in Syria.”
Recalling that excavations in the Ancient City of Carchemish are continuing rapidly and the roofing project was completed last year, Çeber noted that efforts are ongoing to develop fishing in the Euphrates River and integrate it with tourism. He also stated that the Carchemish Train Station will be restored and transformed into a cultural and social life center aimed at women's employment.
Governor Çeber said, “We have started the testing processes for the reopening of the Karkamış-Nusaybin railway line. With all these efforts, Karkamış will reach the place it deserves in history and tourism.” Çeber thanked the Support to Life Association and emphasized the importance of cooperation with civil society organizations, saying, “We are very happy to carry out such projects with people who value them.”
Deputy Governor Bülent Uygur: “Museum and Women’s Initiative Center for Karkamış”
Gaziantep Deputy Governor Bülent Uygur announced that project preparations for the construction of a museum and a women's initiative center in the ancient city of Carchemish have been completed. Uygur said, "We are taking the first step for Carchemish, which is as valuable as Zeugma. Our women will contribute to employment with an income of 4.000 Euros per person."
It was stated that the project with a budget of 500.000 Euros would be implemented quickly. Uygur ended his speech by saying, “May our project be beneficial.”
Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism: “Historical Hangar Restoration Will Contribute to Tourism”
Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Selçuk Korkmaz stated that a protocol was signed within the scope of the Support to Life Project for the restoration of buildings from the Republic period and the historical hangar built by the Germans. He emphasized that the project will contribute to regional tourism and employment and thanked those who contributed.
Support to Life Association Representative: “The Project Will Support Tourism and Livelihoods”
The representative of the Support to Life Association stated that the project will reveal the tourism potential of the region and contribute to livelihoods. He also emphasized that businesses will be strengthened with micro grant support for entrepreneurs, saying, “We hope the project will be beneficial” and thanked those who contributed.
