Former rivals Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, Minister Kurum meet
Turkey’s Environment Minister Murat Kurum welcomed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu at the ministry. Kurum was re-appointed as minister after losing the Istanbul mayoral race to İmamoğlu in March.
Duvar English
Turkey’s Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum on Sept. 10 welcomed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu at the ministry.
The ministry said the meeting was held upon the request of İmamoğlu.
İmamoğlu said they “had a useful and productive meeting on the issues of Istanbul within the mandate of the ministry.”
Kurum said they “exchanged views on urban transformation within the scope of earthquake preparedness of our Istanbul, which we attach great importance to, and the protection of the natural richness of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.”
İmamoğlu and Kurum raced in the Istanbul local election on March 31. İmamoğlu was the incumbent candidate of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) whereas Kurum was the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
After losing the race to İmamoğlu by around 12 points, Kurum was re-appointed as environment minister. He previously served in the same office between 2018 and 2023.