Within the scope of “Natural Life in Saraylı – Örcün History Corridor Project” financed by East Marmara Development Agency (MARKA) and Golcuk Municipality, and prepared by Kocaeli Gölcük – Başiskele Thermal Tourism Center and of which presidency is carried by Golcuk Mayor Mr. Mehmet Elibaş, an examination tour was made to Bursa Cumalıkızık Village.
Within the framework of the project of which coordinator is Ayşe Dışpınar, Toursim Union Director, abouy 80 people from Saraylı and Örcün came to Bursa for sample survey. At first, Master Art Historian Eser ÇALIKUŞU from Bursa Site Management, talked about Bursa’s cultural and tourist values and development in aspect of the development of these values in respect to make them touristic values. She also gave detailed information about works related to Bursa and Cumalıkızık, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, and stated that long term works have been made for Cumalıkızık and these works still continue.
Project coordinator Ayşe Dışpınar mentioned their project activities and said “Project that will be made in Saraylı-Örcün have significant similarities, so we wanted Saraylı-Örcün people to see Cumalıkızık. We want to benefit from experiences of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality staff and Kocaeli University academic members. Our project will be limited with 24 months, and we aim to do the best works we can during this time, promote cultural and touristic values of Saraylı and Örcün, preserve historical monuments and nature while using them at the same time, make Saraylı and Örcün an attraction center, and allow Gölcük people adopt and embrace this project. I would like thank Gölcük Governor Mr. Adem Yazıcı and project contributor Gölcük Mayor and Union Chairman Mr. Mehmet Ellibeş, who attach importance to revealing cultural and touristic values of our region and making them touristic attraction, for their supports.”
After Yeşil Tomb tour and lunch, visitors went to Cumalkızık and examined on site, before going back to Gölcük. Participants were really pleased with the tour and looked very excited at the end of the tour. They said that they wish Saraylı and Örcün become a touristic place as Cumalıkızık and they would like to participate in this project and thanked everybody who organized this tour and project.
Prof. Dr. Sami Karacan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esin Karacan from Kocaeli University and Berrin Özdil, Gölcük Municipality Development Director, Fatih Genç from Project Office, Sinan Berkdemir, Trainer and Financial Advisor, Rıdvan Büyükbudak, Headman of Saraylı Village, Mustafa Uyar, Headman of Örcün Village, and project volunteer of Saraylı and Örcün people participated in Bursa tour.
BURSA METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY BURSA SITE MANAGEMENT UNIT