The park, which was built by the Keçiören Municipality in the Şehit Kubilay District in the district and named after Deniz Baykal, the former Chairman of the Republican People's Party, was inaugurated.
The opening of Deniz Baykal Park was attended by Keçiören Mayor Turgut Altınok, CHP Deputy Chairman Muharrem Erkek, Deniz Baykal's son Prof. Dr. Ataç Baykal, 22. Term Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Yılmaz Ateş, 22. Term Deputy Zekeriya Akıncı, representatives of many political parties and non-governmental organizations attended.
“DENİZ BAYKAL WAS AN IMPORTANT STATEMAN”
Keçiören Mayor Turgut Altınok, in his speech at the opening, emphasized that Deniz Baykal is an important statesman and said, “Today, we are opening our park named after the late Deniz Baykal, who is an important figure in Turkish politics, the existence and survival of our Republic of Turkey. May Allah make his place heaven. Having served and worked for many years in the State of the Republic of Turkey, both as a ministry and as the Chairman of the Republican People's Party; Deniz Baykal was a leader who was a lover of Turkey and first of all thought of the supreme interests of the Republic of Turkey.” said.
“WE HAVE IFTAR TOGETHER”
Altınok shared a memory he had with Deniz Baykal and continued his speech as follows:
“We also have memories with Deniz Baykal. One day we were doing a study on local governments. Just at the time of iftar, our friends said that Deniz Baykal had arrived. He had his grandson with him. She came with him. At that time it was not possible to find a place in Esztergom Castle. I also came to the castle. We had iftar with him and then we toured the castle. He had no bodyguards or anyone else. These are important. Simplicity matters. We are all under this dome of heaven, we are in this ship. Whoever has served our State of the Republic of Türkiye is the crown of our heads. That's why the name Deniz Baykal will live on as long as the Turkish nation exists. He taught our state politeness, dialogue and being a facilitator in politics. After all, no one is the enemy. We are all children of the Republic of Turkey. People will leave, the remaining remnant will be the Republic of Turkey. I commemorate all our martyrs and veterans, especially the founder of our state, the great statesman Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with mercy and gratitude."
“BAIKAL WAS FAMOUS FOR WALKING AND BEING A SWIMMER”
Providing information about the park, Altınok said, “Our park has an area of 12 thousand 700 square meters. The late Deniz Baykal was famous for walking and being a swimmer, mashallah. We also have a 650 meter long walking path here. Of course, the basis of a healthy life is walking and swimming. We named our park, which we built on a hill overlooking Ankara, with recreational areas, children's playgrounds, sports equipment, after Deniz Baykal, who has served our state and nation for many years, and she will live here. We are also honored and blessed by this.” he said.
“PEOPLE ARE SAD, SURPRISE”
Deniz Baykal's son Prof. Dr. Ataç Baykal also stated that he heard about the opening of the park today and was very touched and said, “People get sad and surprised. I learned this morning that there is such a thing. As far as I know, this is the first time a facility is named after my father in Turkey. My father served in the Republican People's Party for 50 years. But for the first time, a facility was opened in his name by a rival political party member with whom he had fought for 20 years. I guess this oddity will perhaps bring an explanation for many of the questions we will ask later. Dear President Turgut Altınok, I would like to thank you, all members of Keçiören Municipality, its employees, and the people of Keçiören. Do not be lacking, thank you, exist.” used the phrases.
THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT ALTINOK
Deputy Chairman of the Republican People's Party Muharrem Erkek thanked the Mayor of Keçiören Turgut Altınok and said, “Our late Chairman, as the 4th Chairman of the Republican People's Party, was a very important politician, an important statesman. The name of the politician and statesman who gave important services to Turkish politics will live on in this beautiful park and in many beautiful corners of our country forever. This is also very meaningful for us. May his place be in heaven, may his soul rest in peace. I wish patience to all his family and loved ones. In the presence of our esteemed mayor, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the construction of this beautiful park.” said.
After the speeches of thanks from the 22nd Term Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Yılmaz Ateş and the 22nd Term Deputy Zekeriya Akıncı, the ribbon was cut and Deniz Baykal Park was put into service. The participants then toured the park from beginning to end and made observations.