Edirne Mayor Filiz Gencan, representing the opposition CHP, publicly thanked Turkey’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, during a housing lottery event on Wednesday, February 26, 2026. The gesture, occurring amidst the distribution of 2,530 homes as part of the “Century’s Housing Project,” highlights a rare instance of cross-party acknowledgment of collaborative efforts in Turkey’s ambitious social housing initiative. The event took place at the Mimar Sinan Sports Hall in Edirne, with attendance from local officials and residents eager to learn their housing assignments.
The “Century’s Housing Project,” a nationwide effort to construct 500,000 affordable homes across all 81 provinces of Turkey, aims to address a critical require for accessible housing. As reported by the official project website, the initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and implemented by TOKİ (Housing Development Administration of Turkey). The Edirne lottery represents a significant step in fulfilling that promise for residents of the Thracian city.
During the ceremony, Mayor Gencan expressed her gratitude for Minister Kurum’s contributions to Edirne, specifically mentioning the revitalization of Selimiye Square and other urban improvement projects. “It is a great honor and happiness for me to host our Minister in our city during the blessed month of Ramadan,” Gencan stated, according to reporting from Sabah. “He has been instrumental in many beautiful works in our city, such as the Selimiye Square street rehabilitation and many other projects. We thank you very much, we are grateful to you.”
Gencan further emphasized the historical significance of Edirne, noting its status as a frontier city with a rich Ottoman heritage. “I always say, my Minister, to protect this city is actually to protect the legacy of our ancestors,” she said. She extended her thanks on behalf of all district and town mayors, expressing hope for continued collaboration with the Ministry on future projects. The mayor concluded by congratulating those who successfully secured housing through the lottery.
The expression of gratitude from a CHP mayor to a cabinet minister from the ruling AK Party is noteworthy given the often-polarized political landscape in Turkey. It comes after CHP leader Özgür Özel reportedly cautioned party members against criticizing Minister Kurum’s efforts, particularly in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that impacted the region, according to Sabah. This suggests a growing recognition, even across political divides, of the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing critical national issues like housing.
The Edirne lottery distributed homes to 2,530 families, marking a significant milestone in the “Century’s Housing Project.” The event was attended by Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer, AK Party Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal, TOKİ President M. Levent Sungur, and numerous local officials, and citizens. The project aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income citizens across Turkey, addressing a long-standing need for accessible and quality homes.
As the “Century’s Housing Project” progresses, further lotteries are scheduled to take place across Turkey, with the goal of delivering 500,000 homes nationwide. The next major update regarding the project’s timeline and distribution schedule is expected from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in March 2026. Citizens interested in learning more about the project and eligibility requirements can visit the official website at evsahibiturkiye.gov.tr.
What are your thoughts on the collaboration between political parties to address housing needs? Share your comments below and let us know how this project impacts your community.
