Residents of Ergani, a district of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkiye, have expressed excitement and satisfaction after their district was included among the locations being considered for provincial status under the proposed “100 Provinces, 1,000 Districts” initiative put forward by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahceli. Bahceli reiterated his proposal for the creation of 100 provinces and 1,000 districts two days ago. Ergani is among the districts mentioned as potential candidates for provincial status.
With a population of more than 140,000, Ergani is already one of the largest districts in Diyarbakir province, and local residents have welcomed the prospect of becoming a separate province. Aziz Yilmaz, chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) branch in Ergani, said that provincial status would be a source of great satisfaction for the district. Our district is located along an intercity highway and has a very advantageous geographical position.
It deserves provincial status. Ergani is larger than many existing provinces. If our President approves Devlet Bahceli’s proposal, hopefully, we will become a province,” Yilmaz said.
He also highlighted the potential benefits for neighbouring districts, particularly Maden and Alacakaya, which currently belong to Elazig province but are geographically and economically closely connected to Ergani. This would be very beneficial for Maden as well. Many residents of Maden come to Ergani rather than Elazig.
Economically, the district is approximately 90% connected to Ergani. Alacakaya is also within our geographical vicinity. This would be very advantageous for Alacakaya, as it is far from Elazig but very close to Ergani,” he added.
Local shopkeeper Recep Kılıçkap also welcomed the possibility of Ergani becoming a province, saying the change could bring significant economic and social benefits. Everything would improve, both financially and socially. Business opportunities would increase, and more people would come to visit.
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