Turkeys Youngest Woman Mayor: Aysen Atli

Twenty-six year old Aysen Atli, who ran in local elections from the Social Democrat People's Party (SHP) under Democratic Alliance, became Turkey's youngest woman mayor.

People of the Mazidagi district, who voted for a woman candidate for the first time on the March 28 local elections, said they had faith in their new mayor.

"I am proud to be the mayor of my district," said Atli, a graduate of the French department at Cukurova University.

"Being a first is also meaningful. My first mission is to use this opportunity given to me by my people to serve my people. My second mission is to deal with the youth and their problems."

Atli won the elections with a big majority of votes. She said the people's faith and expectations increased her responsibilities.

Atli has long-term projects.

"I want the youth to participate in social activities. There is not even a library in this district of 11,000 people. We have begun efforts to set up a library. You will encounter a very different Mazidagi by the end of the season," said Atli. (BB/EA/YE)