The vicinity of Fatih in Istanbul and CHP “mayoral candidate” Mahir Polat

This text is an informational article about Mahir Polat, a candidate for the position of mayor in the local elections in Fatih, Istanbul, representing the main opposition party, CHP (Republican People’s Party).

Fatih is one of the most important districts of Istanbul with deep roots in the history of Turkey and host the highest number of historical attractions in this mega city. In the 2024 local elections, the main opposition party CHP has nominated a highly esteemed individual for this district; Mahir POLAT.

While serving as one of the key aides to Ekrem İMAMOĞLU at the Istanbul Municipality, Polat has achieved remarkable successes. Now, he is working towards becoming the Mayor of Fatih to serve the community.

Let’s get to know Mahir Polat who has provided significant services and completed projects for Istanbul over the past 5 years.

– Mahir Polat, born in 1976 in Erzincan, is art and architectural historian, bureaucrat, and politician. He graduated from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Letters, Department of Archaeology and Art History in 2002. Polat continued his education by starting the Master’s Program in Architectural History at Istanbul Technical University in 2003 and completed his postgraduate education in the field of cultural management at Yildiz Technical University in 2008.

– He began his career at the General Directorate of Foundations in 2005 and served as a foundation expert from 2009 onwards.

– Polat joined the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) as the Head of Cultural Assets Department when Ekrem İmamoğlu became the Mayor of Istanbul in 2019.

During his tenure at IBB, Polat managed numerous projects related to urban planning, architecture, cultural heritage, earthquake risk management, social services, culture, and art activities. He is credited with establishing and managing the IBB Heritage (Miras), overseeing the restoration of numerous historical sites and monuments, and initiating various cultural and artistic restoration projects across Istanbul.

Polat was involved in the restoration of several historical sites and landmarks such as the Haliç Art Center, Taksim, Kadıköy, and Bakırköy squares, among others.

He also implemented various social projects aimed at poverty alleviation, providing social support to households, healthcare services, and educational initiatives for children and youth. Polat’s efforts have contributed significantly to the development and preservation of Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage.

– He became the CHP candidate for the position of Mayor of Fatih in the local elections held on March 31, 2024.

Mahir Polat is described as an active member of various organizations related to history, culture, and heritage preservation in Turkey. He is married to Binnur Polat, a music teacher, and they have one child together.

Overall, we can (and should) say Mahir Polat is a very highly qualified and experienced candidate with a strong background in history, culture, and urban management, with much contribution to the development and preservation of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.