Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event marked a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing urban transformation and environmental sustainability projects, turning the historic airport site into one of the largest green public spaces in the country.
In his address, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of creating more accessible recreational areas for citizens, underscoring the project’s role in promoting eco-friendly urban development and enhancing the quality of life for Istanbul residents. He highlighted that the Nation’s Garden — featuring vast walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and cultural spaces — symbolizes Türkiye’s commitment to balancing modernization with environmental preservation.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, local authorities, and citizens, who gathered to celebrate the transformation of the former aviation hub into a vibrant symbol of community and nature. President Erdoğan also reflected on the historical significance of Atatürk Airport, noting its legacy as a gateway to the world for decades, and expressed pride in repurposing it into a space dedicated to future generations.
The Atatürk Airport Nation’s Garden is part of a broader initiative to establish “Millet Bahçeleri” (Nation’s Gardens) across Türkiye, reinforcing the government’s vision of greener, healthier, and more livable cities for all citizens.
