A residential complex built by Uzbekistan in Turkey’s Hatay Province has officially become the center of a new neighborhood named “Uzbekistan Mahallasi,” marking another milestone in the growing partnership between the two countries.
According to Uzbekistan’s Dunyo Information Agency, an opening ceremony was held in the Arsuz district of Hatay. Officials also inaugurated Shavkat Mirziyoyev Boulevard, along with Tashkent and Samarkand Streets.
The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Nuriddin Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis; Jurabek Rakhimov, governor of Khorezm Region; Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey; Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı; and representatives of local authorities and residents.
The housing development is part of Uzbekistan’s assistance to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey on February 6, 2023, causing widespread destruction across Hatay and several neighboring provinces.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kurtulmuş described the project as a symbol of gratitude to the Uzbek people for their support during one of Turkey’s most difficult periods.
“Today, it is a source of special pride for us to immortalize names in Arsuz that reflect the great historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan,” Kurtulmuş said. “This step symbolizes the respect and appreciation for the Uzbek people, who stood by us and extended their support during our most difficult days.”
Kurtulmuş also described Uzbekistan as one of the important centers of Islamic civilization and the Turkic world. He highlighted reforms being implemented under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and praised the country’s “New Renaissance” development agenda.
Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı highlighted the practical significance of Uzbekistan’s contribution to the province’s recovery. He said naming the residential area “Uzbekistan Mahallasi” would serve as a lasting symbol of friendship between the two nations.
“On behalf of the residents of Hatay, I express my profound gratitude to the friendly and fraternal people of Uzbekistan,” Masatlı said.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting for the newly named boulevard and streets, which honor Uzbekistan’s president and two of the country’s historic cities.
The opening follows the completion of the housing project earlier this year. In January, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took part in a ceremony to open the Uzbekistan residential complex and handed apartment keys to local residents.
The complex consists of 24 apartment buildings with more than 300 fully equipped apartments and modern infrastructure. It was built by Uzbekistan in the Arsuz district, one of the areas affected by the 2023 earthquakes.
