It has been an honor to award the City of Tarsus with Golden Apple. A lesser known but very fascinating city of Turkiye , located in the region of Mersin received the FIJET 2025 Golden Apple or “La Pomme d’Or” Award for an exceptional synergy of natural, historical and traditional heritage which greatly helps the destination for a sustainable tourism as well.Tarsus, which has been the meeting point of civilizations. throughout history, is now once again on the world tourism stage. Tarsus is an ancient city with a history of 10 thousand years, a city that has hosted many civilizations and bears the traces of important personalities such as Saint Paul.
The Fijet Golden Apple Award, was presented to Tarsus with a magnificent ceremony. At the ceremony held in Saint Paul Square, the Mayor of Tarsus, Ali Boltaç, was presented with the “Golden Apple Award „ by FIJET President Tijani Haddad with Executive Committee Members.
Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz, Mayor of Çamlıyayla Mehmet Fatih Sofu, Tarsus University Rector Ali Özen, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality (MMU) Deputy Mayor, Tarsus Police Chief Yavuz Şahin, Serdal Gökayaz, Adana Provincial Culture Director Emre Duru, FİJET World Vice President Delal Atamdede, Hüseyin Kurtoğulları,Fijet Turkiye BofD Member, Gurkan Boztepe,the Fijet Turkiye President, TYGD Presidency and many members from took part in the award ceremony.
At the gala dinner after the award ceremony, which was attended by many guests, Violinist Anna Miadzvedzeva, Kanun Virtuoso Ahmet Baran and his orchestra took the stage. Maestro Bruno Santori, Mediterranean Orchestra took a stage with turkish musiciens.
At the gala dinner after the award ceremony, which was attended by many guests, Violinist Anna Miadzvedzeva, Kanun Virtuoso Ahmet Baran and his orchestra took the stage. Maestro Bruno Santori, Mediterranean Orchestra took a stage with turkish musiciens.
We sincerely appreciate and give thanks to Mr. Ali Boltac, the City Mayor of Tarsus with his great team, Huseyin Kurtogullari,Gurkan Boztepe and a great team from TYGD-Fijet Turkiye for an excellent organization, hospitality and support, and we all found the presence rewarding and enjoyable. Thank you to Fijet Executive Committee members and other members from Bulgaria, Croatia, France, United States and Turkiye for significant contributions to our Fijet Golden Apple Award Ceremony in Tarsus.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for inviting all of EC Members and Fijet Turkiye members, as well as MTF -Mediterranean Tourism Forum Delegation, Vatican Delegation, Siracusa and Palazzolo Acreide Delegation.
THE PARTS OF A CEREMONY
SISTER CITY AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH PALAZZOLO
A sister city protocol was signed between Tarsus Municipality and Palazzolo Acreide, Italy. Defining Tarsus as a world city, Tarsus Mayor Ali Boltaç said, “Tarsus is an ancient city with a history of 10 thousand years, a city that has hosted many civilizations and bears the traces of important personalities such as Saint Paul. We once again felt this rich heritage in the historical streets we visited with you. Here, the Companions of the Muslims, St. Paul of the Christians, and the Prophet Daniel of the Jews are together. In addition to its historical texture, Tarsus is a city that really makes a difference with its unique cuisine and the friendly and hospitable people of the Mediterranean. In line with this cultural richness and common values, we are very happy to sign the sister city protocol with Palazzolo Acreide today.”
STATEMENTS AND SPEECHES AT THE CEREMONY
Ali Boltac, the City Mayor
Continuing his speech by expressing his belief that the Golden Apple Award will bring good luck to Tarsus, Mayor Boltaç said, “With this award, the real estate sector will be strengthened, industrial activities will increase, and our gastronomy sector will revive. Together, we will build the tourism destination Tarsus. Our city, which was only a transit route in the past, will now be a stopping point and a discovery point. We will exhibit the Golden Apple award at the most beautiful point of our city.”
Stating that he will always strive for Tarsus, Mayor Boltaç said, “I am the Mayor of every living thing in Tarsus. It is our duty to manage this city together and to carry it to the future together. I will stand in front of anyone who betrays this city. It is our common responsibility to leave Tarsus to future generations in a stronger way. I would like to thank all my teammates in the municipality for showing that this is a team work, what one hand can do and what two hands can achieve. With our unity and solidarity, no obstacle can stand in our way.”
Tijani Haddad, the Fijet President
Tijani Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET), said: “I am delighted to be here. I would like to thank our Mayor Ali Boltaç. He has worked hard in this sense. They took an active action and won FIJET’s Golden Apple award. This award is given every year to associations and cities working in the field of tourism. We especially give this award to cities that respect nature, respect culture, and respect artifacts inherited from ancient civilizations.”
Huseyin Kurtogullari, TYGD-Fijet Turkiye Board of Directors Member
Speaking on the meaning and importance of the day, Hüseyin Kurtoğulları, Member of the Board of Directors of FIJET Turkey, said, “Paul’s stop before going to Rome was Palazzolo Acreide. At the request of my president and with your testimony here, we will declare these two cities as sister cities.” Then the Consul of Italy Domenico Romeo expressed his thanks.
Mayor Serdal Gökayaz, MMU Deputy Mayor
Emphasizing the importance of Tarsus, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality (MMU) Deputy Mayor Serdal Gökayaz said, “I would like to convey the greetings and love of our Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Vahap Seç. We believe that Tarsus will take its rightful place in the world.”
Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz, Tarsus District Governor
Tarsus District Governor Mehmet Ali Akyüz said, “I am happy that the Golden Apple award was given to our city. I would like to thank our association very much. I wish our 10-thousand-year-old ancient city to gain the value it deserves in tourism.”
Delal Atamdere, Fijet V.P.
FİJET Vice President Delal Atamdede wished the Golden Apple award to be beneficial to the city and said, “Turkey is the country that has been deemed worthy of the most Golden Apple among the countries in the world. A great honor for tourism. I wish this award to be beneficial. Hopefully, this award will make great contributions to our city in the economic, tourism and social fields.”