Sivrihisar is now a slow city

Sivrihisar, a district in Eskişehir, Turkey, has been awarded the International Cittaslow (Slow City) title, a designation reserved for cities that meet the global network's sustainability and quality-of-life criteria. The certification followed a sustained campaign led by Sivrihisar Mayor Habil Dökmeci, whose efforts were credited with securing the internationally recognized status. Local officials and residents in both Eskişehir and Sivrihisar welcomed the decision, which is expected to strengthen the district's tourism appeal, international visibility and long-term development prospects. The Cittaslow label matters because it places Sivrihisar within a respected global network of small cities, a status that can attract visitors and support local branding. What to watch next is how the municipality translates the designation into concrete tourism and investment gains.