Fatma Şahin - (Mayor)

Elected as Mayor of Gaziantep in 2014, and re-elected in 2019, Fatma Şahin is the city’s first female mayor. Ms Şahin is also Chair of the Asian Mayors Forum (AMF) and Union of Municipalities of Turkey. From 2016 – 2019, she was President of the United Cities and Local Governments – Middle East and West Africa Section (UCLG-MEWA), and Vice-President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). From 2011, Ms Şahin served as a Minister at the Turkish Cabinet. In 2002 she was a parliamentarian in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and member of the Turkish-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission. Ms Şahin holds a BSc degree in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University.

Gaziantep’s great migration

03 June 2025 Fatma Şahin - (Mayor)

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.2 billion by 2100. Many of these people will be on the move – pulled to new places by economic opportunity or pushed by conflicts, scarcity and a changing climate. For years, Gaziantep has been working on the front lines to support Syrian refugees. The lessons we have learned can help all cities prepare for the future.

Gaziantep: A recovery leaving no one behind

10 August 2023 Fatma Şahin - (Mayor)

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe earthquake in Gaziantep, Turkey, this February was the biggest catastrophe of the last century, but the city responded quickly to support critical areas and stand by residents. Gaziantep Mayor Fatma Şahin shares her strategy and more in this OECD Champion “Mayor of the Moment” interview.