Dikilitaş Social Hub for Retirees: A New Space for Social Life

Beşiktaş Municipality has introduced a new initiative to support the active participation of retired residents in social life with the opening of the Dikilitaş Social Hub for Retirees, located within Azerbaijan Friendship Park.

The opening ceremony was attended by Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman, CHP Beşiktaş District Chair Mehmet Arslan, former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Tahir Doğaç, members of the municipal council, and numerous retired residents of Beşiktaş, who showed strong interest in the event. Following the speeches, the venue was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. After the opening, Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman spent time engaging with residents and taking photographs.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman emphasized the importance of neighbourhood ties and solidarity, stating that the newly opened space represents a meaningful step in strengthening togetherness and mutual support. He underlined that the venue was designed as a welcoming place where retired residents can come together, share experiences, and remain actively connected to social life.

Şişman noted that although the space has drawn attention for offering tea at an affordable price of 1 TL, the Dikilitaş Social Hub for Retirees is intended to be much more than a place for refreshments. He described it as a meeting point that highlights the value of ageing, experience, and collective memory, and a space where residents can find motivation to step outside, connect with others, and participate in daily social life.

Concluding his remarks, Deputy Mayor Şişman stressed the municipality’s commitment to standing together in challenging times, fostering solidarity, and continuing to create inclusive public spaces that strengthen community bonds. He also announced that preparations for establishing additional social hubs for retirees in other neighbourhoods are already underway.