The fishing ban has been lifted: The first auction was held in Bandırma
In Bandırma, Balıkesir, following the lifting of the fishing ban, the season's first fish were brought to the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Bandırma Seafood Market and sold.
On September 1st, with the end of the fishing ban, the first fish of the new season were sold early in the morning. The auction, held at the Bandırma Seafood Market at dawn, was attended by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın, Bandırma Mayor Dursun Mirza, fishermen, and local residents.
The fish were brought to the market in crates and sold via auction. The auction began with the traditional first whistle blown by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın. People interested in buying the season's first fresh fish participated in the auction. The program also included prayers for a successful fish season. On the first day of the fishing season, sardines were the most abundant catch from the sea. During the first auction, a crate of sardines was sold for 1,000 Turkish Liras.
‘We have united with all fishermen who earn their bread from the sea’
Expressing wishes for a bountiful new season, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın said, 'At the Bandırma Fish Market, we all together said 'Vira Bismillah' (an expression used by fishermen when starting a new journey). We have united with all fishermen who earn their bread from the sea. Hopefully, it will be a season with plenty of fish that will meet the needs of the entire country. I wish all fishermen a safe and successful season with abundant earnings.'
‘We are creating our own kitchen under the name Yakın Mutfak’
Continuing his speech by announcing the good news of new eateries, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın said, 'We are creating our own kitchen under the name Yakın Mutfak (Close Kitchen) in all districts of Balıkesir. At Yakın Mutfak, 5 dishes will cost 50 Liras. We came here today to increase the prosperity of our tradespeople. We will also use these fish in our city eateries.'