Turan Hançerli, mayor of Istanbul’s Avcılar district and who tragically lost both his arms when he suffered an accident at the age of 18, managed to complete the international Bosphorus marathon swim across the strait that divides Istanbul in two, separating Asia from Europe, for the third time. More than 2,600 swimmers from 77 countries took part in this year’s edition, including not only professional athletes but also prominent figures such as the Dutch ambassador to Ankara, Joep Wijnands, who wanted to raise awareness to help the victims of February’s earthquakes.
Hançerli, Mayor of Avcılar and Turkey’s first mayor with a physical disability, successfully completed the 6.5 km swim from Kanlıca Pier to Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruceşme. “It was a challenge, but it was beautiful. I feel very proud to have crossed the Bosphorus for the third time. Life always brings difficulties, but I am sure I will overcome them,” he said.
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Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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