The Neighborhood Street Cleaner: Keeping the Streets Spotless to Prevent Trash Build-Up
The tradition of sweeping in front of everyone’s house is still alive in villages and small settlements, but has been forgotten in many places with vertical architecture. However, Sinan Kocabaş, a father of two children in Gündoğdu Neighborhood of Gönen district in Balıkesir, continues this tradition with dedication.
Living in the third largest neighborhood in the district, with 2,000 households and a population of 4,800, Kocabaş works for minimum wage in a hardware store. Despite his busy schedule, he takes the time to sweep the streets around his house multiple times a day. He follows this routine every morning before work, during his lunch break, and in the evening after work.
Kocabaş shared that he learned this habit from his father and that it has been passed down through generations. He sweeps the streets diligently, ensuring cleanliness and setting a positive example for the children in the neighborhood. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as neighbors and even municipality teams have acknowledged his hard work.
Residents of the neighborhood appreciate Kocabaş’s dedication to keeping the streets clean and are inspired by his actions. They express their admiration for his work ethic and wish for more people like him in their communities. Kocabaş’s commitment to this tradition serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental cleanliness and community pride.
