Mehmet Karaimam, a resident of Hacılar district, sets out from his home on his bicycle and makes his way through the busy traffic of the city center to the front of the historic Hunat Mosque. There, he sets up his prayer bead stand and spends the evening attending to customers.
In the evening, Karaimam again mounts his bicycle, purchases his necessities, and heads back home along a route that includes ramps. Karaimam stated that he has been traveling to and from work on his bicycle for about 40 years and enjoys it. He emphasized that “those who value their health ride a bicycle.”
Karaimam stated that riding a bicycle has brought him many benefits, saying, “I actually love sports. I gain time, money, and health in one place. Those who want to win should leave their complexes and ride a bicycle. I have a vineyard in Hacılar. It is about 7 kilometers one way, 7 kilometers back, a total distance of 14 kilometers. I also go to the markets in the city, so I ride 20 kilometers a day. I recommend riding a bicycle to anyone with a mind. Not only to young people but also to the elderly. Why? Because you wait for the bus for half an hour. In that time, I can come from the vineyard. The bus is free for me, but I won’t get on it. Even if I do, I will pay for it.”
Karaimam, who sells prayer beads in front of the historic Hunat Mosque every day using his bicycle, emphasized that his real profit is people. He also highlighted that his health is quite good, saying, “I owe my current state to exercise. I am active and happy. They say who is the richest person in the world? I will say it is me. Why? Because for 40 years, I have not paid the doctor, I have not used medication. I love health, and health loves me. Those who love sports, health, and time ride a bicycle.”
Karaimam emphasized that he rides his bicycle year-round and stated that each season is beautiful when precautions are taken. He added that bicycles should be used more in society now.
