[61327] Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality demolishes illegal structures and promotes urban conservation

Demolition of illegal structures in the heart of Istanbul

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) recently carried out enforcement actions against illegal structures in areas designated as public squares according to urban master plans. According to a report by ibbhaaber, the municipality demolished cafes that were built in these areas in violation of the law and which had operated there for years with the authorities turning a blind eye. The area has now been cleared for use by the general public.

The report notes that the enforcement process was delayed for many years due to lengthy legal proceedings managed by the building owners. ibbhaaber criticized the stalling of the legal system and wrote: "The trial dragged on, the judiciary drew it out again and again".

At the same time, discourse has arisen regarding the municipality's conservation initiatives. According to ragipsoyluTR, the rise in the value of buildings after being renovated by the İBB is eliciting mixed reactions. ragipsoyluTR noted cynically that "it is the funniest thing in the world that these buildings gain appreciation after the İBB renovates them," adding that in his view, there is no fundamental difference in asset management between the local authority and foundations, as long as it is public property.