Bodrum Residents Protest for Free Public Beach Access

Citizens gathered on Gümüşlük Beach in Bodrum, Muğla, organised by the Gümüşlük Forum, to demonstrate against the growing commercial appropriation of coastal areas. The march invoked Article 43 of the Turkish Constitution, emphasizing that the shoreline is state property and must be available for public use.

Protesters argued that ecrimisil payments are merely compensation for unauthorized use and do not confer any private right to restrict access. They called on authorities to guarantee free, safe and uninterrupted sea access for all, warning that privatisation undermines constitutional guarantees of public benefit.

The demonstration featured slogans such as “the coast belongs to the people,” and received supportive applause from the crowd, underscoring a local demand for the preservation of shared natural spaces.