Istanbul's Sultangazi basement turned trash house harms residents

In the Esentepe neighbourhood of Istanbul's Sultangazi district, a resident has filled the building's basement and his apartment with accumulated scrap metal, waste and assorted items. Neighbours report the space now resembles a trash house, emitting strong foul odors and dampness. Estimates suggest the garbage could fill three to five garbage trucks. The stench and humidity have forced residents to keep windows closed and have raised health and safety concerns, with complaints of insects, rodents and even caged birds and a crow being present.

Affected tenants, including Sefa Ö., Ramazan Duman and Mahmut Sağmak, say they have repeatedly reported the situation to authorities without receiving a solution. They describe the conditions as hazardous to their breathing and overall quality of life, prompting demands for immediate cleanup and remediation.