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[CULTURE] · Türkiye · 5 sources

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Rumeli Hisarı restoration delay sparks protests in Istanbul

The Istanbul Environmental Council and the Consumer Confederation have voiced strong opposition to the prolonged restoration of the Rumeli Hisarı fortress in Sarıyer. Although the historic site was originally constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1452 in just 90 days, it has remained closed to visitors for approximately 6.5 years due to ongoing works managed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

Representatives expressed concerns regarding visual pollution caused by ten containers at the site's entrance and the negative impact on local tourism and the economy. Zafer Murat Çetintaş, Honorary President of the Istanbul Environmental Council, criticized the current state of the site, stating that the construction area has effectively occupied a landmark that even the Byzantine Empire could not conquer.

Aydın Ağaoğlu, General President of the Consumer Confederation, alleged that the site is being misused, claiming that contractors and officials have treated the area like a private residence. The Confederation is reportedly preparing to take legal action in Consumer Court to address these grievances and ensure the historical site is returned to public and touristic use.

Entities

Consumer Confederation · Istanbul Environmental Council · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Rumeli Hisarı · Zafer Murat Çetintaş

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