Construction of mosque and parking garage begins at Kadıköy Pier

While the court review of the mosque and underground parking garage project at Kadıköy Pier is still ongoing, excavation and site setup with heavy machinery began overnight. This activity in one of the few remaining public spaces on the Anatolian side of Istanbul has drawn sharp criticism from both local residents and professional chambers.

One local resident stated, "There are already many historic mosques at the pier, and they are not even full. We do not accept our only earthquake assembly area being sacrificed for such a project. This is not work done for the public; profit comes first." Another Kadıköy resident expressed their views by saying, "When the new mosque opens, there might be interest at first, but perhaps no one will visit afterward."

NIGHTTIME OPERATION SPARKS DEBATE

The massive mosque and underground parking garage intended for the Kadıköy coastline are planned for a landfill area. Although the lawsuits filed against the project have not yet concluded, the preparations started at midnight have brought controversy with them. The pier, surrounded by security barriers, was quickly filled with construction equipment and prefabricated structures.

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, the TMMOB Chamber of Architects Istanbul Metropolitan Branch had taken the project to court last week, requesting an urgent stay of execution. The complaint petition argued that the permit granted by the relevant Conservation Board does not align with urban planning and conservation principles, and that the natural and historical fabric of the region is being put at risk. It was also emphasized that previous expert reports were not taken into account during the litigation process.

In an architect's statement titled "There is no need for a mosque, there is rent and concrete," it was stated, "The need for worship in Kadıköy is met by existing historic mosques. It is very clear that a new mosque is not necessary. Furthermore, the indoor parking garage and additional structural load will exacerbate transportation and traffic problems." Warnings were also issued regarding the potential negative effects of the large reinforced concrete structure, planned to be built on sea fill, on the ground and environmental safety.

If the project in the region is completed, not only will a public square be lost, but this massive structure, which will even exceed the height of Haydarpaşa Station, will also cause permanent changes to the city's silhouette. Experts underline that such a transformation, which will leave a mark on the city's memory, will create irreversible destruction.

News Source: 12punto