Major rent in Kemerburgaz: Land transferred to group close to the government for a high price

While the pressure for development in the forest and agricultural areas in the north of Istanbul increases day by day, a new land sale carried out in Eyüpsultan Kemerburgaz has reignited debates on the city's agenda. The new owner of the large plot of land, which Emlak Konut GYO put up for tender with the "Revenue Sharing in Return for Land Sale" model, is Pasifik GYO, which is known for its public-focused projects in Ankara and Istanbul.

While a total revenue of 17.7 billion liras was targeted in the tender, a significant portion of this revenue was directed to the company's coffers. 7 billion 80 million liras from the projects to be developed will be transferred to Emlak Konut; the remaining 10 billion 620 million liras will go directly to Pasifik GYO. The fact that the sold land is located on the route of Istanbul Airport and the Northern Marmara Motorway reveals how great its rent potential is.

The luxury residences and commercial areas planned in the project increase concerns that the city's natural texture will face a new wave of construction. While the pressure on the northern forests and urban agriculture has come to the agenda once again with this tender, the transfer of public lands to capital groups is also at the center of criticism.

The management of Pasifik Holding is not unfamiliar to the public. Fatih Erdoğan, the name at the head of the company, is also known for his political connections. Fatih Erdoğan stands out as the husband of AK Party Ankara Deputy Asuman Erdoğan. Pasifik Holding had previously caused similar reactions in the capital with its controversial "Merkez Ankara" project; this project was described as an "urban crime" by professional chambers.

Another incident involving the company in the past also draws attention. It was alleged that necessary occupational safety measures were not taken in a work accident that occurred at the company's construction site in Merkez Ankara on August 15, 2022, and two intern engineering students who were trapped under molds that collapsed during a storm lost their lives.

Experts working in the fields of environment and urban planning state that the new project in Kemerburgaz will have negative reflections on Istanbul's ecological balance. The fact that public areas are given under the control of private companies and rapidly opened for zoning with increasing development moves increases the pressure on Istanbul's remaining green spaces. Critics warn that such sales will cause serious damage to the city's natural resources and quality of life in the long term.

News Source: 12punto