First statement from Nuri Aslan following the Basilica Cistern ruling: It will continue to remain with its rightful owner
The transfer and eviction of the historic Basilica Cistern, which was reopened to visitors by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) following a comprehensive restoration process, to the General Directorate of Foundations has been blocked by the judiciary.
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The Istanbul 8th Administrative Court, which reviewed the objection filed by the IMM regarding the matter, ruled to halt the eviction proceedings of the cistern.
In its unanimous decision, the court panel emphasized that if the eviction in question were to be carried out, it could lead to "damages that are difficult or impossible to compensate."
With this development, the stay of execution will be implemented without requiring a guarantee until the defenses of the Fatih District Governorship and the General Directorate of Foundations are received or the legal defense period expires. The eviction of the cistern has been suspended until a final decision is reached on the merits of the case.
NURI ASLAN: GRATIFYING FOR OUR ISTANBUL
Announcing the development on his social media account, IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan stated that the decision was gratifying.
Aslan wrote the following:
"The Basilica Cistern belongs to the people of Istanbul! It is gratifying for our Istanbul that the court has ruled to stay the execution, concluding that the eviction process would cause irreparable damage.
This world heritage site, which we restored with great effort through IMM Heritage, will continue to remain with its rightful owner, the people of Istanbul. We invite all our citizens to come and see this unique heritage with our 1 TL entrance fee."