Güler Sabancı issues statement to 12Punto regarding photo at Haydarpaşa Station
Güler Sabancı has issued a statement regarding the photo of her visit to Haydarpaşa Station, which was brought to light by 12Punto. The notable visit by Güler Sabancı during the recent transformation and evacuation processes at Haydarpaşa Station—which was transferred from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism—had raised numerous questions.
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Hazal Güven - 12punto.com.tr
The historic Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci Stations were transferred from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism last August for 80.5 billion lira under a signed preliminary protocol. It was learned that the protocol covers not only the historic station buildings but also the basins connected to the buildings.
The transfer of Haydarpaşa Station to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism also means the transfer of the structure and football field belonging to the Demirspor Club, various surrounding restaurants and kiosks, and the lodgings where railway workers reside.
New developments regarding Haydarpaşa Station took on a different dimension after 12Punto revealed that Sabancı Holding Chairperson Güler Sabancı had visited the station last July accompanied by British investors. The photograph raised the question: 'Is a new Galataport-style project going to be carried out by the Sabancıs at Haydarpaşa Station, which was transferred from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism?'
RESPONSE FROM GÜLER SABANCI TO 12PUNTO
Following our report, a statement regarding that photograph came from Sabancı Holding Chairperson Güler Sabancı. In the written statement provided, it was stated that there are "no project plans of any kind."
SHE DID NOT EXPLAIN WHY SHE WAS THERE
The statement from Güler Sabancı indicated that they would not be carrying out a project, but no explanation was provided as to why she was at Haydarpaşa Station with the accompanying British investors, or what she was sharing with the investors using the files she was holding in the photograph in question.
‘VACATE WITHIN 7 DAYS’
It has been learned that for now, notices have only been sent to the businesses and two lodgings covered by the preliminary protocol, instructing them to vacate the structures they occupy. The operators were asked to empty the shops within 7 days. However, Harun Gökay, the Istanbul Branch No. 1 President of the United Transport Workers' Union (BTS), from whom we sought opinions on the matter, states that "the transfer to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is taking place in stages, and there will be no lodgings left at the end of the process." According to Gökay, when the transfer process is completed, only the lodgings with historic monument status will remain, and these will only be used as offices. All other lodging structures will be demolished.
The United Transport Workers' Union (BTS) has taken the matter to court. However, despite the lawsuit filed, notices were still sent to the two lodging buildings and numerous shops and businesses. Approximately 200-250 people live in the 70 lodgings. There are also nearly 20 workplaces in the area rented out to third parties.
CONTAINERS IN AN ASBESTOS-CONTAMINATED AREA FOR HOMELESS RAILWAY WORKERS!
Following the completion of the transfer process, it is planned to build containers for the railway workers who will be left homeless. It is rumored that the railway workers will be placed in containers planned to be built as two-story structures.
However, the railway workers will not only be left homeless with this process. They will also begin to live under the threat of asbestos. This is because it is known that high levels of asbestos were previously detected in the area where the containers are planned to be installed.
BTS Istanbul Branch No. 1 President Harun Gökay spoke on the subject as follows:
“Approximately 70 lodgings will be vacated in Haydarpaşa. The railway workers living in the lodgings will be evicted. A two-story container structure is planned. The employees will be moved there. However, the asbestos rate in the area where the container is planned to be built was previously found to be very high. That container will be built in the same area, and the railway workers will be forced to work in a 1.25-square-meter space allocated to them. Only the managers will have closed offices. The rest will be transitioned to an open-office working life.”