İmamoğlu reacts to the transfer of the Basilica Cistern to foundations: 'Shame on you'

The management of the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most important historical landmarks, has been taken from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations by court or administrative decision. IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently detained at Silivri Prison, reacted very harshly to the decision, saying, "Shame on you!"

Following symbolic properties such as the Galata Tower and Gezi Park, the management of the Basilica Cistern, one of the most visited historical sites in Istanbul, has also been changed. The transfer of the cistern, which recently underwent a comprehensive restoration by the IMM Heritage teams, to the General Directorate of Foundations has caused a major stir in political and municipal circles.

"THEY SET THEIR SIGHTS ON AND SEIZED A STRUCTURE BELONGING TO 16 MILLION"

IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose detention process is ongoing, addressed the public with a message shared via his Presidential Candidate Office social media account. Describing the decision as "shameful," İmamoğlu rebelled against the transfer of ownership and management with the following words:

"It is shameful! I had said that the mentality that cancels my diploma today will seize your property, assets, money, and business tomorrow. They have set their sights on and seized the Basilica Cistern, which has belonged to the city's trust, the IMM, for centuries, and which belongs to 16 million people thanks to the extraordinary restoration by IMM Heritage. This is the point we have reached. Shame on you!"

IMM HAD UNDERTAKEN THE RESTORATION

The Basilica Cistern had been subjected to one of the most comprehensive and risky restoration processes in its history by the "IMM Heritage" teams within the IMM, and it had attracted great interest after being reopened to visitors following earthquake reinforcement and modern lighting works. With this latest move, all operational, revenue, and management authority of the cistern has now completely left the IMM and has been transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations.