Important observations from Retired Admiral Cem Gürdeniz on the 'truck accident in İzmir': It is not rational at all

In the Bornova district of İzmir, a truck with failed brakes crossed into the opposite lane and collided with several vehicles, including a police car. In the accident, where the truck hit 9 vehicles including a police car and a truck, 1 police officer was martyred and 2 people lost their lives. 4 people, including 1 police officer, were injured. 

Following this accident, journalist Hasan Erel shared a post on his social media account stating, "These accidents will not end as long as the İzmir commercial port is not moved. I have never seen a city center where so many trucks and lorries roam freely. There are trucks everywhere. They even park in side streets. The İzmir port should be converted into a tourist port. Aliağa already has very large industrial ports."

Retired Admiral Cem Gürdeniz also made striking assessments based on Erel's post. Pointing to the negative consequences of having a commercial port almost in the heart of the city, Gürdeniz used the following expressions:

"Entry to the Port of İzmir is dependent on a sensitive passage like the Yenikale Passage, which is surrounded by currents and shallows and narrows to only ~200 meters at its narrowest point. 

In contrast, the 'Aliağa–Nemrut–Çandarlı port line' on the northern axis of İzmir offers much wider, deeper, and safer port areas while keeping cargo and container traffic out of the city.

In İzmir, which has a population of 5 million, it does not suit the city for the commercial port to be almost in the heart of the city and for container/truck/lorry traffic to still be brought into the city. 

This preference increases the load of trucks and lorries within the city, locks up traffic, pollutes the air, and puts life safety at risk. 

While ports around the world are being moved outside of cities, it is not rational at all for İzmir to remain condemned to a narrow passage and inner-city logistics. 

The Port of İzmir should be designated for passenger and cruise ship traffic, and commercial cargo should be shifted to the Aliağa–Nemrut–Çandarlı line."

Entry to the Port of İzmir is dependent on a sensitive passage like the Yenikale Passage, which is surrounded by currents and shallows and narrows to only ~200 meters at its narrowest point.

In contrast, the “Aliağa–Nemrut–Çandarlı port line” on the northern axis of İzmir offers much wider, deeper, and safer port areas while… https://t.co/32elbDGHny

— Cem GÜRDENİZ (@cemgurdeniznet) April 29, 2026