Taken from IMM: Eviction process begins at the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's historical landmarks, is being vacated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and is being transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations as of 10:00 today.
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The transfer process has officially begun at the Basilica Cistern, which is considered one of Istanbul's most important culture and tourism destinations. The Basilica Cistern, which was renovated through a comprehensive restoration by IMM Heritage, affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), and has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers, is passing under the management of the General Directorate of Foundations as of today. With the eviction process to be carried out this morning, the right to use the cistern will be taken out of the hands of the IMM.
Imprisoned IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu had shared the process on his social media account, stating, "The title deed of the Basilica Cistern was registered in the name of the General Directorate of Foundations without any legal or conscientious basis." IMM officials had announced to the public that the change in ownership was carried out without any court decision, administrative action, or official notification.
The ownership of the cistern had previously been transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Following the announcement of this development, various debates had come to the agenda in the public eye.
SIMILAR TRANSFERS HAVE OCCURRED BEFORE
This is not the first time that historical structures belonging to the IMM in Istanbul have been transferred to the General Directorate of Foundations. In 2021, the ownership of Taksim Gezi Park was transferred to the Sultan Beyazıt Hanı Veli Hazretleri Foundation. In subsequent years, the management of many historical venues such as the Galata Tower, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Hospital, Pera Palace Hotel, Selimiye Barracks, Adile Sultan Palace, Vefa High School, and Sait Halim Pasha Mansion were also taken from the IMM and passed to the Foundations.
IMM HAD APPLIED TO THE JUDICIARY
Following this, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality had also announced that it had applied to the judiciary against the transfer of the historical structures.