Coasts are being fenced off: The public is longing for its own sea! Shores and bays are being plundered
Bays all across Turkey are being closed to the public one by one through legal loopholes and controversial tenders. Although the principle that "coasts belong to everyone" remains on paper, in practice, citizens are met with high entrance fees and barriers.
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According to Article 43 of the Constitution, "Coasts are under the authority and disposal of the State. In the utilization of sea, lake, and river coasts, as well as the coastal strips surrounding seas and lakes, public interest shall be prioritized." Despite this, certain flexibilities in the Coastal Law and decisions made under the guise of "tourism incentives" are paving the way for the transfer of coasts to private enterprises. The public asks: Where is the public interest in this?
WHERE IS THE OVERSIGHT MECHANISM?
Construction and operating permits on the coasts are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and local administrations. However, concrete structures rising without oversight and piers built right up to the sea raise the questions of "Who gave the permit?" and "Who is inspecting this?" Often, illegal structures only come to the agenda after intense public reaction.
Operating coasts for the public through municipalities means non-profit and accessible service. However, in recent years, the transfer of coastal management authorities from local administrations to central authorities or foundation/company partnership structures (such as MUÇEV) is accelerating the commercialization of beaches.
FREE BEACHES ARE BEING SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED
Free public beaches are being leased to private companies with the promise of "modernization" or "increasing service quality." The result, however, remains the same:
Entrance fees: "Sunbed fees" that reach astronomical figures.
Service obligation: Prohibition on bringing food from outside.
Physical barriers: Filling in rocky areas, locking gates.