IMM removes illegal structures around the historic Sirkeci Station

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) municipal police teams have removed illegal structures around the historic Sirkeci Station. An illegal cafe located between Sirkeci Station and the Sirkeci Pier was demolished by the municipal police teams. 

The IMM Department of Municipal Police conducted on-site inspections. The inspections revealed that the structure, which is a historical monument located in the Hocapaşa neighborhood of the Fatih district, was being used as a cafeteria under the name "Şehri Payitaht Cafe," and that the business had expanded over a large area around the structure in violation of regulations and had carried out unauthorized construction.

Taking action in this context, the IMM initiated efforts to remove the illegal construction.

'ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE HISTORIC MONUMENT IDENTIFIED'

As a result of on-site inspections by IMM technical teams, it was determined that practices such as placing tables and chairs without permission around the historic structure, creating open-air arrangements, and building enclosed areas with steel-constructed sliding glass mechanisms had been carried out.

In accordance with the 2018 and 2019 decisions of the Istanbul No. 4 Regional Board for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, the removal of the unauthorized structures was ordered. With the decision taken by the IMM Committee on August 3, 2022, it was decided to demolish the unlicensed structures.

'COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF IMM'

Regarding the legal aspect of the process, the lawsuits filed for the cancellation of the IMM Committee decision were concluded in favor of the IMM. In line with this decision, teams formed under the coordination of the Department of Municipal Police planned the evacuation and demolition of the illegal structures in question. Following the evacuation process, the illegal structures, which were made ready for demolition, were demolished without incident. 

News Source: 12punto