Discussions have emerged regarding the restoration and use of the Yavuz Selim Madrasa, which was built in 1550 by Mimar Sinan, a leading figure of Ottoman architecture, and is currently used as the Medipol Vatan Clinic.
12punto asked the Istanbul 1st Regional Directorate of Foundations about the status of the permits that should have been obtained during the conversion of the 500-year-old historical structure. However, a remarkable statement was made during the interview.
"MOST TRANSACTIONS ARE DONE UNDER THE TABLE"
Responding to questions from a 12punto reporter, an official from the Directorate of Foundations used the following expressions regarding the restoration and usage processes of the Madrasa: "I don't know where to direct you regarding such matters right now. Because they do most of those things under the table."
When asked for details regarding the statement, the official transferred the call to the regional directorate's secretary. However, despite the promise that the relevant unit would return the call, no such contact was made.
500-YEAR-OLD CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Yavuz Selim Madrasa, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list, is known as an important part of the Ottoman Empire's legacy in the fields of health, education, and culture. This structure, which is one of the examples of Mimar Sinan's classical Ottoman architecture, had attracted public attention in recent years due to its conversion into the Medipol Vatan Clinic.
In the footage previously published by 12punto, the destruction in the madrasa was notable, and questions were raised about the structure's restoration process. The fact that no clear information was provided by the Regional Directorate of Foundations and the use of the phrase "they do it under the table" regarding the permit processes once again revealed that unique historical structures in Turkey can easily be opened up for rent-seeking.
News Source: Beste Çelik
