Investigation into hotel construction involving Aydın Doğan and Bodrum Municipality

An investigation has been launched following allegations that a hotel located in a protected site (SİT area) in the Bodrum district of Muğla was demolished and rebuilt without authorization under the scope of a "reinforcement and renovation" permit.

Following complaints filed with the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER), an investigation process was initiated regarding the company owned by Aydın Doğan and the Bodrum Municipality officials who were reported to have approved the process. It was reported that the prosecutor's office requested a preliminary investigation from the Bodrum District Governorship for municipal officials deemed to have been negligent.

The District Governorship pointed to allegations that the old building was rebuilt by circumventing regulations without a demolition permit. It was suggested that the investigation be conducted by the Governor's Office, noting that the matter requires technical expertise.

Within the scope of the investigation, it was reported that the trade registry records belonging to Marlin Otelcilik, a company under Doğan Holding that is carrying out the project, have been submitted to the prosecutor's office. It was stated that the facility, which previously served as "DoubleTree By Hilton," was transferred to Marlin Otelcilik in 2025.

In a letter sent to the prosecutor's office on behalf of the Bodrum Municipality, Deputy Mayor Serkan Balkan stated that the project was approved by the Muğla Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Assets on September 12, 2025, as an "architectural renovation based on reinforcement."

“All operations requiring intervention in the ground are being carried out under the supervision of the Museum Directorate. After the works are completed, no usage permit will be granted to the hotel until technical reports and photographs are submitted to the Board.”

In an assessment made by the company, the allegations were denied. It was argued that the works are a legal reinforcement activity carried out against earthquake and fire risks in the region, and that the permits were obtained from the relevant public institutions in accordance with the procedure.

The statement also claimed that the allegations of illegal construction were incomplete and misleading, and that the project was being carried out without damaging the cultural and environmental fabric.

News Source: 12punto