Marmaris, one of Turkey’s most prominent tourist destinations, has made headlines after the local municipality announced the sale of four valuable properties. Despite the town’s relatively high income compared to other municipalities, the decision to sell these properties was made due to ongoing economic challenges. The four properties, estimated to be worth a total of 174.9 million Turkish lira, are set to be auctioned on April 9th.
The Municipality’s Announcement
According to a statement from Marmaris Municipality, the decision to sell these properties was made following a vote by the Municipal Council. The sale will be conducted in accordance with Article 36 of the Public Procurement Law No. 2886, which allows for the sale of public properties under certain conditions. The properties to be sold include a residential property in Camiavlu Mahallesi, an 1,278.98-square-meter plot of land in İçmeler Mahallesi, a 230-square-meter plot in Kemeraltı Mahallesi, and an 800-square-meter plot in Tepe Mahallesi. The estimated prices for the properties range from 5.9 million Turkish lira for the residential property to 69 million Turkish lira for the İçmeler land.
Outrage Among Local Residents
The sale of some of Marmaris’s most valuable properties has sparked widespread outrage among local residents, who believe these assets should be preserved for the public’s benefit, not sold off to private buyers. Many citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that the municipality’s financial difficulties should not come at the expense of the town’s public resources.
One particular point of contention is the drastic reduction in the asking price for a piece of land in İçmeler. Initially listed for 95 million Turkish lira, the property is now being sold for just 69 million Turkish lira, a move some locals see as an unfair undervaluation of public assets. Critics argue that this is not just a price cut, but a clear violation of the rights of those living in the İçmeler area.
Calls for Accountability
Some residents have specifically called out the Mayor of Marmaris, Acar Ünlü, urging him to protect the public’s property rather than sell it off. “The primary duty of a municipality is to protect public property, not to sell it,” said one local. “Selling a public asset at a fraction of its true value is an injustice, especially when the people of İçmeler stand to lose the most.”
This situation raises important questions about the balance between a municipality’s financial needs and its responsibility to protect the public’s assets. While it’s understandable that local governments need to make tough decisions in times of financial strain, the sale of valuable properties, particularly at discounted prices, can seem like a shortcut that fails to consider long-term consequences.
The local community deserves transparency and a say in such significant decisions. Let’s hope this situation will lead to more thoughtful consideration of how public resources are managed, with a focus on ensuring that future generations also benefit from what is rightfully theirs.
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Source: www.ankarahaberler.com
