25.12.2025 15:11
In Adana, the demolition of illegal structures on Menderes Island, known to the public as 'American Island,' located on the Seyhan Dam Lake, has been completed. The police gave the businesses on the island a 4-day deadline, and when the request was rejected, construction machinery entered the island. Despite numerous individuals who resisted the officials, including some who cut themselves with knives, the demolition process was completed. After the work, aerial images were taken to compare the area’s condition before and after the demolition.
Dozens of illegal structures have been built over the years on Menderes Island in Seyhan Dam Lake, located along Adnan Menderes Boulevard in the Çukurova district, one of the city's attractions. While unauthorized businesses selling the local delicacy bici bici and salep have added wooden extensions and seating areas, it has been observed that these areas have spread all the way to the lake.
Structures that the municipality wanted to demolish at various times could not be removed due to armed resistance from some individuals and protest demonstrations. Over the years, while the boulevards around the lake were renewed and new roads were opened, luxury residences rose in the vicinity, but the appearance of the island did not change. The incidents of drug use and public order in the area also caused reactions. Complaints increased as the owners of unauthorized businesses operating in the high real estate value area tried to invite visitors to their places by engaging in aggressive sales tactics.
A FINAL DEMOLITION DECISION HAS BEEN MADE
With the initiatives of the Adana Governorship, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change took action and made a final demolition decision. The owners of more than 50 businesses were given until December 23 to vacate the island. It was communicated to the tradesmen that if they did not vacate by the specified date, demolition would be carried out under the supervision of law enforcement.
TRADESMEN TRIED TO PREVENT THE DEMOLITION
After the deadline expired, on December 23, construction machinery arrived at Menderes Island for demolition under police escort. Riot police and the Social Events Intervention Vehicle (TOMA) took security measures in the area. Some tradesmen opposing the demolition tried to obstruct the work. During this time, one person resisted the police and harmed himself with a knife. Some business owners set their workplaces on fire by pouring gasoline. Many people were detained during the incidents. E.Ç., who harmed himself with a knife during the demolition process, and A.D., who resisted the police, were arrested.
DEMOLITION HAS ENDED
After the work carried out under security measures, the illegal structures on the island were completely demolished. The current state of Menderes Island was captured by drone from the air and ground, while access to the island was blocked with rocks after the demolition.
"THEY WERE FORCING US TO STOP"
Serkan Çokal, who came to see the final state of the island, stated that the ugly condition of the area ended with the demolition. Çokal said, "We were saddened for the region, but if a better arrangement is to be made, we think it will be beneficial for Adana. We used to come here as a family, but we didn't know the places were illegal. We believe that the region will be better after the demolition. It was quite ugly in terms of appearance. There were people who would block our way and force us to enter their shops. We wanted to see the final state of the area after the demolition, but we saw that the area was blocked with rocks. We want these places to be a public area. We hope that the authorities will organize this place and turn it into a beautiful living space," he said.
"I FIND THE DEMOLITION DECISION CORRECT"
Ilknur Çokal, who finds the demolition decision for the island correct, said, "I was glad that the illegal structures inside the island were demolished. There were many drug users here, and it was unclear who was coming and going. The ugly appearance in the area ended after the demolition. I hope that more beautiful structures will be built here, where we can come as a family," she said.