20.06.2026 07:20
The "hobby garden" debate, which occupied Turkey for days, has ended with a new law published in the Official Gazette. The adopted regulation does not foresee the mass demolition of existing structures as claimed. However, while the provision of electricity, water, and natural gas subscriptions to unauthorized structures on agricultural land is completely banned, heavy fines will be imposed on those who violate the rule.
The 'hobby garden' problem that emerged across Turkey as agricultural lands were divided and various structures built on them has been resolved with a law published in the Official Gazette. The new legal regulation put an end to the biggest fear of hobby garden owners: claims of 'mass demolition'.
MASS DEMOLITION CLAIMS FOUND UNFOUNDED
The rumor that 'All hobby gardens will be demolished', which was debated publicly for days and caused widespread panic, lost its validity with the enactment of the law. The new regulation contains no specific or new provision for the mass demolition of existing hobby gardens. The main purpose of the regulation is determined to protect agricultural lands and permanently prevent new illegal constructions.
ABSOLUTE BAN ON ELECTRICITY, WATER, AND NATURAL GAS SUBSCRIPTIONS
Although there is no demolition decision, the new law includes deterrent measures that will seriously complicate the use of illegal structures. According to the decisions taken:
Electricity, water, and natural gas subscriptions will absolutely not be provided to unauthorized structures built on agricultural lands from now on.
Individuals or institutions that violate this rule by providing subscriptions to illegal structures will be subject to an administrative fine of 100,000 Turkish Lira for each subscription provided.
TINY HOUSES AND CONTAINERS ALSO COVERED
Not only concrete structures but also alternative shelter systems that have gained popularity in recent years have been considered under the law. According to the regulation, containers, prefabricated houses, and tiny house-like structures placed on agricultural lands will also be subject to subscription bans and penalties if they are unauthorized.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EXISTING STRUCTURES?
Although the law does not include a new article regarding the demolition of existing structures, it is anticipated that the strict subscription bans and high fines will gradually make the actual use of these areas more difficult.
ERDOĞAN HAD GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS
During the AK Party Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK) meeting a few months ago, the topic of hobby gardens was discussed, and President Erdoğan requested that the issue be resolved without harming citizens.