20.02.2026 12:41
The decision to charge for parking and restrooms in the areas transferred to the Hacı Ahmet Ünal Foundation by the General Directorate of Foundations at Yuşa Hill in Beykoz, one of Istanbul's important spiritual visit points, has sparked controversy. Emre Çömlekçi, the MHP Beykoz District Chairman, expressed his reaction by saying, "Why should a citizen who enters the restroom to perform ablution pay a fee? Are these sacred places only to be visited by those who are financially well-off?"
The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Beykoz District President Emre Çömlekçi and district board members visited the grave of Hz. Yusha (Peace Be Upon Him) and prayed. In a statement made after the visit, they expressed their opposition to charging fees in a spiritual place.
"WE ENTER RAMADAN WITH SORROW"
MHP Beykoz District President Emre Çömlekçi stated that they are entering the month of Ramadan with sadness, saying, "We are at the grave of Hz. Yusha, the spiritual guardian of our Beykoz. We have entered the month of Ramadan, which begins with mercy, is in the middle with forgiveness, and ends with salvation from sins. However, as Beykoz residents, we are entering Ramadan with a heavy heart. The grave of Hz. Yusha is the second most visited place in Istanbul after Eyüp Sultan. We learned that citizens coming here are being charged for parking and toilet fees. This situation has saddened us and our Beykoz neighbors," he said.
"DO NOT MIX MATERIALISM WITH SPIRITUALITY"
Çömlekçi expressed that they do not understand the justification for charging fees in areas that were previously free, stating, "It is mentioned that a soup kitchen will be established for those in need and that the expenses will be covered by these fees. We are not against the soup kitchen. However, we do not find it appropriate to implement material practices in such a spiritual place. We do not want materialism to be mixed with spirituality," he said.
"OUR ADDRESSEE IS THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF FOUNDATIONS"
Çömlekçi pointed out that there is misinformation in Beykoz regarding the issue, saying, "In our research, we learned that the matter is not related to the municipality or the religious authority. This issue falls under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Foundations. We do not interfere with the foundation's transfer. However, we are against the toilet and parking fees. Our citizens should not be forced to pay fees in a place they come to for worship," he stated.
"WHY SHOULD WE PAY TO PERFORM ABLUTION?"
Çömlekçi said, "Why should a citizen who enters the toilet to perform ablution pay a fee? Will only those with good financial means visit these sacred places? We want to spend the month of Ramadan in peace. There should certainly be a soup kitchen, but its financing should be provided through different methods. It is not right to cover it with toilet and parking fees," he said.
"LET THIS DECISION BE REVERSED"
Çömlekçi called on the authorities, saying, "We are addressing the Regional Directorate of Foundations and the relevant foundation. Please reverse this decision. Our citizens should not be disturbed. The spirituality of the grave of Hz. Yusha must be preserved. I wish the month of Ramadan brings blessings to our Beykoz neighbors and the entire Turkish-Islamic world," he said.
After the statement, President Çömlekçi and organization members prayed at the grave of Hz. Yusha (Peace Be Upon Him) and left the area.