Eviction operation at Belgrad Forest at dawn: Signs belonging to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality were removed.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry requested the evacuation of the Belgrad Forests, which were handed over to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) 10 years ago, citing the expiration of the contract and that it would not be extended. IMM applied for a stay of execution regarding the decision, but the court rejected the request. The court's rejection and evacuation decision was communicated to IMM just one hour before the end of business last Friday. This morning at 6 a.m., 200 riot police went to the area for the evacuation. Entry to the area was prohibited, and signs belonging to IMM were removed.

A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED IN 2013

On June 14, 2013, a contract was made between the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the operation of the Bentler, Neşetsuyu, Kömürcübent, and Fatih Çeşmesi Nature Parks, which are located within the responsibility area of the 1st Regional Directorate and within the borders of Sarıyer. Additionally, a contract for the "Operation of Belgrad Forest Bahçeköy and Kurtkemeri Entrance Gates" was signed between IMM and the Regional Directorate. The area was handed over to IMM on June 20, 2013.

EVACUATION REQUESTED AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

After the expiration of the 5+5 year contract period, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry requested evacuation, stating that the contract would not be extended. According to news on T24, IMM applied to the Istanbul 13th Administrative Court with a request for a "stay of execution" regarding the decision. However, the court issued a rejection decision regarding IMM's request on December 12. The Sarıyer District Governorship informed IMM of the court's rejection and the evacuation decision just one hour before the end of business last Friday.

THE DISTRICT GOVERNORATE SENT A LETTER TO IMM

The letter sent by the Sarıyer District Governorship to IMM included the following statements: "You are required to vacate the Bentler, Neşetsuyu, Kömürcübent Nature Park, and the Belgrad Forest Bahçeköy and Kurtkemeri Entrance Gates, which are within the responsibility area of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 1st Regional Directorate, in a usable condition by 09:00 on Monday, December 23, 2024; otherwise, the evacuation process will be carried out in accordance with Article 75 of Law No. 2886, and all responsibilities and expenses will be your responsibility. I hereby inform you and request necessary action."

DAWN EVACUATION OPERATION

Before IMM could appeal the "rejection of the stay of execution" decision, 200 riot police went to the area for evacuation at 6 a.m. this morning. Entry to the area was prohibited, and signs belonging to IMM were removed.

FIRST REACTION FROM CHP

The first reaction to the developments came from CHP. Deputy Chairman Erhan Adem commented on the allegations that the Belgrad Forest, which is under the management of IMM, would be transferred to the General Directorate of National Parks, stating, "Belgrad Forest is currently under the threat of rent projects and urbanization. If this transfer occurs, this area, where the public meets nature, will be ravaged by hotel projects, roads, and commercial facilities, and Istanbul will lose another lifeline. Those who attempt to touch Belgrad Forest should know that they will face not only us but the conscience of millions."