23.12.2025 12:01
In Adana, operations began under police escort for the demolition of illegal structures on Menderes Island, known as 'American Island', located on the Seyhan Dam Lake, one of the city's attractions. While shopkeepers opposed to the demolition tried to obstruct the work, one of them resisted the police and harmed himself with a knife. Some business owners also poured gasoline on their establishments and set them on fire. A large number of people were taken into custody.
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 attractions of Adana. Wooden extensions and seating areas of illegal businesses, which generally sell the local delicacy bici bici and salep, have spread out over the lake.
At various times, the municipality attempted to demolish these businesses, but this did not happen due to some individuals resisting with firearms and holding protests. Over the years, the boulevards surrounding the lake have been renovated, new roads have been opened, and luxury buildings have been constructed in the area, but the appearance of the island has remained the same.
DRUG INCIDENTS SPARK REACTIONS
The drug and public order incidents on the island have also caused reactions. The insistence of the owners of unlicensed businesses in the high real estate value area to invite those entering the island to their establishments through aggressive sales tactics has increased complaints.
FINAL DEMOLITION DECISION 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 this time. The owners of more than 50 businesses were given until December 23 to vacate the island. It was communicated to the shopkeepers that if the island was not vacated, demolition would be carried out under the supervision of law enforcement. The decision was welcomed with joy by the local community.
INCIDENTS OCCURRED BEFORE DEMOLITION BEGAN
After the deadline for vacating the island expired, construction machinery arrived at the island for demolition under police escort in the morning hours. The riot police and the Water Cannon Vehicle (TOMA) also took security measures in the area. Shopkeepers opposing the demolition tried to obstruct the work.
HARMED HIMSELF WITH A KNIFE
A person opposing the demolition harmed himself with a knife while resisting the police. Some business owners also set their establishments on fire by pouring gasoline. Many people were taken into custody. Police teams are negotiating with the large crowd for the evacuation of the island.