14.03.2025 18:10
The legal struggle of citizens to obtain their titles for a 3,010-decare land consisting of 500 parcels, which includes public buildings and thousands of residences in Elazığ Karakoçan, has concluded after 73 years. A ruling was made in favor of 5,129 rights holders in the case.
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In the Karakoçan district of Elazığ, the 73-year-long lawsuit for 5129 property owners to receive their titles on a 3010-acre land, which includes public buildings and thousands of residences, has concluded in favor of the citizens. The property owners who won the case will finally receive the title to their lands after many years. Karakoçan Mal Müdürü Mesut Yücel stated that the case, known to the public as the "3010-acre case," covers an area consisting of 500 parcels.
100 MILLION EURO LAND
Yücel noted that the lands subject to the lawsuit, which covers half of the district center, include approximately 3,000 residences, public buildings, roads, and public open spaces, and continued: "The economic value of the land is estimated to be over 100 million Euros. It is a case involving more than 5,000 owners and shareholders. Considering that one person represents at least a family of five, it is a case that directly concerns about 25,000 people, which is equal to the settled population of the Karakoçan district.
"THE ORIGIN OF THE CASE DATES BACK TO BEFORE THE REPUBLIC"
The origin of the case dates back to the founding date of the Republic of Turkey and before. The lands given by the Republic of Turkey to the local leaders, known as "aghas," in return for their services and support during the establishment of the state and the War of Independence, cover 15 villages. Over time, these aghas have allegedly abused this privilege granted to them by our state, according to some claims and statements reflected in the file, and have oppressed the people. The state has expropriated these lands to protect its citizens, meaning it has compensated the owners and given them to the public without charge. Various sales and transfers have been made by the aghas and their heirs on this 3010-acre land. These sales and transfers were not conducted in accordance with any planning or measurement and registration procedures related to real estate, and were carried out haphazardly."
DISPUTE AMONG AGHAS AND HEIRS
Yücel expressed that some of the sales were based on old title deed records, some on notary deeds, and some on promissory notes and documents, stating that lawsuits were filed in the courts due to disputes between the "aghas" and the heirs during these sales. While these lawsuits were ongoing, Yücel explained that cadastral studies were initiated in the region between 1984 and 1986, saying, "The purpose of these studies is to establish the boundaries, characteristics, and ownership status of these properties by mapping them and linking them to official title deed records."
"THE CASE HAD BECOME INEXTRICABLE"
Yücel indicated that if it was understood that even one property in the cadastral area was a defendant, the Cadastral Directorate would not conduct the identification of the property, and the matter would be sent to court, stating, "Due to the size of the area, the number of shareholders, the multitude of documents involved, and the confusion experienced at that time, the issue and the case had become inextricable."
1000 FILES REMOVED FROM THE SHELF
For the current ruling session of the case, Judge Mehmet Emre Erdemir and staff from the Cadastral Court at Karakoçan Courthouse removed the case files consisting of 1000 folders from the shelves. Property owners and their lawyers attended the ruling session at the Karakoçan Cadastral Court. The judge announced his decision to grant the titles to the property owners. The 5129 property owners who won the case will receive the titles to their lands after many years.
PROPERTY OWNERS SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION
Rıza Bulut, 81, one of the property owners, stated that his house is located in the area subject to the lawsuit but he does not have the title. He mentioned that he has not been able to carry out any transactions until now due to not having the title for the land inherited from his grandfather, saying, "We are happy with the decision. May God bless those responsible for this. We are glad that we will receive our title." Nuri Gönül, 85, also stated that he filed a lawsuit to obtain the title for his land 15 years ago. Gönül expressed, "This case was unresolved for years. Today, the judge has resolved this case, may God bless him. Hopefully, everyone will receive their title and will be able to live comfortably in their homes."
ONCE TITLES ARE RECEIVED, THE AREA WILL BE OPENED FOR DEVELOPMENT
Evaluating the decision, Karakoçan Mal Müdürü Yücel stated that the conclusion of a 73-year-long process in favor of the citizens has made the local people happy. Yücel said, "The acquisition of rights by the citizens is beneficial and auspicious for our country, our nation, and our district. We thank everyone who contributed. Once the property owners receive their titles as a result of this case, the entire area will be opened for development, which will create significant added value for Karakoçan and our country."
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