04.08.2026 08:31
As the vigil launched by citizens on June 28, who argue that the public beach in Bodrum's Gümüşlük neighborhood has been occupied by businesses, enters its sixth week, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci has become the focus of reactions. The Gümüşlük Forum, citing the Constitution, the Coastal Law, and Court of Cassation decisions, called on Mandalinci and other officials to take action, delivering the message: 'We no longer expect statements, but action.'
Discussions about public beaches in the Bodrum district of Muğla have flared up again. Citizens in the Gümüşlük neighborhood, claiming that the shores have been occupied by businesses, are continuing their "Gümüşlük Public Beach Watch" protest, which they started on June 28, into its sixth week. The Gümüşlük Forum, which organized the action, called on public institutions to do their duty and demanded that the shores be opened for public use.
"SHORES BELONG TO THE PUBLIC, THEY CANNOT BE OCCUPIED"
In a statement made by the Gümüşlük Forum, attention was drawn to Article 43 of the Constitution, the Coastal Law, and the decision of the Criminal General Assembly of the Court of Cassation numbered E.2022/82 – K.2025/98.
In the statement, it was emphasized that the shores are open for everyone's equal and free use, and it was stated that removing people who are not customers of a business from the shore is legally unacceptable.
Forum members said, "We have been saying it for six weeks; Gümüşlük Public Beach belongs to the public. The shores belong to the public, they cannot be occupied."
REACTIONS TO THE MAYOR CONTINUE
The citizens reminded that in different coastal areas of Turkey, municipalities and public institutions have intervened against coastal occupations by removing sun loungers and similar structures, and reacted to the fact that similar steps have not been taken in Gümüşlük.
Calling on the Bodrum Municipality, the Bodrum District Governorate, and related institutions, the Gümüşlük Forum stated, "Citizens have been keeping watch for six weeks to protect the public's right. However, it is not the citizen's but the authorities' duty to protect the publicly owned shore. We expect action, not statements anymore."
IT WAS ALSO ON THE AGENDA LAST YEAR
Similar debates took place in Gümüşlük last year as well. The Gümüşlük Forum had organized protests for days against the placement of sun loungers belonging to private businesses on Çayıraltı Public Beach.
Following the reactions, it was announced that Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci came to Gümüşlük, met with forum representatives, and the sun loungers belonging to private businesses on the public beach were removed. However, forum members argue that similar problems have occurred again this year.
THEY DEMAND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW
The Gümüşlük Forum stated that the protection of the shores is the responsibility of public institutions, not citizens, and invited the authorities to implement the existing legislation.
The statement included the phrases, "Gümüşlük Public Beach belongs to the public. The shores belong to the public. Implementing the law is not a choice, but a duty. We are doing our duty. Now it's your turn."