25.02.2026 12:10
It has been revealed that the Sarıyer Municipality has turned two cultural centers into sources of profit. It was claimed that Müjdat Gezen, who was asked for an unregistered fee of 2.5 million lira for the stage, was not allowed inside for the second event because he paid 600,000 lira less.
Allegations have emerged regarding the Bosphorus Cultural Arts Center (BKSM) and the Rauf Denktaş Cultural Center, which were allocated to the Sarıyer Municipality by the Istanbul Governorship's National Estate Directorate as a "municipal service area," with the condition that they are not used for commercial purposes and not rented to third parties. It has been claimed that these centers have been transformed into a source of profit through commercial activities.
THEY DID NOT LET MUJDAT GEZEN ON STAGE
Halil İbrahim Kurşun, the AK Party Sarıyer District Chairman, claimed that commercial organizations were being held in cultural centers that were supposed to be used only as municipal service areas. According to Kurşun's statement, the master artist Müjdat Gezen was asked to pay 2 million 500 thousand lira in exchange for using the BKSM. It was alleged that 1 million 900 thousand lira was directed to the account of a businessman named Bilal Mavi by Mehmet Uslu, who was following Gezen's work. It was decided that the remaining 600 thousand lira would be paid after the event. It was claimed that Gezen organized an event at the cultural center, but was not allowed inside when he went for a second event due to not paying the 600 thousand lira portion.
HE REPORTED THE SITUATION TO ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
According to a report in Sabah, Müjdat Gezen called CHP Chairman Özgür Özel to inform him about the developments and expressed his grievances. Additionally, it was claimed that the cultural center was used for a production broadcast on Netflix and that some artists held ticketed concerts there.
PARKING LOTS TURNED OUT TO BE PAID
Following the allegations, an inspector was assigned by the Istanbul Governorship's National Estate Directorate. Initial investigations revealed that the parking lots belonging to the cultural centers, which were not supposed to conduct commercial activities, were also operated as paid. It was learned that the inspectors ordered the removal of the parking booths, and the investigation regarding other allegations is ongoing.
STATEMENT FROM THE MUNICIPALITY
After the allegations, Sarıyer Municipality made a written statement. The statement indicated that an inspection and audit process had been initiated regarding the claims of unlawful actions. It was noted that the administrative and legal process is ongoing, and necessary administrative measures, including suspension from duty, have been taken.