03.12.2025 10:45
It was noted that efforts are ongoing to protect Uzungöl, one of the most important tourism centers in Trabzon, and to manage visitor density, emphasizing that the region needs to be more strictly protected following the excessive construction that occurred in the past.
Ahmet Metin Genç, the Mayor of Trabzon, made a painful confession regarding Uzungöl, one of the most important tourism centers in Trabzon.
"EXCESSIVE CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN DONE, THIS MUST BE ACCEPTED" In his evaluations on the subject, Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç pointed out that excessive construction has been done in Uzungöl to date, stating, "We have very important destinations in Trabzon, and Uzungöl is our most significant area that comes to mind when Trabzon is mentioned. Therefore, we need to protect this place very well. Unfortunately, with some constructions, excessive measures have been taken; this must be accepted."
Stating that as of August 2025, the implementation of Article 18 has begun in Uzungöl following the conclusion of court decisions in the planning processes, Mayor Genç said, "Uzungöl is our pride. We have very important destinations in Trabzon, and Uzungöl is our most significant area that comes to mind when Trabzon is mentioned. Therefore, we need to protect this place very well. Unfortunately, with some constructions, excessive measures have been taken; this must be accepted. There were court decisions in the planning processes, and these processes have concluded. As of August 2025, the implementation of Article 18 has begun. Both our Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, our Metropolitan Municipality, and Çaykara Municipality are continuing their work in coordination. Additionally, under the instruction of our minister, a project for a national garden has also been completed by our Housing Development Administration in the region. We have also established a police office there. During this period, we received a total of 2,196 applications. This is a significant number. These applications cover complaints, suggestions, and requests for information on various issues. We are trying to seriously address the concerns of our visitors, facilitate their living standards, and listen to and resolve their complaints," he stated.
A SÜMELA MODEL FOR UZUNGÖL Indicating that the biggest problem in Uzungöl is the parking issue, Genç mentioned that they are considering a model similar to the one applied at Sümela Monastery. "Currently, the most significant problem we are experiencing in Uzungöl is the parking issue. I have also discussed this with our TOKİ President, and we have an idea: Can we create a large parking area before the entrance to Uzungöl, just like at Sümela, and provide access with a shuttle system? Because our guests who come to see the beauty of Uzungöl and experience the tranquility of the lake and nature are experiencing stress due to traffic congestion, which negatively affects their psychology. We have such an idea; it has not yet been finalized. God willing, we will share it with the public when the project phase is completed. We believe it will be an important solution," he said.
Genç also noted that the process of establishing a cable car system from Uzungöl to the plateaus is ongoing, stating, "Our cable car process is also continuing. God willing, we want to bring that to Uzungöl as well."