To protect Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage, we continue our efforts. In Sultanahmet Square, a site of great historical and cultural significance, we demolished an unlicensed illegal structure located on IMM property. The structure, designated as “park” and “partially road” in zoning plans, was operating as a commercial restaurant under the guise of a soup kitchen.

Details of the Demolition in Sultanahmet Square

The illegal structure, located on parcel 98, block 14, was on IMM property and designated as “park” and “partially road” in zoning plans. Although it was presented as a “soup kitchen,” it was found to be operating as a commercial restaurant. Following the 2013 decision by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the structure was legally demolished on March 17, 2025, after the completion of all legal processes.

Our inspections revealed that the parcel, registered under IMM, displayed a sign for İsa Yusuf Alptekin Park, but the site was being used as a restaurant under the name Türkistan Aşevi. The restaurant occupied 488 square meters of open and closed spaces. Official inspections confirmed that the structure lacked a building permit, occupancy certificate, or approved project.

After issuing the necessary notifications and allowing time for evacuation, the operators took the matter to court. Following the court’s ruling in favor of IMM, the illegal structure was demolished in accordance with the law.