A 125-Year-Old Historic House Demolished in Alsancak: Mayor to File a Police Complaint

The Mayor of the Lapta–Alsancak–Çamlıbel Municipality, Fırat Ataser, stated that a 125-year-old historic house in Alsancak (Karava), located within a protected zone and included in the list of cultural heritage sites, was unlawfully demolished.

According to the mayor, the building had the status of a protected monument, and no demolition permit had been issued either by the municipality or by the district administration. Despite warnings, the house was destroyed the previous evening.

Ataser emphasized that inspections of properties of historical value had been conducted just last week, and the demolished house was included in the official register. Municipal services visited the site on Friday and notified the relevant parties of a ban on any works.

The head of the municipality described the incident as a “betrayal towards the region” and announced that a complaint would be filed with the police. According to him, everyone involved — from the bulldozer operator to those who ordered the demolition — will be held accountable. The case will be brought before the court.

Ataser also recalled that efforts to preserve historic development have been ongoing since 2018 and stressed that the municipality does not intend to deviate from the principles of protecting cultural heritage.