The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) has issued demolition orders targeting illegal structures along the Bosporus shoreline, following a comprehensive investigation into unauthorized modifications in the Beşiktaş district.
Acting on complaints and findings from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Conservation Regional Board Directorate, officials identified unlicensed expansions toward the sea, illegal rooftop additions, and facade changes between Bebek Mosque and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. The affected area includes the neighborhoods of Bebek, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme, and Ortaköy.
Since early 2025, inspections have been carried out on 106 properties in the region. Illegal alterations were confirmed in 49 of these, prompting criminal complaints. Another 42 properties were flagged for missing documentation, while 15 others require enforcement of existing board rulings.
The IBB’s executive committee finalized demolition orders after evaluating expert reports and recommendations from the Monuments Board. High-profile businesses such as Baylan Pastry Shop, Bebek Balıkçısı, Bebek Hotel, Arnavutköy Balıkçısı, Mandarin Hotel, and Ottoman Hotel are among those slated for partial or full demolition due to their violations.