Lebanese politicians flock to Bodrum amid tensions: Sun, sea or controversy?
An AI illustration to show elites and politicians in Bodrum, Türkiye. (Photo via DALL-E, OpenAI)
Lebanon’s business elites and politicians have increasingly been drawn to Bodrum, Türkiye, as a favored destination, sparking curiosity about the motivations behind their visits.
With Lebanon’s ongoing economic turmoil since 2019, including the catastrophic bank freeze that left many without access to their life savings, a new pattern of behavior has emerged among those who have managed to rebuild their wealth or maintained offshore accounts.
For many, Bodrum offers a quick escape from the stress of Lebanon’s daily life. The proximity – a flight of less than two hours via charter airlines or private jets – combined with familiar Mediterranean weather, makes Bodrum an attractive destination. Yet, the allure of Bodrum goes beyond mere leisure.
Lebanese-owned ventures in Bodrum
Summer 2024 has seen a rise in Lebanese-owned businesses in Bodrum, such as the newly opened Mariolino by the Sea, indicating a growing trend of Lebanese investment in the region.
These investments are not only a reflection of the leisure pursuits of Lebanon’s elite but also a strategic move to channel their resources into international ventures. This trend demonstrates the desire of Lebanon’s wealthy citizens to spend abroad, away from the scrutiny and possible repercussions of spending extravagantly within Lebanon.
Meanwhile, a serious economic crisis continues in Lebanon and the risk of a regional conflict with Israel is closer than ever.
Political figures among Bodrum’s visitors
Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been spotted in Bodrum several times with his family, enjoying the hospitality. Mikati’s private plane, aka the “Mikati Express” (T7ONE) went back and forth for one week to Türkiye: On July 31 to Bodrum, on Aug. 1 Bodrum again on Aug. 4 to Dalaman and on Aug. 5 to Antalya. Must have been a sunny week.
While Mikati’s visits appear to be purely for leisure, other politicians’ trips to Bodrum have drawn significant attention.
On Aug. 8, a leaked photo of Lebanese MP Gebran Bassil boarding a private jet in Beirut, identified as flying to Bodrum, caused an uproar in Lebanon.
Bassil, one of Lebanon’s most controversial figures, was initially set to spend three nights in Bodrum but cut his trip short, returning to Beirut the following day after his plans became public. His political party later issued a statement claiming the visit was purely personal, attempting to mitigate the backlash.
HBVVA AMAC Corporate Jet/AMAC Aerospace a 2019 Swiss built/owned/operated Pilatus PC-24 serial 166 does trips mainly around Bodrum, Türkiye especially in summer. The cost of these flights are, “$3,500 to $18,000 per hour and vary by the size, make, model, and age of the private jet”. HB-VVJ is a small PC-25 about $4,000/hr so, BVJ(Bodrum)-BEY approximately two hours long so it’s only $8,000.
There are strong rumors that Bassil might be investing in one of Bodrum’s new hotels, raising questions about whether his visit was entirely for leisure or involved business dealings.
The controversy surrounding Bassil’s visit was further exacerbated by Lebanon’s fragile political climate, with the country teetering on the brink of regional conflict.
Diplomatic connections and private jets
Lebanese elites traveling to Bodrum often utilize private jets, some of which have direct ties to Türkiye. Several Turkish private jets, primarily based at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport (ISL), have been spotted flying to Beirut. While most of these flights are not publicly trackable, their frequency has raised eyebrows.
Lebanon Prime Minister Mikati’s jet, identified as T7-ONE, made multiple trips between Beirut and Bodrum in late July and early August 2024.
The jet also made stops in Dalaman and Antalya, indicating a broader pattern of movement across Türkiye’s elite destinations. However, there is no confirmed evidence of official meetings between Lebanese visitors and Turkish officials during these visits.
Public reaction, criticism
Public reaction to these trips, particularly Bassil’s, has been largely negative. The timing of Bassil’s Bodrum visit, coinciding with Lebanon’s worsening situation and the looming threat of regional conflict, sparked outrage among citizens.
The leak of his travel plans and subsequent media coverage led to a significant backlash, forcing Bassil to shorten his stay and return to Lebanon.
This incident underscores the sensitive nature of such trips, especially when undertaken by figures like Bassil, who are already under public scrutiny.
Lebanon faces mounting crises
Lebanon is grappling with a severe economic and financial crisis that has plunged most of the population into poverty since 2019. According to a report from Human Rights Watch, the country’s human rights conditions worsened in 2023, with increased prosecutions for critical speech, growing restrictions on refugees, and ongoing impunity for past abuses.
Tensions have escalated along the Lebanon-Israel border, where armed clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, Hamas have intensified since Oct. 7.
Three years after the devastating Beirut port explosion, which killed over 220 people, the domestic investigation remains stalled. Political interference has obstructed the inquiry led by Judge Tarek Bitar, who faced charges from Lebanon’s top prosecutor, Ghassan Oueidat, after attempting to resume the investigation.
Economic conditions in Lebanon have deteriorated, with the majority of the population unable to access necessities such as food, medicine, and electricity. The education and prison systems have also suffered, with students at risk of losing another year of schooling and prisoners enduring overcrowded and inhumane conditions.
Despite an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in April 2022 that could unlock $3 billion in aid, Lebanon’s reform process has stalled, and the IMF has criticized the government for its lack of action.
