2,000 bungalows set for demolition in Türkiye’s Sapanca following hidden camera scandal

A hidden camera discovered inside a tourist bungalow in Sapanca, a scenic district of Sakarya in northwestern Türkiye, has not only sparked a criminal investigation but also pulled back the curtain on a much larger and growing problem — an unchecked explosion of illegal bungalows threatening public safety and environmental health.

Hidden camera above jacuzzi leads to arrests

The scandal erupted when M.K., a visitor from Istanbul, noticed an unusual lighting fixture above the jacuzzi in a rented bungalow in Uzunkum, Sapanca, Sakarya. Upon closer inspection, he found a hidden camera. Following a swift investigation, the bungalow owner Huseyin K. (31) was arrested in Sapanca, while his associate Tansel S. (48) was detained in nearby Izmit. Both were charged and sent to prison pending trial.

Authorities later confirmed that the covert camera was installed directly above the jacuzzi within the lighting system — a shocking revelation that alarmed tourists across the country.

2,000 illegal bungalows in Sapanca poised for demolition

The hidden surveillance incident has drawn attention to a much larger issue: the so-called “bungalow invasion” around Sapanca Lake. Over the past few years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, the region has witnessed a surge in unauthorized wooden bungalows, many of them marketed on social media as boutique holiday retreats.

Officials estimate that nearly 5,000 bungalows have been constructed in and around the hills surrounding Sapanca Lake. Alarmingly, close to half of these — nearly 2,000 structures — are illegal and lack basic permits. These buildings are now facing potential demolition orders, though enforcement efforts have stalled due to lack of resources.

Ecological time bombs: waste flows into drinking water reservoir

Environmentalists warn that these unauthorized bungalows are acting like “ticking time bombs.” Lacking proper sewage systems, many discharge their waste directly or indirectly into Sapanca Lake, which supplies drinking water to the surrounding region.

In addition to the environmental risks, the bungalows often include pools that are heated using illegal electricity connections. With no transformers or safety infrastructure in place, electrical fires are common, and most structures offer no adequate protection against fire hazards or electrocution.

No IDs, no records: The dark side of the tourism boom

Another growing concern is the absence of formal registration for guests staying in these bungalows. Unlike hotels, which are required to record guest IDs for security, many of these private properties operate under the radar.

Promoted aggressively on social media, they are often mistaken for fully licensed accommodations. Unwitting tourists are drawn in by polished visuals and boutique-style promises — unaware of the risks posed by unlicensed, unregulated, and unsafe environments.

How illegal tourism flourished under the radar in Sapanca

The construction of these bungalows typically begins with the purchase of land, followed by the rapid installation of prefabricated wooden units. Some are even built on public lands or highland pastures, including state-owned territory.

In many cases, builders obtained a basic construction permit and later applied to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for a “tourism operation license,” using those limited permissions as leverage.

In 2023, the Ministry issued licenses conditionally, allowing businesses until 2024 to resolve zoning and infrastructure deficiencies. However, an inspection by government-appointed auditors revealed that most of the 2,000 bungalows failed to meet legal and safety standards. As a result, license cancellations and demolition orders were issued.

Investigations target municipal leaders

In March 2025, the Ministry of Interior authorized a formal investigation into seven local officials who allegedly turned a blind eye during the bungalow boom. These include the current and former mayors of Sapanca, as well as municipal department heads.

Despite official orders, no demolitions have yet taken place. According to local sources, municipalities have cited limited technical capacity and failed tenders as reasons for the delays. As of now, the illegal bungalows remain standing — and operational.

Luxury for a price: $500 a night

Although illegal, the bungalows are anything but cheap. The smallest unit, about 25 square meters, costs around $6,000 to build. Despite their modest size, daily rental fees can reach $500, with some offering hot tubs, pools, and panoramic lake views.

How to detect hidden cameras in rentals

In statements to the Ihlas News Agency, security expert Resul Karaaslan offered advice on identifying hidden cameras:

• Use a mobile phone camera to scan the room in complete darkness; IR light from a hidden lens may reflect back.
• Flashlights can also be used to detect lens reflections in suspicious spots such as smoke detectors, power outlets, clocks, and decorative trims.
• Some hidden cameras have even been found embedded inside combi boilers and air conditioning units, Karaaslan warns.