Luxury mansion in Istanbul owned by Russian billionaire partly demolished amid heated debate
An undated picture of the mansion on the Vanikoy ridges, which is considered as one of the most valuable areas in the world in, Uskudar, Istanbul (Photo courtesy of NTV)
In a rapidly unfolding controversy that has gripped Istanbul, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s illegal villa construction in the prestigious Vanikoy district has drawn sharp criticism and led to intervention by Turkish authorities.
The incident has sparked a public outcry, raising concerns over the environmental impact on the protected Bosphorus region, one of the world’s most iconic waterways.
Unauthorized construction unveiled
- Abramovich’s secret villa: The mansion, originally owned by convicted criminal Adnan Oktar, was revealed to have been purchased by Abramovich under his Turkish lawyer’s name, has been under scrutiny due to unauthorized wooden and prefabricated structures built without proper permits.
- Illegal construction: Allegations of illegal construction surfaced when images of the villa were shared on social media, prompting an immediate investigation by the Ministry of Environment’s Istanbul Provincial Directorate.
- Helipad speculations: Speculation arises that the new constructions might include a helipad, a feature Abramovich reportedly sought but couldn’t achieve with other properties along the Bosphorus due to strict regulations. The combination of unauthorized wooden and prefabricated structures led to speculation that these additions could be linked to the rumored helicopter pad.
Who is Roman Abramovich?
- Roman Abramovich is a Russian-Israeli-Portuguese billionaire known for his former ownership of Chelsea F.C. He is listed as one of the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth of $12.9 billion in 2019.
- Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea following sanctions imposed by the U.K. government due to his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Legal actions against illegal construction
- Ministry’s warning: The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, after social media images of the construction surfaced, launched an investigation and issued warnings to the IBB, stating that any unauthorized additions would not be tolerated.
- Continued scrutiny: Minister Murat Kurum emphasized that the ministry would take necessary actions if the illegal structures are not demolished by the municipality, reiterating the government’s commitment to preserving the Bosphorus’s unique beauty and historical significance
- Former mayor: Former Uskudar Mayor Hilmi Turkmen expressed his dismay at the construction, recalling strict regulations during his tenure that prohibited even minor changes in the Bosphorus region.
- Legal actions: Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunc announced that a criminal investigation had been initiated for environmental violations, specifically under the Article 184 of the Turkish Penal Code for “causing zoning pollution.”
How did IBB respond illegal construction activities?
- Confirmation: The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) confirmed the illegal construction activities, including the addition of wooden and prefabricated structures and
- Construction stopped: IBB stated that they had taken action on August 16, 2024, by issuing a construction stoppage notice, demolishing the illegal structures, and sealing the site.
- Criminal complaint: The IBB also filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and informed the Ministry of Environment, ensuring that legal procedures were followed.
What will happen?
As investigations continue, the future of Abramovich’s Bosphorus villa remains uncertain, with the legal and environmental implications of the unauthorized construction still unfolding. The clash between the Istanbul Municipality and the Ministry of Environment underscores the ongoing struggle to preserve one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
