Demolition begins for Russian billionaire Abramovich’s illegal villa in Istanbul

The Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s illegal villa construction in Istanbul’s Uskudar, Vanikoy neighborhood has become a major topic of discussion across Türkiye. Meanwhile, it has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the protected Bosphorus region, one of the world’s most iconic waterways.

After President Erdogan expressed strong disapproval, accusing officials of “favoritism,” efforts to demolish the villa were set in motion.

Authorities from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) Bosphorus Zoning Directorate, under the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), discovered unauthorized construction activities within their jurisdiction. Consequently, the unlicensed structures were sealed off.

Demolition underway in Vanikoy

Demolition has begun of the illegal villa, which was identified as having been built without proper authorization in the Bosphorus View Region of Uskudar’s Vanikoy.

As the demolition team commenced dismantling the structure, the first excavator strike—closely watched by millions—marked the beginning of the end for the controversial villa.

Erdogan slams main opposition Istanbul mayorship

President Erdogan previously criticized the illegal villa in Vanikoy, stating, “You can see what the opposition is really after. For years, they tried to lecture us on environmental issues, and now they’re handing over Istanbul’s most valuable environmental treasures to wealthy elites. They used to preach about ‘merit’ day and night, but within three months, they’ve turned the municipalities they control into family enterprises.”

Earlier, a heated confrontation erupted between CHP leader Ozel and President Erdogan over the illegal construction of a villa in Vanikoy, Istanbul. The dispute focuses on a villa being erected in a forested area with a view of the Bosphorus, situated in Istanbul’s Uskudar district.

What happened?

Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich’s villa, purchased under his Turkish lawyer’s name, has come under investigation. Previously owned by Adnan Oktar, the mansion is facing allegations of illegal construction.

Unauthorized wooden and prefabricated structures have been built without proper permits, raising concerns about a possible unapproved helipad.

Following social media coverage of unauthorized construction at Abramovich’s villa, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change launched an investigation and issued warnings to IBB.

Later on, the villa, located within the jurisdiction of the CHP-led IBB, has been sealed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. The IBB has refuted any responsibility, asserting that a criminal complaint has been lodged with the prosecutor’s office.