Unauthorized villa construction in Istanbul’s Bosphorus sparks outrage

A new scandal has erupted in Istanbul’s Bosphorus region as another unauthorized villa is being constructed in Sariyer’s Buyukdere neighborhood.

Despite the building restrictions in place, the villa was built without permits and camouflaged to evade detection, drawing attention to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) and its oversight of such activities.

Camouflaged unauthorized villa built in Istanbul’s protected zone raises concerns

The villa, located in the protected Bogazici area, was reportedly covered with tarps to conceal it from view. According to local sources, the land previously held a shack, which was sold to Albert Franco, a prominent businessperson known for his real estate investments in Türkiye and abroad, for $70,000.

Franco demolished the shack and began constructing the villa. His son, Jerry Franco, who currently manages the family’s real estate portfolio, is now overseeing the property. There were no visible permits or signage at the construction site, and residents have raised concerns about how this project continued unchecked.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality faces criticism for lack of action

This incident follows a similar case in Vanikoy earlier this year, where another illegal villa was discovered and subsequently demolished. On Sept. 4, authorities began demolishing the illegal villa of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in Uskudar’s Vanikoy neighborhood.

Abramovich’s unauthorized construction in a protected area of the Bosphorus had sparked public outrage, prompting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to accuse officials of favoritism. “You can see what the opposition is really after,” Erdogan said.

“They preach environmental values, but hand over Istanbul’s treasures to wealthy elites.” The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change intervened and sealed the property after discovering the unlicensed structures.

Citizens are now questioning the IBB’s role in regulating these areas, with many expressing frustration. “The municipality should not allow this kind of construction in such a historic and environmentally sensitive area,” one resident stated.

Efforts to stop unauthorized constructions along Istanbul’s Bosphorus

After the Vanikoy case, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change intervened, leading to the demolition of unauthorized sections. However, the recurrence of these incidents indicates that more stringent measures are needed to protect Istanbul’s unique landscape from illegal construction.

The ongoing issues surrounding unauthorized villas not only threaten the historical and environmental integrity of the Bosphorus but also highlight a need for stronger regulatory actions and coordination between governmental bodies.