24 Aralık 2025 Çarşamba

"Demolish & Release": Illegal Shops and Cafés on "American Island" Torn Down Amid Chaos, in Adana

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 24 December 2025)















                          Trump sending the marines!

In Adana's Çukurova region, dozens of illegal structures have been 
built over the years on Menderes Island, also known as the 
"American Island,"  (!) in the Seyhan Dam Lake. These illegal 
businesses, mostly selling the city's unique "bici bici" dessert and 
"salep" (a hot drink made from milk and spices), have extended 
their wooden extensions, even reaching onto the lake itself. The 
municipality has attempted to demolish these businesses at various 
times, but this has been prevented by armed resistance and protests 
from some individuals.

Over the years, the boulevards surrounding the lake were renovated, 
new roads were opened, and luxury buildings were constructed, but 
the island's appearance remained the same. Drug-related incidents 
and public order problems on the island have also drawn criticism. 

American Island (!)



























The persistence of unlicensed business owners in the high-value real 
estate area, who lure visitors to their establishments through touting, 
has further increased complaints. Following initiatives by the Adana 
Governorship, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Environment, 
Urbanization, and Climate Change have taken action and issued a final 
demolition order. Business owners, numbering over 50, were given 
until December 23rd to vacate the island. They were informed that if 
the island was not vacated, demolition would be carried out under the 
supervision of law enforcement.

Yesterday morning, construction machinery arrived on the island for 
demolition. Riot police, along with water cannons (TOMA), took 
security measures in the area. Shopkeepers tried to prevent the 
demolition. One person resisted the police and injured himself with 
a knife. Some business owners set their shops on fire by pouring 
gasoline on them. Numerous people were detained. 
















The end is near...

The teams negotiated with the large group to evacuate the island. Police 
teams removed the shopkeepers who caused the disturbance from the 
island. The flames were extinguished with water cannons. After the 
island was cleared, the construction machinery began the demolition.




Hiç yorum yok:

Yorum Gönder