ECO-TURKEY

No to Monster Bus!

Islanders demand democratic participation from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Istanbul-Marmara Islands residents have been protesting against the large minibuses they call "monster buses" for 200 days. In a press statement they made on the last day of 2024, they demanded that the monster buses be removed from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Adalar District Municipality, reminding them of the democratic participation promise they made in the local elections.

TWe will be here, on the   streets, until the monster   buses are removed

The press statement made on behalf of Adalar Civil Network at Büyükada Clock Tower Square stated the following:

"We want a local government where the public, residents and employees are not seen as objects, where the public is informed and participated by including independent structures in decision-making processes, and where they are seen as stakeholders. We do not want to object anymore after the implementations have started. We want a public participation process for the administration to be successful. Our wish is for 2025 to be a turning point for the Islands."

The statement draws attention to the forest and coastal destruction experienced on the Islands:

"The Islands, like almost every corner of the country, have been under attack from many angles for a very long time. Our coasts are occupied by both the Istanbul Municipality and private businesses. While the coasts are allocated to the use of a small group, on the other hand, the fish species in our seas and the entire ecological system are being seriously destroyed for the sake of profit. On the one hand, our forests are being privatized and fenced under the names of 'Forest Park, Nature Park', on the other hand, our district, which is the last place in Istanbul that has not been plundered, is being opened to construction. In line with these very purposes, our district municipality is working with great energy!

The process first started with small island-buses. This was followed by dozens of monster-buses and minute-by-minute service arrangements. Just when we thought we had reached the peak of the work, we learned that there was also a demand for regular service of vehicles on the only road in Büyükada that is closed to vehicles and where peaceful walks can be made in touch with nature. We learned that the Istanbul Municipality is working on its own regarding road widths.