Save our Beaches! Fethiye Mayor organises peaceful public protest.

[nichola]

The Fethiye Mayor has organised a peaceful public protest Sunday 29th June at 5pm at the entrance to the Ölüdeniz lagoon in protest at the privatisation of all our local beaches, Ölüdeniz, Çaliş and Gemiler and every one is welcome.

It would appear that a lot of underhand tactics and shenanigans have been deployed in the process of the privatisation and its too complicated to explain but to cut a long story short the local Turkish people are furious and up in arms.

The income that would have been generated form the rent of sun loungers and parasols and spent on infrastructure projects identified to improve the area will be lost to private profit.

If you live here or own a home here then this does affect you.

[Ray1951]

One of many underhanded tactics and no doubt many more in the pipeline after August. They are destroying tourism.

[kevin3]

It's worse than that.  They are destroying Turkey.

[strange]

Nichola,
I own a home there, but am resident in the UK.
Is there any way we can help from the UK, or is it just bodies for protests needed?

[nichola]

They could do with an organiser Strange! Some one to get the information out there in plenty of time 

There has already been one failed unadvertised public meeting (not by the Mayor though) and some people invited to yesterdays press conference with only half an hours notice.

At the moment I guess it is just a good turn out at Sundays meeting. I have no idea what their strategy is or what is planned beyond that.

There is going to be free parking between 4-6pm I believe but I would recommend getting there early and going by Dolmuş or bike/scooter because I imagine it will be a bit chaotic trying to find parking.

A fast and well organised response to the privatisation of Iztuzu beach has brought a stay of execution for the time being ordered by the courts so it is possible that a well organised protest here could make an impact too!

[nichola]

From the Fethiye Times

http://www.fethiyetimes.com/news/44-news/12201-bureaucratic-drama-plays-out-on-oludeniz-beach.html

And in the Turkish press - Mayor leads the protest

http://odatv.com/n.php?n=bu-kez-direnisi-belediye-baskani-baslatti-2706141200

[stoop]

Good luck everyone and well done Nichola for bringing this to our attention. Pity were are back home now

[Eric]

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/locals-march-against-privatization-of-fethiyes-postcard-beaches-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=68463&NewsCatID=341