A demolition order was issued by the Aydın Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board for a number of “unauthorized structures” at a hotel belonging to Mustafa Şentürk, the President of Didim Tourism Association.

It was reported in local media that it was decided to remove the unauthorized structures with the decision of the Aydın Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board. A complaint was filed on the subject and the cancellation of the building registration certificate received for the building.

The unauthorized structures at the historical two-storey building operated as a boutique hotel by Mr Şentürk, who was also the chairman of the Didim Cultural Heritage Preservation Association in Didim in past years and currently chairman of the Didim Tourism Association, were identified by the Board. 

According to the information obtained; It has been determined that some parts of the boutique hotel, which is located right next to the Temple of Apollo and is among the preferences of local and foreign tourists with its appearance and naturalness, are unauthorized. 

In the decision taken by the Board in the meeting held in April 2022, it was determined that the immovable property on block 4411, parcels 10 and 11, which is privately owned, remained within the boundaries of the registered Temple of Apollo and Artemis Sanctuary 1st Degree archaeological site.

Within the scope of the Board decision, it was requested that the unauthorized structures be removed under the supervision of the Miletus Museum Directorate and that the building registration certificate for the real estate should be cancelled. 

In addition, it was learned that a decision was made to seal the building and to cancel the business license and the tourism certificate.

The decision taken by the Aydın Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board was taken in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets No. 2863 and the administrative procedure law numbered 2557. It is learned that they can apply for appeal to the Council of State or Administrative Courts.

The local press said that while it is learned that a copy of the decision taken by the Aydın Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board in April 2022 was notified to the Didim Municipality, it is wondered whether Didim Municipality took a decision regarding the business or whether it implemented the decisions taken in the intervening period.