It was a case of “now you see it, now you don’t” when a tender for a prime, but abandoned site, with a price tag of 113 million TL, opposite Altinkum Beach was withdrawn before anyone had the chance to bid.

The area, known as the Vakiflar land and features a few abandoned buildings, stands just off Yali Caddesi and opposite Didim Shopping Centre, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

The site, which belongs to the General Directorate of Foundations under the government’s Department of the Treasury, has been empty for years and is a regular talking point among locals and holidaymakers as it is an eye-sore.

A tender was issued on July 7 for it be rented for 30 years with a value of around 113 million TL placed on it. However, the tender had been cancelled by July 11, leaving many confused and astounded.

Didim residents have suggested that the land be transferred to Didim Municipality and the municipality to build parks and walking areas. This is in the hope that it won’t be developed privately as either a hotel or a shopping mall – suggestions that have oft been floated over many years.

Didim Tourism Association President Melih Koyuncu stated that the land should be left to the Municipality in a way that will contribute to the people of Didim and Didim tourism.

“We wish that such a beautiful land in this place where the heart of tourism beats will be left to the people of Didim,” he said. “It is everyone’s common demand that Didim Municipality or Aydın Metropolitan Municipality enter this tender, acquire this place and open its use to the public.”