Ministry to take over operation of Galata Tower from Istanbul municipality
Culture and Tourism Minister Ersoy has announced that the ministry will take over the operation of Istanbul's historic Galata Tower from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Mayor İmamoğlu reacted against the decision saying the municipality took the issue to the court. He also said matters concerning Istanbul should be consulted with the municipality.
Duvar English
Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry will take over the operation of Istanbul's historic Galata Tower from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB).
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that the operating lease agreement already expired in January and a new tender will be held to choose the company that will operate the historic tower, including its top floor cafe, Deniz Zeyrek from daily Sözcü reported on Feb. 25.
The plan is within the framework of a broader project which aims to renovate the Galata Square and enlarge it, according to Ersoy. The government plans to bring one of the privately owned buildings on the square under the public ownership and transform the downhill street across the Galata Tower into an open public theater, he said.
“Our aim is that the Beyoğlu [district] again comes to life. Beyoğlu will go through a cultural burst [of activity],” the minister said.
Mayor İmamoğlu says the municipality took the issue to the court
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), reacted against the government's decision to take over the operation of the Galata Tower and said the municipality has taken the issue to the court.
“If they [the government officials] want to take a decision regarding Istanbul, if they want to contribute to tourism, their best fellow friends are the İBB. So, they should not hesitate to meet and talk to us. Our concern is the tourism of Istanbul,” İmamoğlu told reporters.
The mayor said that although he invited government officials to every meeting concerning Istanbul, they have not so far participated in any of them.
“They may choose not to participate in them, but if they are to take a decision regarding Istanbul, we are just a phone away.”
“They [the government officials] can invite us or we can host them anytime regarding issues on Istanbul's tourism and culture. Their remarks such as 'We'll take this, we'll do that' are not pleasant. Such a decision-taking method of a ministry, a minister concerning the great and ancient city [of Istanbul] is not a very pleasant model," he said.