Istanbul to close unlicensed hotels after ski resort fire

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül has said all unlicensed hotels or those without a basic lodging certificate would be shut down by Monday. He emphasized fire safety concerns, shortly after a fire claimed 79 lives at Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort due to severe shortcomings.

Friday January 31 2025 02:02 pm

Duvar English

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül on Jan. 30 announced that a process coordinated by district governors had begun regarding hotels, following the ski resort fire in central Turkey that claimed 79 lives.

He stated, “As of Monday, we will have closed all accommodation facilities that either lack a license or, despite having one, do not possess a basic lodging certificate from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.”

Referring to the fire in Bolu that claimed 78 lives, Gül emphasized the importance of reviewing institutions’ fire precautions and inspecting buildings that require oversight.

He promised "swift action" to shut down facilities that lack proper licenses and certificates by the end of the week.

Governor Gül added that municipal and fire department units, in coordination with district governors, must fully ensure public safety according to a set timeline in the areas under their jurisdiction.

The investigation into the fire disaster at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu province’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort has revealed details of the hotel's insufficient fire protection systems.

The fire caused controversy surrounding safety protocols and the potential neglect of authorities in conducting routine checks on safety standards.