Ruling says they have “negatively affected world heritage site”
A court in Turkey has ordered three towers in Istanbul to be torn down because they ruin the city’s skyline.
The OnaltiDokuz Residence consists of three blocks of 36, 32 and 27 storeys covering nearly 500 apartments.
According to the scheme’s website, the complex, which was completed in 2011, “redefines what it means to be a citizen, with its residential apartment flats featuring a modern approach to space and a unique living philosophy”.
It adds: “Istanbul’s newest point of view is for seeing not looking. It’s for waking up to Istanbul everyday and exploring new details each time you open your eyes.”
Turkish news website Today’s Zaman said the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Zeytinburnu Municipality had filed separate appeals with the Turkish Council of State against the demolition order given by the Istanbul 4th Administrative Court in May.
But the Council of State has now approved that ruling, paving the way for the buildings’ demolition.
The ruling said the structures were illegal, as they “negatively affected the world heritage site that the Turkish government was obliged to protect”.
The construction of the skyscrapers sparked criticism, with opponents saying the they would mar Istanbul’s historic skyline, which includes the Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
6 Readers' comments