A sit-in protest has been launched in Çatak, a locality on the shore of Atatürk Dam Lake in Bozova district of Şanlıurfa, for a ferry that has been idle for years. Abdulkadir Gül, Bozova District Head of YENİ Party, who initiated the protest, is demanding that the ferry, officially owned by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, be transferred to Bozova Municipality and opened for public service. Gül argues that the ferry should be utilized for tourism, social life, and economic activities. The protest is ongoing and is stated to continue until the demand is met.
Where and When Did the Protest Begin?
The sit-in protest began in the Çatak locality of Bozova district, at the ferry's location. Çatak is known as a picnic area situated on the shores of Atatürk Dam Lake, attracting many visitors during the summer months. Abdulkadir Gül, who started the protest, announced that he would continue his action until the demand is met.
In his statement, Gül used the expressions "Even if no one comes, I will start. Even if no one supports me, I will fight."
Who Owns the Ferry, and Why Is It Idle?
According to Gül's statement before the protest, the ferry's custodial responsibility lies with the Bozova District Governorship, while its official ownership belongs to Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality. Gül claimed that the vessel has been kept idle for years, leading to the deterioration of public property.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Çatak locality, Bozova / Şanlıurfa |
| Water Body | Atatürk Dam Lake |
| Official Ownership | Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality |
| Custodial Responsibility | Bozova District Governorship |
| Current Status | Idle — not operating |
| Demand | Transfer to Bozova Municipality and opening for service |
| Protest Type | Sit-in (indefinite) |
What Exactly Is the Demand?
The central demand of the protest is the transfer of the ferry to Bozova Municipality and its opening for public use. Gül states that the vessel could be utilized in three areas:
- Tourism: Supporting the lake tourism potential of the Çatak locality
- Social Life: Providing transportation and excursion opportunities for local residents on the lake
- Economy: Contributing to commercial and tourist activities in the region
Gül emphasized that the protest is not a political initiative, stating, "This is not a party issue, not a political issue; it is a Bozova issue," and called on everyone who desires the district's development to show support.
Who Supported the Protest?
Mahmut Avcı, Headman of Yeşilova Neighborhood, provided on-site support for the protest. Mahmut Tanal, Şanlıurfa Deputy for YENİ Party, expressed support for the protest via a social media post, stating that the ferry has been idle for years and calling for its transfer to Bozova Municipality and its provision for public service.
Çatak Locality and Atatürk Dam Lake
Çatak is located in Bozova district of Şanlıurfa, on the shore of Atatürk Dam Lake, which is Turkey's largest dam. The region attracts visitors, especially in summer, with its picnic areas and lake views. Boat tours are organized on the lake, and fishing plays a significant role in the district's economy.
This context explains why the ferry demand is linked with tourism: a regular vehicle-passenger crossing on the lake could both shorten distances between lakeside settlements and facilitate access to the picnic area.
How Are Dam Lake Ferries Operated in Turkey?
Operating ferries on dam lakes is not new in Turkey. On Keban Dam Lake, municipal enterprises have been operating regular vehicle-passenger services for years, and these routes shorten distances that would take hours by road:
- Pertek – Elazığ ferry line — operated by Pertek Municipality Ferry Operations
- Çemişgezek – Elazığ line — operated by Çemişgezek Municipality
- Baskil – Battalgazi line — operated by Malatya Metropolitan Municipality
These examples demonstrate that municipal operation is a viable model for dam lake ferries. The demand in Bozova is also based on this model: the transfer of the vessel to a local government for regular service.
What Happens Next?
The protest is expected to continue until the demand for the ferry's transfer to Bozova Municipality is met. This page will be updated if an official statement is made on the matter by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality and Bozova District Governorship.
If a ferry line is actually opened in Bozova, its schedules and fares will be available in our announcements section.