Şehir HatlarıThe sealing of some businesses operating at the Büyükada City Lines Pier by municipal teams, while other shops with the same legal status remain open, has sparked 'double standard' debates. Citizens who have been shopkeepers within Büyükada Pier for years state that they continue their businesses by paying 'ecrimisil' (occupancy fee) despite not having rental agreements, and that the discrimination against them is unjust.
Allegations of "Double Standards" at Businesses in Büyükada Pier
One of the busiest points of the Princes' Islands, Büyükada Pier, is a transit and meeting point for passengers on important routes such as Kabataş - Princes' Islands and Bostancı - Princes' Islands. Recent developments concerning businesses operating within the pier are of close interest to both shopkeepers and island residents. According to information obtained, due to the public institution owning the property not holding a new rental tender for many years, all businesses at the pier continue their operations by paying 'ecrimisil' (occupancy fee) to the institution, without a valid rental agreement.
Plight of Shopkeepers Paying Ecrimisil
Some shopkeepers, unable to obtain business opening and operating licenses due to the lack of a valid rental agreement, experienced a great shock recently when their shops were sealed by municipal police teams. A petition submitted to the municipality by a shopkeeper, who has been operating in the same location for over twenty years and whose shop was sealed, clearly revealed the extent of the hardship. The petition emphasized that the legal status of all workplaces within the pier is the same, that other businesses also belong to the same property owner, and that all of them pay ecrimisil. It was stated that while his own shop was sealed on the grounds of being unlicensed, other shops continuing to operate constituted "a clear injustice".
Allegations of "Favoritism" and "Nepotism" on the Agenda
The sealing of some shops while others remain open, despite all being under the same property owner, located in the same physical area, and having identical legal status (paying ecrimisil), has brought allegations of "favoritism" and "nepotism" to the public agenda. In particular, the exemption from the sealing process of a liquor store located in the passage and, allegedly, a business belonging to a first-degree relative of the arrested mayor, has drawn strong reactions from citizens and affected shopkeepers. Local citizens questioned why, if there is a legal justification for sealing, the same justification is not applied to other shops, stating that they expect a transparent explanation from the authorities.
Potential Impacts on Passengers and Pier Experience
Although this situation does not directly affect City Lines ferry services, it could have indirect consequences for the general operation of Büyükada Pier and passengers' access to services at the pier. Disruptions to commercial activities within the pier could limit passengers' ability to meet basic needs or utilize waiting times. Such administrative issues, especially during busy periods like Winter Season Ferry Services and Cancellations, could negatively impact the passenger experience.
Fair Resolution Expected
The burden of years of institutional inaction falling solely on certain shopkeepers, coupled with the allegations of "favoritism," has turned attention to the municipal authorities managing the process. The affected shopkeepers demand that the injustice be rectified, the double standard be ended, and work permits be regulated fairly. For passengers and island residents to have seamless access to services at the pier, transparent and fair resolution of such administrative issues is of great importance. For updates, it is recommended to follow announcements from City Lines and the relevant municipality.